The Township has received information that two wells located within the 200 block of Williams Avenue have recently been tested with high levels of Nitrate and PFAS, which are contaminates that can pose health risks. Please note that after sending out the letters for the above properties to anyone within a 1000 ft of the properties, there has been other locations in the Township that have tested for levels above the acceptable levels for PFAS and other containments. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) recommends testing your well water every year.
Information regarding safe drinking water can be found in Pennsylvania Bulletin Title 25 Chapter 109 (Safe Drinking Water).
Please note that the Township does not have testing kits- you will have to contact one of the Accredited Drinking Labs that are listed on the Bucks County Health Department Website (please see the link below). Please note that the $25 test from BCHD does not test for nitrates and PFAS. Please check with each lab on what tests you are requesting- only three labs Analytical, Criterion and Surburban test for PFAS.
In addition, it is important with the private wells and septic systems in Wrightstown to follow these tips that can limit any containment to your wells:
- Make sure to maintain your septic systems. The Township requires septic pumping every 3 years and a septic receipt from the hauler needs to be sent to the Township for proof of pumping.
- Keep hazardous chemicals out of septic systems and away from your well. If there is a spill of any kind happens on your property, please make sure the hazardous material is cleaned up properly.
- Be careful with any materials near your well that could cause contamination like fuel tanks, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that are used on your lawn, and swimming pool chemicals.
- Also, please make sure you dispose of any hazardous materials properly. Bucks County hosts several events throughout the year (the next one is October 25th). https://www.buckscounty.gov/444/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Recycling
- Please do not dispose of any medications down the drain or in the trash. These can be dropped off at Newtown Police Department or at many pharmacy locations. The Drug Take Back will take place on October 25th- https://www.bcdac.org/prevention/national_prescription_drug_take_back_day/
Resource List for more information:
PA Public Water System PFAS Tool Kit
Information about PFAS from DEP- please click here.
General PFAS Information:
PADEP Website on PFAS explaining some of the background and regulatory actions that have been taken
