During a recent government meeting, officials provided important updates regarding the Bedford PFAS rebate program and the current drought conditions affecting New Hampshire.

The Bedford PFAS rebate program is available for residents living outside the consent decree area, allowing them to have their wells tested for PFAS contamination. If the test results exceed state standards, residents can receive rebates of up to $6,500 for installing point-of-entry treatment systems or connecting to public water. This program is available for tests conducted and systems installed between September 30, 2019, and September 2026. Residents are encouraged to contact the town manager's office or the Public Works Administration for assistance.

In contrast, the state’s rebate program, which previously offered similar rebates of up to $5,000, is currently on hold with no timeline for reopening. Residents within the Saint Gobain consent decree area can still receive rebates, but they must have completed their work by May 10, 2023. Those who missed this deadline will not be eligible for reimbursement from the responsible party, Saint Gobain, although they can still have systems installed at no upfront cost.

Additionally, officials addressed the ongoing drought conditions in New Hampshire, noting that approximately 27% of the state is classified as \"abnormally dry.\" This includes most of Hillsborough and Rockingham counties, as well as parts of the Seacoast and upper valley regions. Residents are urged to limit outdoor water usage, such as watering gardens overnight and suspending activities like power washing and car washing, to mitigate the effects of the drought. The drought classification is expected to be reassessed soon, but officials cautioned that recent rainfall may not be sufficient to alter the current status.

The meeting highlighted the importance of community awareness regarding both water quality and conservation efforts as Bedford navigates these pressing issues.