Town Implements New Water Management Strategy to Address PFAS Contamination

In the heart of Hampstead, Maryland, community members gathered on July 31, 2025, for a town hall meeting focused on the critical Hampstead Water Project. As residents settled into their seats, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, reflecting the importance of the discussions ahead. With a population of just under 6,300, the town's water system is a lifeline for its residents, and recent challenges have prompted significant changes.

The meeting kicked off with an overview of the current water system, highlighting the impact of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—on local water sources. These chemicals, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, have raised alarms across the nation. The town's water system, which operates 21 permitted wells, has faced scrutiny since 2020 when testing revealed elevated levels of PFAS in wells 24 and 25, leading to their shutdown.

As the discussion unfolded, officials detailed the town's water usage, with an average daily pumping of 353,000 gallons, primarily for residential needs. The urgency of addressing PFAS contamination was palpable, as officials explained the steps taken since the initial discovery. The town has engaged with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and engineering firms to develop a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issue.

The timeline of events revealed a proactive approach: after the alarming findings in late 2020, the town quickly turned off the affected wells and sought expert guidance. By June 2022, new regulations set a maximum contaminant level for PFAS at just four parts per trillion, prompting further testing and adjustments to the water supply strategy. The town's efforts have not gone unnoticed; it ranked third in the state for project funding, securing vital resources to enhance water safety.

As the meeting progressed, officials outlined plans to bring additional wells online and improve treatment processes. The community's commitment to ensuring safe drinking water was evident, with residents eager to learn about the future of their water supply. The project, which is now in the design phase, promises to address the contamination issues while enhancing the overall infrastructure.

In closing, the town hall meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in addressing environmental challenges. As Hampstead moves forward with the water project, residents can take comfort in knowing that their voices are heard and that their health and safety remain a top priority. The journey to cleaner water is ongoing, but with collective effort and determination, Hampstead is poised to emerge stronger and more resilient.