North Smithfield schools to run PFAS testing pilot this summer after mixing wells lowered levels below 20 ppt; booster pump replacement approved for elementary

The superintendent reported at the May 20, 2025 North Smithfield School Committee meeting that the district has funding approved for a summer pilot to collect data on emerging contaminants, including PFAS, and that a booster pump at North Smithfield Elementary School (NSES) will be replaced.

According to the superintendent, the district has been mixing two wells to reduce contaminant concentrations and that the mixing has brought measured levels below 20 parts per trillion (ppt), a reference point discussed during the meeting. The superintendent said the district has been awarded funding under an "emerging contaminant grant" to run a pilot program over the summer that will include additional sampling and testing; results will inform longer‑term filtration or connection to a town water system.

The superintendent described replacing an aging booster pump at NSES as near‑term work the committee agreed to include in the consent agenda. He said an ideal long‑term solution would involve a town water system upgrade and connecting the schools to that system rather than maintaining separate filtration systems, but that larger work is dependent on uncertain funding and escalating costs.

"We're funded for it at this point. It should take place over the summer," the superintendent said of the pilot testing. He added the summer program would involve sample collection and data analysis that will feed into planning for permanent filtration or system changes.

Committee members thanked staff for the work on water issues. No votes were required on the pilot funding itself at the meeting beyond the previously agreed consent agenda item to replace the booster pump; the committee was updated on next steps and the timeline for data collection and reporting.