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Residents urge clearer PFAS messaging as council tasks health committee to meet water district
Summary
Residents and the council pressed the Hollowell Water District and state representatives for clearer PFAS information after testing showed levels above newer federal guidance; the council directed its Health and Welfare committee to meet with the district and return recommendations, passing the motion 6–1.
Mayor George Leboin opened a public discussion of PFAS testing after reporting a written update from Hollowell Water District staff saying the district is finalizing plant design and expects to send that design to bid in mid‑2026 and to be fully operational in 2028.
Resident and attorney Kristen Aiello told the council the town’s drinking water “is not safe to drink,” urged the council to treat PFAS as “the single most important public‑health issue facing Hallowell today,” and criticized notices that emphasize an older, higher threshold. “By saying that our level is just 20.1 parts per trillion and suggesting that that’s the standard in play is misleading to the public,” she said, and added that newer federal guidance and science support lower thresholds.
State Representative Chaguri, invited by the mayor, said state resources are available mainly for businesses and agricultural operations and that private‑household assistance is limited at present. Councilors and the representative discussed numeric thresholds, noting the district has recorded values above earlier benchmarks and that rule timelines and compliance requirements unfold over multiple years.
Councilor Knox moved that the Health and Welfare committee meet with the Hollowell Water District board to review what the district communicates, how often, and who receives information, and—by amendment—to return to the council with suggested actions the city could take independently of the district. The council adopted the motion, 6–1.
The motion does not change the district’s regulatory obligations or the federal and state timelines for treatment; rather, it directs local elected officials to press for clearer, more accessible public messaging and to produce recommendations for council consideration. Councilors said the committee should consult state drinking‑water and PUC staff when preparing suggestions.
The committee is expected to report back to council with communication proposals and any recommended next steps for safeguarding residents who rely on private wells or have difficulty accessing distribution spigots.
