People living near the Merrimack River are at increased risk of developing acute gastrointestinal illnesses in the days following large sewage releases into the river, according to a new study from researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health.
During extreme rain or rapid snowmelt, the high volume of water that enters sewer systems can cause untreated sewage to flow into waterways in US cities that have combined wastewater and stormwater sewer systems, including the Merrimack River in Massachusetts.
During extreme rain or rapid snowmelt, the high volume of water that enters sewer systems can cause untreated sewage to flow into waterways in US cities that have combined wastewater and stormwater sewer systems, including the Merrimack River in Massachusetts.
The new Environmental Protection Agency regulations limit the two most common PFAS chemicals PFOA and PFOS to four parts per trillion in drinking water, close to the level of detection. The agency says the goal for these chemicals should be zero.
“You can see bacteria levels that exceed 10 times what’s considered safe for swimming,” said John Macone, a policy and education specialist at the Merrimack River Watershed Alliance.