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Haystack Estates

Westford, MA · serves 60 · GroundwaterMA3330019
Action recommended
PFAS detected above the federal limit. Utilities have until 2029 to install treatment; until then, a certified filter handles it at the tap.
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Measured in your 2025 water report
From your utility's Consumer Confidence Report · 16 contaminants tested
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Contaminants detected above federal limits
Your utility's own 2025 water report disclosed the following levels. Utilities have until 2029 to comply with new federal limits.
ContaminantDetected LevelFederal LimitHow Far Over
PFOA4.96 ng/L4 ng/L~1.2× the limit
Above limit
Approaching limit
Within limits
Regulated contaminants — legally enforceable limits
Gross Alpha▸
6.2 pCi/L
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 2 to 6.2 pCi/L across 4 samples (Jan to Nov 2025).
What is it?
A screening test that measures total alpha radiation from all radioactive elements in water — including radium, uranium, and radon.
Why it matters
The MCL of 15 pCi/L protects against long-term cancer risk from radiation exposure.
What to do
No action needed at typical detection levels. If near the MCL, reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters can reduce radioactive contaminants.
Nitrate (as N)▸
1.08 mg/L
MCLlegally enforceable
What is it?
Comes from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. One of the most common groundwater contaminants in agricultural areas.
Why it matters
Nitrate above 10 mg/L can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia) in infants under 6 months — it interferes with blood's ability to carry oxygen. Adults can tolerate higher levels.
What to do
If you have an infant on formula and your water is above 5 mg/L, consider using bottled water for formula preparation. Boiling water does NOT remove nitrate — it concentrates it.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found neural tube defects, preterm birth, and low birth weight at concentrations as low as 5 mg/L — 2x below the US federal limit.
Perchlorate▸
0.14 µg/L
CA notificationCalifornia advisory
No additional information available for this contaminant.
Uranium▸
7 µg/L
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 1.2 to 7 µg/L across 4 samples (Jan to Nov 2025).
What is it?
A naturally occurring radioactive metal found in some groundwater, especially in granite and volcanic rock formations. Common in the western US.
Why it matters
The MCL of 20 pCi/L (or 0.030 mg/L) protects against kidney toxicity and cancer risk. Uranium is both a chemical toxin and a radiological hazard.
What to do
Reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters can reduce uranium. If your system uses groundwater in a uranium-bearing geology, a point-of-use filter is good protection.
Disinfection byproducts
DBAA▸
0.84 µg/L
What is it?
A brominated haloacetic acid formed in chlorinated water with elevated bromide. One of five HAAs regulated together as HAA5.
Why it matters
EPA has not established an individual MCLG for DBAA — there isn't enough data yet to identify a no-effect level. Regulated as part of HAA5 (60 µg/L), since the group is associated with cancer and developmental concerns.
What to do
Reduced by point-of-use carbon-block filtration (NSF/ANSI 53). Source-water treatment is the more effective control.
DCAA▸
0.38 µg/L
What is it?
A haloacetic acid formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter during disinfection. One of five HAAs regulated together as HAA5 (limit: 60 µg/L).
Why it matters
EPA classifies DCAA as a likely human carcinogen and sets the MCLG at zero. Animal studies show liver, neurological, and reproductive effects, and developmental concerns have been raised at high prenatal exposures. The HAA5 group limit reflects feasibility, not the MCLG.
What to do
DCAA forms in your utility's treatment process. Point-of-use carbon-block filters certified for VOC reduction (NSF/ANSI 53) can reduce HAAs. Running cold tap water briefly before drinking helps clear water that has sat in pipes where DBPs continue to form.
DBCM▸
1.1 µg/L
MCLGhealth goal, unenforced
Sample history
Range: 0.9 to 1.1 µg/L across 2 samples (May to Aug 2025).
What is it?
A brominated trihalomethane formed when chlorine reacts with bromide-containing organic matter. More common in source waters with higher bromide levels — often coastal or groundwater systems.
Why it matters
EPA sets the MCLG at 0.06 mg/L based on liver and kidney effects. Some evidence suggests DBCM may be carcinogenic, though the data is less clear than for BDCM and bromoform. Regulated together with the other three trihalomethanes under TTHM.
What to do
Like other THMs, DBCM forms in the distribution system as chlorine reacts over time. A point-of-use carbon-block filter (NSF/ANSI 53) reduces it along with related compounds.
BDCM▸
0.6 µg/L
Sample history
Range: 0.4 to 0.6 µg/L across 2 samples (May to Aug 2025).
What is it?
A brominated trihalomethane formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter and bromide in source water. One of four trihalomethanes regulated together under TTHM.
Why it matters
EPA classifies BDCM as a probable human carcinogen and sets the MCLG at zero, meaning the agency identifies no safe lifetime exposure level. Studies link it to bladder and colon cancer, and to reproductive and developmental effects at high exposures. The enforceable limit (80 µg/L for total TTHM) reflects what's feasible to achieve, not what's safest.
What to do
BDCM is formed in your utility's system, so reducing it generally means reducing total disinfection byproducts there. At point-of-use, a carbon-block filter certified for VOCs or trihalomethanes (NSF/ANSI 53) reduces BDCM along with other THMs.
Bromoform▸
0.9 µg/L
Sample history
Range: 0.7 to 0.9 µg/L across 2 samples (May to Aug 2025).
What is it?
A fully brominated trihalomethane, formed when chlorine reacts with high-bromide source water. More common in coastal and arid-region systems where source water naturally contains bromide.
Why it matters
EPA classifies bromoform as a probable human carcinogen, with an MCLG of zero. Animal studies show liver and intestinal tumors; human evidence is more limited but consistent with the other brominated THMs. Regulated under the TTHM standard (80 µg/L for the sum of all four).
What to do
Reducing bromoform usually means working at the source — your utility may need to adjust disinfection or pretreatment. At home, an NSF/ANSI 53 carbon-block filter reduces bromoform along with the other THMs.
Chloroform▸
0.2 µg/L
MCLGhealth goal, unenforced
Sample history
Range: 0.2 to 0.2 µg/L across 2 samples (May to Aug 2025).
What is it?
A disinfection byproduct formed when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. The most common of the four trihalomethanes.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure has been associated with increased risk of bladder cancer and possibly colorectal cancer. EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen and sets an MCLG of 0.07 mg/L based on liver effects. Regulated together with three other trihalomethanes under the TTHM standard (80 µg/L).
What to do
Chloroform levels are largely a function of how your utility manages disinfection. If TTHM is approaching the limit, a carbon-block filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified for VOCs or specifically for trihalomethanes) at point-of-use reduces it. Letting cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking can also help, since chloroform forms in the distribution system.
TTHM▸
1.8 µg/L
MCLlegally enforceable
What is it?
Formed when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. Includes chloroform, bromoform, and related compounds. The trade-off: disinfection prevents waterborne disease, but creates these byproducts.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 80 µg/L (0.080 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk and possible reproductive effects. The MCL is based on a running annual average, not a single sample.
What to do
If your system is near or above the limit, an activated carbon filter (including pitcher filters like Brita) can reduce THMs. Running water for a minute before drinking also helps, as THMs are volatile and dissipate.
PFAS
PFOA▸
4.96 ng/L ×1.2
MCLlegally enforceable
What is it?
Perfluorooctanoic acid — a "forever chemical" used in non-stick coatings, stain repellents, and firefighting foam. It doesn't break down in the environment or your body.
Why it matters
The EPA set an MCL of 4 ng/L (parts per trillion) in 2024 — one of the strictest drinking water standards ever set. PFOA is linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune system effects, and reproductive harm.
What to do
A reverse osmosis filter (NSF/ANSI 58) or activated carbon filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified for PFOA) can reduce levels by 90%+. Pitcher filters with activated carbon provide partial reduction. Utilities have until 2029 to comply with the new MCL.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found preeclampsia, low birth weight, and immunotoxicity in infants with a dose-response relationship across the range of concentrations found in drinking water.
PFBS▸
2.67 ng/L
MCLlegally enforceable
What is it?
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid — a short-chain PFAS compound. Part of the EPA's Hazard Index approach for PFAS mixtures.
Why it matters
Regulated as part of the PFAS mixture Hazard Index, not as a standalone MCL. Short-chain PFAS are harder to remove from water but are excreted from the body faster than long-chain PFAS.
What to do
Reverse osmosis is the most effective removal method for short-chain PFAS.
PFHpA▸
1.5 ng/L
No additional information available for this contaminant.
PFHxA▸
2.92 ng/L
No additional information available for this contaminant.
Total PFAS▸
4.96 ng/L
No additional information available for this contaminant.
% of limit

CCR data in early access — values are extracted from utility PDFs and may contain errors. Verify with your utility's 2025 CCR report.

Source: HAYSTACK ESTATES Consumer Confidence Report 2025 · Extracted by WaterScore
2 wells
Water Sources

Westford pumps water from two groundwater wells drawing from local groundwater.

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