Cambridge to Temporarily Switch to MWRA Water for Remainder of 2022
On August 26, the City of Cambridge, which supplies water to the MIT Cambridge campus, announced that it will be temporarily sourcing its water from the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) for the remainder of 2022. Like many public water suppliers, the City has been aware of the emergence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as contaminants of concern in the public water supply in recent years. During routine testing of the water supply, the City noticed an uptick in PFAS levels. Although they remain in compliance with MassDEP regulations, out of an abundance of caution, the City proactively switched to MWRA water on Tuesday, August 30, while they await the installation of new filter media that will reduce PFAS levels in the future. The City reports that Cambridge water is and has been safe to consume. It is possible that during the transition to the MWRA, you could experience discolored water. If you do, please call the Cambridge Water Department at 617-349-4770 for assistance.
- Learn more about the City’s plan in this August 29 email from the City and this City of Cambridge news post
- MassDEP Fact Sheet: PFAS in Drinking Water: Questions and Answers for Consumers
- Questions? Contact the MIT Environment, Health & Safety Office at environment@mit.edu
Cambridge to Temporarily Switch to MWRA Water for Remainder of 2022
On August 26, the City of Cambridge, which supplies water to the MIT Cambridge campus, announced that it will be temporarily sourcing its water from the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) for the remainder of 2022. Like many public water suppliers, the City has been aware of the emergence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as contaminants of concern in the public water supply in recent years. During routine testing of the water supply, the City noticed an uptick in PFAS levels. Although they remain in compliance with MassDEP regulations, out of an abundance of caution, the City proactively switched to MWRA water on Tuesday, August 30, while they await the installation of new filter media that will reduce PFAS levels in the future. The City reports that Cambridge water is and has been safe to consume. It is possible that during the transition to the MWRA, you could experience discolored water. If you do, please call the Cambridge Water Department at 617-349-4770 for assistance.
- Learn more about the City’s plan in this August 29 email from the City and this City of Cambridge news post
- MassDEP Fact Sheet: PFAS in Drinking Water: Questions and Answers for Consumers
- Questions? Contact the MIT Environment, Health & Safety Office at environment@mit.edu