Drinking Water at Francis Farm

The water at Francis Farm is still not suitable for drinking, more than two years after the Council on Aging was relocated to the property.

“The COA is currently using bulk water, which is brought in every 2 weeks, and also tested,” said Amy Brown, Office Administrator for the Rehoboth Board of Health.

Analytical Balance conducted testing of the two wells at Francis Farm in October 2022. The wells were studied for the presence of perfluorinated alkyl acids. According to earthjustice.org: Toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS are linked to several harmful health impacts and have contaminated drinking water sources across the country. PFAS are in everyday products like waterproof jackets, food packaging, and nonstick pans.

“There is a water filtration system being installed and waiting for state approval to be used instead of the bulk water,” Brown added. “At this time the well is not being used, but the current bulk water is safe for consumption.”

The Board of Selectmen ordered the filtration system in August 2022.

A state testing process and certification is required for all facilities which supply public drinking water.

Selectmen Chairman Skip Vadnais said it was a “huge water system” designed to accommodate the Francis Farm business, which could host events for as many as 1800 people.

Vadnais said the filtration system needs to be updated.

“Because this is such a large system, the filtering systems we need to address, you can’t get the parts right off the shelf,” Vadnais explained at the time.”They got to be special ordered and the system had to be designed by an engineer.”

The water at the COA is being used for hand-washing and the toilets. Francis Farms’ previous owner did not maintain the certification, which caused headaches for the Board of Selectmen.