The North Central Massachusetts Private Well Program is actively seeking homeowners with private
\nwells in the communities of Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Hubbardston, Princeton, and Sterling who are interested in
\nlearning more about the quality of their water, the condition of their wells, and how to remediate contamination of their
\nwells.<\/p>\n
The Private Well Program is a community partnership created by RCAP Solutions, funded by a Synergy Initiative grant
\nfrom The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts to address drinking water issues in the Northern Central
\nMassachusetts area totaling $629,000 to date. Now in its pilot year, the program is working with local Boards of Health
\nand other regional and statewide partners to promote better public health and safety for households with private wells.
\nDuring the next six months, RCAP Solutions is focusing on the six designated communities to provide complimentary
\nwell assessments and testing to identify contamination and provide public education services to residents. This includes a
\nlimited number of private well assessments, water testing, and additional resources for well owners. The goal of the pilot
\nprogram is to assess 40 private wells in each of six the selected towns, for a total of 240 assessments to be completed in
\n2021.<\/p>\n
A second phase of this effort will include public education, advocacy for local and statewide private well regulations that
\nbetter protect homeowners and communities and that are on par with regulations for public water systems, and
\nidentification of financial resources for homeowners needing well remediation. Unlike public drinking water systems,
\nprivate wells do not have experts regularly checking the water\u2019s source and its quality before it is sent to the tap.
\nHouseholds that use private wells should take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of their drinking water. Potential
\ncontaminants such as arsenic, radon, and uranium can have both short and long-term health impacts.
\nThe RCAP staff provides homeowners with a free, on-site professional review of their well head and recharge area. The
\nstaff adheres to strict social distancing practices to keep the homeowners feeling comfortable and safe during the
\ncoronavirus pandemic. The assessment concludes with a complimentary water test from a state-certified lab, which
\notherwise can be a costly and time-consuming procedure. The water quality analysis tests for the following contaminants:
\nArsenic, Chloride, Copper, Fluoride, Hardness, Iron, Lead, Manganese, pH, Sodium, Coliform Bacteria, Nitrate\/Nitrite,
\nUranium, and Radon. Interested homeowners can visit www.rcapsolutions.org\/ma-private-wells for additional information
\nand to request a well assessment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are thrilled to continue our partnership with The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts in this important public
\nhealth project,\u201d stated Karen A. Koller, President & CEO of RCAP Solutions. \u201cBecause there are no state-wide
\nregulations surrounding private well maintenance, it\u2019s critical that homeowners in North Central Massachusetts, and
\nacross the state, understand the importance of regular assessments and water testing. We are pleased to be able to fulfill
\nour mission and meet the needs of rural communities by providing this valuable technical assistance to private well
\nowners.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Jan Yost, President & CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, added, \u201cThe Foundation is pleased to
\ncontinue its support of this important project that seeks to improve private well water quality through increased
\nknowledge and enhanced local and statewide regulations to protect the public\u2019s health. The project\u2019s pilot this year is an
\nimportant step towards ensuring that private well owners have access to clean and safe drinking water free of harmful
\ncontaminants, which is essential to good health.\u201d<\/p>\n
RCAP Solutions is working closely with the Montachusett Public Health Network and the Nashoba Associated Boards of
\nHealth to assist communities with promotional efforts and to ensure positive outcomes for homeowners. In addition,
\nRCAP is collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and ongoing efforts to address
\nper- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.<\/p>\n
For more information about the North Central Massachusetts Private Well Program, or to request a private well
\nassessment, please visit: http:\/\/www.rcapsolutions.org\/ma-private-wells\/
\nAbout RCAP Solutions, Inc.<\/p>\n
RCAP Solutions is a thriving integrated community development corporation working with a multi-faceted suite of
\nservices and opportunities. Established in 1969, RCAP Solutions\u2019 mission is to foster personal and public self-reliance
\nand improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live. For more information,
\nplease visit www.rcapsolutions.org.<\/p>\n
About The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts
\nThe Foundation was established in 1999 with the proceeds from the sale of Central Massachusetts Health Care, Inc., a
\nphysician-initiated, not-for-profit HMO. As of March 2021, the Foundation has assets of around $90 million and has
\nawarded grants totaling approximately $48 million to improve the health of those who live or work in Central
\nMassachusetts. For further information about the Foundation\u2019s grant programs, please visit the Foundation\u2019s website at
\nwww.hfcm.org.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The North Central Massachusetts Private Well Program is actively seeking homeowners with private wells in the communities of Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Hubbardston, Princeton, and Sterling who are interested in learning more about the quality of their water, the condition of their wells, and how to remediate contamination of their wells. The Private Well Program is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-member-news"],"yoast_head":"\n