Harwich homeowners with private wells will soon face mandatory testing for "forever chemicals" following a sweeping update to town health regulations. In a session marked by significant shifts in environmental and housing policy, the Board of Health on Thursday authorized new testing requirements for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) every ten years and upon the sale of a property. The decision aligns with a broader effort to modernize town water standards as Harwich navigates expanding infrastructure and a persistent housing crisis.

Water Superintendent Jason Traper opened the discussion by detailing the current state of the town’s municipal supply, noting that Harwich currently shows "non-detects" for the six regulated PFAS compounds. Traper explained that these synthetic chemicals, used for decades in everything from non-stick pans to firefighting foam, are notoriously difficult to manage. Once it's in your body, you can't get it out, Traper told the board. You can't boil it out of water; it must be filtered out using activated carbon. When asked by Chair Sharon about the scope of current monitoring, Traper confirmed, We test at all of our wells and treatment facilities... Right now, we have non-detects.

While the municipal supply remains clear, the board focused on the vulnerability of private wells. Health Director Carrie Schirner proposed adopting language similar to Nantucket’s regulations to ensure private well owners are regularly informed of their water quality. We can require testing every 10 years and more frequently if there is an elevation, Schirner suggested. Vice Chair Kevin Dupont emphasized the need for vigilance if a positive result occurs, asking, What is the origin of PFAS? and later suggesting that if a well tests positive and is filtered, it should be tested sooner, like every year, until it's clear. Member Ron D'Agello inquired about the health risks, asking, What type of cancers is PFAS basically causing? Traper noted that while the chemicals are known to move throughout the body, specific long-term data is still emerging.

The board ultimately formalized the requirement to ensure long-term safety for residents not connected to town water. Motion Made by R. D'Agello to revise and return the health regulations for private wells to include testing every 10 years, and in addition, if a well has tested positive, to require testing either one year afterwards or per EPA recommended guidelines if those are more strict. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

In a move that addresses the town's ongoing "missing middle" housing pressures, the board also voted to increase allowable bedroom density for properties utilizing advanced treatment. Historically, Harwich has limited properties in sensitive "Zone 2" areas to four bedrooms per acre. Schirner advocated for a shift to allow up to six bedrooms per acre for properties that either connect to the municipal sewer or install Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic technology. It adds treatment where there was none, Schirner explained. It also helps with the housing crisis by allowing ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) that are currently capped.

Mr. Dupont questioned if the net environmental impact would remain positive if density increased, asking, Are we sure connecting is a net positive if we increase the bedrooms? Schirner countered that the benefit of nitrogen reduction from the sewer and I/A systems outweighs the increase in bedrooms, particularly as most homes would likely not reach the six-bedroom maximum. Motion Made by R. D'Agello to grant the use of I/A technology following the approval letter set by DEP on the various technologies and allow sewer properties to follow the 660 GPD per acre rule in contrast to the historical policies. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The transition to municipal sewer remains a point of friction for some residents. With the Phase 2 connection deadline of March 1, 2025, having already passed, Schirner reported that only about 50 percent of the roughly 400 impacted properties have connected. The board approved a formal order letter giving "stragglers" 90 days to comply, though they granted the Health Department staff the ability to offer extensions for those showing "due process" in hiring installers. I would love to give the Health Department staff the flexibility to handle extensions if the owner shows they've at least contacted someone and have a date set, the Chair noted. Motion Made by R. D'Agello to accept the letter as drafted as the order for connection to the sewer regulations, also giving the Health Department the ability to handle each case for extension on an individual basis should they see that a homeowner or business owner has at least done due process to make connection. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The meeting also signaled a more "dog-friendly" future for Harwich’s dining scene. After reviewing proposed guidelines for non-service animals on outdoor patios, the board approved a variance process that allows restaurant owners to opt-in to pet-friendly dining. The rules require dogs to be leashed, housebroken, and kept off furniture, with a designated relief area provided by the establishment. Cindy Williams, Executive Director of the Harwich Chamber of Commerce, voiced support for the change, stating, We want to be a dog-friendly town. Mr. Dupont expressed some hesitation, noting, I think this opens Pandora's box. You're leaving it to the business owner to decide whose dog is misbehaving. Despite his skepticism, the board agreed that the privilege could be revoked if complaints are filed. Motion Made by K. Dupont to accept the proposed guidelines for dog-friendly outdoor dining areas subject to variance approval by the Harwich Board of Health. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

A specific variance was also granted for the "Grateful Mug," a coffee station operating within the Harwich Chamber of Commerce at Schoolhouse Road. Founder Shaina Grogan and Cindy Williams explained that the station, which serves as a vocational training site, utilizes a simple push-button system and pre-packaged goods. The board approved relief from certain plumbing and warewashing codes, noting the site's unique mission. Motion Made by R. D'Agello to accept the variance application for relief from Massachusetts food code for Schoolhouse Road. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The department also welcomed new personnel to its ranks. Terry Garino, a Registered Sanitarian with over a decade of experience, was introduced as the new Senior Health Agent. Additionally, UMass Amherst intern Marsha Craig will be assisting the department with a new local resource guide. Before concluding, the board recognized member-elect Janet Siski, who observed the meeting prior to being sworn in. Janet has not been sworn in yet, so she is here for observation only, the Chair noted, while Siski added, I'm glad to be here.