CLEAN WATER IN FOCUS: Rockland and Abington Push Forward with $27M PFAS Treatment Upgrades

ROCKLAND, MA — The Abington & Rockland Joint Water Works (ARJWW) has entered a critical construction phase this month, marking a major milestone in the $27 million multi-year project to eliminate “forever chemicals” from the local water supply.

As of April 2026, residents will see significant activity at both the Hingham Street and Myers Avenue treatment facilities as permanent filtration systems replace the temporary measures that have been in place since 2024.

Building a Permanent Defense

The project is designed to bring the regional water system into total compliance with the MassDEP’s strict PFAS6 limit of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L).

• Hingham Street Facility (Rockland): Crews are currently finalizing the structural shell of a new filter building. Once complete, this facility will house advanced Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) vessels, providing a permanent and more efficient alternative to the interim carbon slurry treatments currently in use.
• Myers Avenue Facility (Abington): Improvements here include the integration of high-capacity backwash pumps and the full reactivation of Well No. 4. These upgrades are essential for maintaining water pressure while ensuring every gallon passing through the plant meets safety standards.

Funding and Accountability

The massive infrastructure undertaking is funded by a combined $27.4 million appropriation approved by voters in both Rockland and Abington. Town officials have also secured nearly $1 million in ARPA grants to mitigate the impact on local water rates.

“This is about the long-term health and infrastructure of our community,” a spokesperson for the ARJWW stated. “Moving from temporary fixes to these permanent, state-of-the-art facilities ensures we are meeting—and exceeding—state safety goals for years to come.”

What Residents Need to Know

• Water Quality: While construction continues, “finished” water entering the distribution system is regularly tested to ensure it remains below the 20 ng/L threshold.
• Temporary Discoloration: Residents may notice brief periods of “brown water” throughout April as the reactivation of new wells changes flow patterns in the older iron mains. If this occurs, it is recommended to run cold water from an outside spigot or bathtub until it clears.
• Free Filtered Water: The self-service PFAS-free water filling station remains open to the public at the ARJWW office at 366 Centre Avenue for those in sensitive subgroups.

Reporting by Plimoth Today Staff Updated: April 6, 2026