Integrated Assessment of Shallow-Aquifer Vulnerability to Multiple Contaminants and Drinking-Water Exposure Pathways in Holliston, Massachusetts

Authors

Birgit Claus Henn, School of Public Health
Yelena Ogneva-Himmelberger, Clark University
Allegra Denehy, Holliston Community Members
Marcie Randall, Holliston Community Members
Nichole Cordon, Holliston Community Members
Bilin Basu, Clark University
Brian Caccavale, Clark University
Stefanie Covino, Clark University
Ravi Hanumantha, Clark University
Kevin Longo, Clark University
Ariel Maiorano, Clark University
Spring Pillsbury, Clark University
Gabrielle Rigutto, Clark University
Kelsey Shields, Clark University
Marianne Sarkis, Clark University
Timothy Downs, Clark University

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Half of U.S. drinking water comes from aquifers, and very shallow ones (table) are especially vulnerable to anthropogenic contamination. We present the case of Holliston, a Boston, Massachusetts suburb that draws its drinking water from very shallow aquifers, and where metals and solvents have been reported in groundwater. Community concerns focus on water discolored by naturally occurring manganese (Mn), despite reports stating regulatory aesthetic compliance. Epidemiologic studies suggest Mn is a potentially toxic element (PTE) for children exposed by the drinking-water pathway at levels near the regulatory aesthetic level. We designed an integrated, community-based project: five sites were profiled for contaminant releases; service areas for wells were modeled; and the capture zone for one vulnerable well was estimated. Manganese, mercury, and trichloroethylene are among 20 contaminants of interest. Findings show that past and/or current exposures to multiple contaminants in drinking water are plausible, satisfying the criteria for complete exposure pathways. This case questions the adequacy of aquifer protection and monitoring regulations, and highlights the need for integrated assessment of multiple contaminants, associated exposures and health risks. It posits that community-researcher partnerships are essential for understanding and solving complex problems.

Publication Title

Water (Switzerland)

Publication Date

12-29-2017

Volume

10

Issue

1

ISSN

2073-4441

DOI

10.3390/w10010023

Keywords

community based participatory research (CBPR), drinking water, exposure pathways, Manganese (Mn), shallow aquifers

Repository Citation

Henn, Birgit Claus; Ogneva-Himmelberger, Yelena; Denehy, Allegra; Randall, Marcie; Cordon, Nichole; Basu, Bilin; Caccavale, Brian; Covino, Stefanie; Hanumantha, Ravi; Longo, Kevin; Maiorano, Ariel; Pillsbury, Spring; Rigutto, Gabrielle; Shields, Kelsey; Sarkis, Marianne; and Downs, Timothy, "Integrated Assessment of Shallow-Aquifer Vulnerability to Multiple Contaminants and Drinking-Water Exposure Pathways in Holliston, Massachusetts" (2017). Sustainability and Social Justice. 117.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_idce/117