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DPH warns against drinking bottled water from Mass. company due to PFAS contamination

“Consumers are urged not to consume any Simpson Spring products until further notice.”

March 20, 2024

1 minute to read

State public health officials are warning residents not to buy or drink bottled water distributed by the Easton-based Simpson Spring Company due to PFAS contamination.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are long-lasting, manufactured chemicals, exposure to some of which may have some health impacts.

The level of PFAS contamination found in water bottled and distributed by Simpson Spring Company exceeds drinking water standards, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.

“Consumers are urged not to consume any Simpson Spring products until further notice,” the state said.

The warning applies to bottled water as well as the self-serve water vending machines operated and distributed by the company. The state is urging consumers to pour water already purchased from the company down the drain and recycle any plastic receptacles.

“Do not buy or consume new products from Simpson Spring until further notice,” the state said.

According to DPH, water samples were collected from the company’s Easton facility on Feb. 21 and again on March 11. The samples exceeded the state’s drinking water standard for PFAS, and Simpson Spring told the state on March 1 that it would voluntarily stop bottling operations and disconnect its vending machines until the issue is resolved.

The state said it will continue to monitor the situation and work with the company to correct the violations.