Shrewsbury Set To Begin PFAS Treatment Plant Construction

Shrewsbury, MA — Shrewsbury is preparing to start construction on its long-awaited PFAS Treatment Plant, a major public infrastructure investment designed to eliminate “forever chemicals” from the municipal water system. Officials confirmed that work at the facility, located at 45 Main St., will officially begin on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m., following a ceremonial groundbreaking.

The new treatment plant represents the town’s most comprehensive effort yet to address PFAS — a group of persistent chemical compounds increasingly found in drinking water across the nation. These substances, commonly used in firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, and industrial processes, do not break down naturally and can accumulate in soil and groundwater over decades.

Shrewsbury detected PFAS levels in its water system in 2019, prompting state-mandated actions and eventually leading to the development of a long-term solution. Since then, the town has conducted pilot testing, evaluated treatment technologies, and secured regulatory approvals to design a facility capable of reaching compliance well below state and federal thresholds.

The upcoming plant will deploy advanced filtration systems, including granular activated carbon and ion-exchange technology—methods widely used in high-performing water treatment operations nationwide. Town officials say the new system will significantly reduce PFAS concentrations and safeguard public health for years to come.

Construction is slated to continue through spring 2027, when the plant is expected to go fully online. Once operational, the new facility will provide residents with significantly cleaner water and reduce the town's reliance on interim measures such as blending, temporary filters, and contracted testing cycles.

The groundbreaking event will feature members of the Select Board, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar, DPW Director Timothy McInerney, and engineers from Tata & Howard, the firm responsible for the plant’s design. Community leaders say the ceremony marks an important milestone in Shrewsbury’s long-term commitment to water quality and environmental stewardship.

• The project is part of a broader trend across Massachusetts as municipalities respond to updated PFAS regulations and increased public awareness around drinking water safety.
• Federal funding programs, including those connected to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, continue to support water systems nationwide as they retrofit aging infrastructure to address chemical contaminants.
• Shrewsbury’s investment reflects a proactive approach compared to many towns still in preliminary study phases; officials noted that securing early engineering support positioned the community ahead of upcoming regulatory deadlines.
• Once complete, the PFAS Treatment Plant will become a core component of the town’s long-term water supply strategy, joining existing pumping stations and distribution upgrades planned over the next several years.

Originally reported by Jessie Castellano, Patch Staff in Patch.