Board of Health

PFAS information

Filtration systems for removing PFAS from drinking water

The Department of Environmental Protection recommends the use of a whole-house carbon filtration system where PFAS is present in drinking water.  To the knowledge of the Board of Health, there are two companies that provide carbon filtering in western Massachusetts (there may be others). There is a fairly wide range of services and prices. The Board of Health is  not in a position to recommend either for or against these or any other provider of filtration services.

Laboratories approved for testing PFAS: pfas-testing-labs-web.pdf

State water testing program for PFAS in drinking water: FAQs

Basic information on PFAS and health effects from the Environmental Protection Agency

DEP Fact Sheet on PFAS

List of suppliers of bottled water that is tested for PFAS

Announcements

Final report of Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District, 2020 season

Department of Public Health press releases and other information related to Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a deadly mosquito-borne disease.  How to protect yourself against EEE and West Nile Virus.

For information on the coronavirus, go to the pandemic info page

For useful information on wells, septic systems, and building permit applications, scroll down

Information on the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District warrant article, passed at Annual Town Meeting, 6/27/20

Tick alert

Ticks, which carry a number of diseases, are out in force this year.  Take precautions when you are outside: use permethrin on your clothes and shoes (not on your skin).  One resident swears by high slick rubber boots.  For more information, click here.

Information on the well water at Town Hall, April 2017

Click here for flyer describing the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program

Useful information

Are you a septic system installer or pumper? Click here for information

Download application form, certification form, and worker's compensation insurance affidavit

 

Building permit applications

What you need to get Board of Health approval.

Septic systems

How they work, how to get one, how to take care of it

Drinking water wells

Information about drinking water wells, the text of Shutesbury's well regulation, and a well permit application

Outdoor woodburning boilers

Full text of a regulation governing these heating devices, which was adopted in 2010.  

Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme

Advice on avoiding tick-borne diseases.