East Lyme Residents Face Water Bill Hikes for PFAS Upgrades

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East Lyme residents are facing water bill hikes from 5% to 20% starting June 1st, all to fund $17 million in.

Upgrades to the town's water system.

These changes stem from new federal rules by the Environmental Protection Agency,

which set strict limits on six types of PFAS chemicals in drinking.

Water back in 2024, with full compliance due by 2029.

PFA, though so-called forever chemicals and stuff like food wrappers, electronics, and firefighting foam, stick around in the environment for decades,

and link to health issues like fertility problems, kid development delays, and higher cancer risks.

Local businesses and condo owners push back hard at a recent meeting, with laundromat folks expecting $3,000 to $4,000 more.

Year, forcing them to hike prices or skip efficiency upgrades, while one condo complex braces for an extra $24,600.

Despite strict water saving rules already in place, officials say the upgrades include two new treatment plants and six 30-foot filters,

and they've got no choice but to spread the costs across all.

Users to hit those water quality standards on time.