The Millville Board of Selectmen received an important Millville Elementary School water update on September 2, 2025. Town Administrator Peter Caruso shared encouraging progress—installations are complete, and only DEP approval stands between MES and safe, operational water.
A brand-new water treatment system, designed to address PFAS contamination, is now fully installed at MES. One final adjustment remains related to water routing, but otherwise the system is ready.
Before the taps can be switched on, however, the system must meet 17 requirements set by MassDEP. The operator is working closely with DEP to ensure compliance. The final step will be an on-site inspection and written approval by MassDEP.
Bulk Water Keeps the School Running
Until MassDEP approval comes through, Millville continues supplying bulk potable water from a MassDEP-approved source. This water, tested free of bacteria, is used for flushing toilets, washing hands, and kitchen needs. Bottled water also continues to be provided for drinking and kitchen use, as part of the Town of Millville’s budgeted operations.
Over the summer, the school’s water tank was emptied, cleaned, and refilled with this bulk supply. An additional acid wash of the well structure is planned, which should improve water quality even further once the well is brought back online.
Strict Monitoring Once the System Goes Live
When the system officially starts, MassDEP will oversee a pilot study at MES. This means regular sampling and testing at multiple locations throughout the school—checking for PFAS and other water quality standards. Monitoring will remain strict and ongoing to ensure safety.
Looking Back: From Bottled Water to a Real Solution
The MES water update is more than a technical report—it’s a story of persistence.
- For years, disputes over ownership, operator resignations, and funding challenges left MES relying on bottled water.
- In May 2023, the school was even advised against allowing handwashing, though that warning was not required by MassDEP.
- By spring 2024, frustration peaked, and the BMR School Committee voted to close MES for the 2025–26 school year—later reversing course when real progress arrived.
- In April 2025, Millville secured a $1 million grant to fix the school’s water system, turning stop-gap measures into a permanent solution.
Now, just a few months later, the new treatment system is in place and awaiting DEP’s final approval.
What This Means for Families
For parents, students, and staff, this Millville Elementary School water update is more than a technical milestone—it’s peace of mind. After years of bottled water, frustration, and uncertainty, the work is done, the system is in place, and only final DEP approval remains before MES has safe, reliable water again. But this isn’t the moment to tune out—the Millville and Blackstone community should keep asking questions, paying attention to water test results, and staying involved as the school crosses the final stretch toward a lasting solution.
At Small Town Post, our mission is to keep neighbors informed with clear, community-focused reporting. Stories like this MES water update remind us how persistence and teamwork can solve big challenges in small towns.
Have a story or update you’d like to share? Send it our way anytime—we’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, where we post regular updates for Blackstone, Millville, and beyond.
