When Nuclear Legacy Meets Your Home: How Pilgrim Station’s Decades of Operation Continue to Impact Kingston Area Plumbing and Groundwater

For nearly five decades, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station operated along Cape Cod Bay, using massive volumes of seawater for cooling before discharging heated water back into the ocean. While the plant shut down in 2019, its environmental legacy continues to affect local communities, particularly in terms of groundwater contamination and the plumbing challenges that homeowners in Kingston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas now face.

The Pilgrim Station Legacy: Understanding the Impact

The facility uses a “once-through” cooling system designed to withdraw, via a cooling water intake structure (CWIS), up to 467 million gallons of seawater per day from Cape Cod Bay to condense steam used in the production of electricity. Over its operational lifetime, this massive water usage created environmental changes that continue to affect local water systems today.

According to the NRC, of the “65 locations in the United States where commercial nuclear power plants are or have been recently operating … 46 of these sites have had leaks or spills that involved tritium.” Pilgrim was no exception. Entergy’s reports often show elevated levels of tritium in some of its monitoring wells. The levels have exceeded federal drinking water standards at least twice, Entergy’s Pat O’Brien confirms.

Groundwater Contamination: The Hidden Challenge

The most significant concern for local homeowners stems from groundwater contamination. Since 2007, Entergy has been monitoring groundwater at Pilgrim for tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen. Tritium is colorless and odorless. It can bond with oxygen to create “tritiated,” or radioactive, water. Tritium occurs naturally, but is also a byproduct of nuclear power production.

While the nearest municipal well is more than two miles away and “unlikely to be impacted,” according to state health officials, private wells and local groundwater systems may face different challenges. Kingston Water System is currently obtaining its supply from a groundwater source, seven gravel-packed wells pumping from the Plymouth Carver Sole Source Aquifer.

Current Water Quality Concerns in Kingston

Recent testing has revealed various contaminants in local water supplies. To date, 87% of the 259 communities have detectable levels of up to 13 different PFAS chemicals in their water sources. These “forever chemicals” can persist in the environment and potentially impact home plumbing systems over time.

Chromium (hexavalent) is a carcinogen that commonly contaminates American drinking water. Chromium (hexavalent) in drinking water may be due to industrial pollution or natural occurrences in mineral deposits and groundwater sources, adding another layer of complexity to local water quality issues.

Plumbing Challenges for Local Homeowners

The combination of groundwater contamination and changing water chemistry can create significant challenges for home plumbing systems. In situations where there are leaks in the sewer lateral or plumbing beneath the foundation, groundwater can inundate the sanitary lateral and restrict the flow of sanitary wastewater. If either the groundwater level or sewer level around your home is above the basement floor, gravity will try to move that water into your basement.

Homeowners may experience:

• Increased corrosion in pipes due to changing water chemistry
• Basement flooding issues related to groundwater infiltration
• Water quality concerns affecting taste, odor, and safety
• Potential contamination of private wells

The Ongoing Decommissioning Dilemma

The situation remains complex as decommissioning continues. Approximately 900,000 gallons of the water used to cool those fuel rods remain in the reactor building. The water is contaminated with radioactive elements, metals and PFAS, chemicals that last so long in the environment they’re often called “forever chemicals.”

Water continues to evaporate from Pilgrim. The plant held 1.1 million gallons in early 2023. That number has fallen to about 835,000 gallons. Although the water is treated, not all contamination can be removed, including some radioactive material. This ongoing evaporation process raises concerns about airborne contaminants that could eventually settle into local water sources.

Professional Plumbing Solutions for Affected Areas

Given these environmental challenges, homeowners in Kingston and surrounding areas need experienced professionals who understand local water quality issues. When dealing with potential groundwater contamination and its effects on home plumbing systems, it’s crucial to work with knowledgeable local experts.

For residents experiencing plumbing issues that may be related to groundwater problems, consulting with a qualified Plumber in Kingston, MA can help identify and address contamination-related plumbing challenges before they become major problems.

Protecting Your Home and Family

Homeowners should consider several protective measures:

• Regular water testing for both municipal and private well users
• Installation of appropriate filtration systems
• Monitoring for signs of groundwater infiltration
• Professional plumbing inspections to identify potential contamination pathways
• Basement waterproofing and sump pump maintenance

For over 30 years, families across Massachusetts have trusted us to keep their homes running efficiently and comfortably. At Dempsey Energy, we understand that your home’s comfort depends on reliable North Attleboro HVAC, plumbing, electrical and energy systems. Their local expertise and 24/7 emergency services make them well-equipped to handle the unique challenges facing homeowners in areas affected by industrial legacy contamination.

Looking Forward

While the full extent of Pilgrim Station’s environmental impact continues to unfold, proactive homeowners can protect their properties by staying informed about local water quality issues and working with experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges facing coastal Massachusetts communities. Regular monitoring, professional maintenance, and appropriate filtration systems can help ensure that your home’s plumbing systems remain safe and functional despite the ongoing environmental challenges in the region.

As decommissioning continues and more information becomes available about long-term environmental impacts, staying connected with local water quality reports and working with knowledgeable plumbing professionals will remain essential for protecting your home and family’s health.