The Boyertown and Douglass Township area is a close-knit community where many families still rely on private wells. Clean water is part of daily life here and for people who grew up in this region the quality of that water is personal.
At Dierolf Plumbing and Water Treatment we understand that better than anyone. Mark, our founder, was born and raised right here in southeastern Pennsylvania and has spent more than 30 years helping families protect their water. Our team lives in the same neighborhoods, drinks the same water, and cares about the same concerns you do. That is why the ongoing investigation at the Boyertown Landfill HSCA Site has our full attention.
The goal of this article is simple. Provide clear, reliable information about the PFAS issue near the Boyertown Landfill and explain what homeowners can do to keep their families safe.
All information below is sourced directly from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and from official Douglass Township communications. You can read the DEP summary here. and the Douglass township update here.
What is the Boyertown Landfill HSCA Site
The Boyertown Landfill spans about 30 acres and operated from the 1960s until it closed in 1987. The site was capped and monitored but was later added to Pennsylvania’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act program after concerns arose about contaminants moving off the property.
According to the DEP, the landfill contains PFAS, trichloroethene, chlorinated solvents, pesticides, metals, and 1,4 dioxane. These contaminants can migrate through groundwater which is why the state continues to test wells in the surrounding area.
This is not just a technical issue. It affects real families and local homes. Many of those families are our customers and our neighbors which is why we take the issue seriously.
Why PFAS Are the Most Significant Concern
PFAS, often called forever chemicals, do not break down easily in the environment. They have been linked to health concerns that include certain cancers, immune system effects, thyroid issues, and developmental impacts in children.
PFAS entered the groundwater through landfill leachate and have moved outward from the site over time. This is the primary reason the DEP is sampling private wells in Douglass Township and nearby areas.
Pennsylvania now has its own Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFAS and the EPA established federal limits in 2024. These standards guide how agencies respond when PFAS levels exceed health-based guidelines.
Sampling Results and What They Mean for Homeowners
The DEP has been actively testing residential wells. In locations where PFAS have exceeded state or federal limits, the agency has installed point of entry treatment systems for homeowners.
These systems use specialized filtration, often with granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis, to remove PFAS before the water reaches faucets or kitchen sinks. For many families this has provided reassurance during the investigation.
You can always review the most current testing information and response actions through the DEP site at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/about-dep/regional-office-locations/southeast-regional-office/southeast-community-information/boyertown-landfill-hsca-site.
If your home is on a private well and you have not been sampled, requesting testing is a smart step. Dierolf works with many homeowners in situations like this and we can help you understand your test results if you receive them.
DEP and EPA Actions
The DEP began investigating PFAS at the landfill in 2019 after early detections. Testing expanded significantly between 2020 and 2023. When Pennsylvania introduced new PFAS limits, the DEP increased outreach and began installing treatment systems.
Federal standards introduced in 2024 helped strengthen the response. The site has also been referred to the EPA to determine whether it should be considered for the National Priorities List.
A detailed investigation timeline is available at the DEP link above.
At Dierolf we follow these updates closely because our customers rely on us to stay ahead of changes that might affect their water quality. This is one of the advantages of working with a team that has deep local knowledge and decades of experience with wells and groundwater behavior in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Community Updates and the Public Meeting
Douglass Township published a community update that outlines the investigation and provides details about the public meeting scheduled for December 10, 2025. Residents will be able to speak directly with DEP and EPA officials, ask questions, and learn what the next steps may look like.
You can view the full update at:
https://www.douglasstownship.org/media/2623/1212025-boyertown-landfill-community-update.pdf.
As a company rooted in this region we plan to follow the outcomes of this meeting closely so that we can continue guiding homeowners with the most accurate information available.
How PFAS Contamination Impacts Homeowners
Whether you live in Boyertown, Gilbertsville, Douglass Township, or any nearby community, PFAS contamination can affect more than just your drinking water.
Water Safety
Your family’s water should be tested regularly if you are in the area of investigation or if you rely on a private well near the landfill.
Property Values
Buyers and real estate agents now routinely request PFAS test results. Having clear documentation protects both sides during a sale.
Real Estate Transactions
Well inspections and water testing are becoming even more important, especially when contaminants are being monitored by state and federal agencies.
Dierolf regularly supports homeowners and realtors during these transactions and provides clear, easy to understand reports.
What You Can Do Right Now
Test Your Well Water
If the DEP has reached out to you, schedule your sampling promptly. If not, you can still request a test. You can also use a certified lab for additional peace of mind. Dierolf can help interpret results and recommend next steps.
Consider Treatment Options
Activated carbon and reverse osmosis can reduce PFAS effectively when designed and installed correctly. If you already have a system, make sure your filters are replaced on schedule.
Stay Informed
Bookmark the DEP’s official Boyertown Landfill summary page and check for updates.
The township update is another excellent resource for community announcements and meeting schedules.
Dierolf posts updates for our customers as well and our team is always available to answer questions. Since Mark grew up here and many of us live nearby, we understand how important clean well water is to families in this region.
PFAS Across Pennsylvania
What is happening in Boyertown is part of a much larger statewide issue. PFAS have been detected near industrial sites, airports, military facilities, and older landfills across Pennsylvania. The data from this investigation helps shape how the state handles PFAS moving forward.
As one of the most experienced water treatment companies in southeastern Pennsylvania, we stay involved in these conversations because the decisions made today will affect water quality for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my well water safe
Your water is safe if PFAS levels are below state and federal limits or if you have a properly maintained treatment system. Testing is the only way to know.
Do treatment systems actually remove PFAS
Activated carbon and reverse osmosis are highly effective when installed correctly.
Can PFAS move beyond the immediate landfill area
Yes. PFAS can travel with groundwater which is why testing matters even if you live farther from the site.
Will the Boyertown Landfill become a Superfund site
The EPA is reviewing the site. Time will tell whether it is added to the National Priorities List.
Conclusion
The PFAS situation at the Boyertown Landfill continues to evolve and both the DEP and EPA are actively engaged. For homeowners, the most important things you can do are stay informed, test regularly, and understand your options for treatment if necessary.
Dierolf has always taken pride in being the local expert that families can count on. Our roots are here and our commitment to protecting your water is personal. If you have questions about testing, treatment, or your well system, we are always here to help.
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