MIDDLEBORO — Voters approved a slew of measures aimed at improving the water system and addressing PFAS — also known as "forever chemicals"— at Town Meeting on Monday, April 28.

In 2024, one of Middleboro’s largest wells tested above a new state standard for acceptable PFAS levels. Since then, the town has taken steps to address the issue, most notably approving $33 million in funding for the East Grove Water Treatment Plant at last year’s Town Meeting.

The most expensive project approved this year was the creation of a new central water treatment plant to serve five existing gravel wells. Voters authorized borrowing $2.7 million for the project, which also includes funding to remove PFAS from a sixth well.

“This is the next step in our planning process to have non-detectable PFAS in our entire water system,” said Town Manager Jay McGrail.

Voters also approved $2 million to install two new wells at the Tispaquin site. The location already contains two wells built over 50 years ago, but their output has declined over time.

To support further system improvements, voters allocated $100,000 for engineering and design work on 6,200 feet of the North Street water main.

In addition, they approved extending Middleboro’s water service to Old Colony Regional Vocational High School and 2 Main Street in Lakeville. Both properties will purchase water from Middleboro and cover the cost of the connection.

Finally, after lengthy discussion, voters approved a citizen petition article to form a study group to explore whether oversight of the water system should be transferred to a separate, elected Water Commission. The group has not yet been formed but will present a recommendation to the Select Board before the next Town Meeting.

Resident Richard Oakley, who submitted the petition, highlighted that Middleboro is one of only two towns without a Water Commission.

“I think there’s a lot we can learn when we put our heads together. I’m not suggesting I know what’s best for the town, but I am suggesting people get together and study this,” Oakley said. He volunteered to serve on the study group.