Water Contamination Issue

Butler Township was informed by the Ohio Department of Health on October 19, 2020, that sampling of drinking water from public water systems at the Aullwood Farm Discovery Center in Montgomery County had detected contaminants known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are a group of manmade chemicals used in many consumer goods and can enter a drinking water source through runoff, spillage or leakage into the soil. For the past three years, the township has been working with residents and partnering agencies to determine the extent of the contamination and offer solutions. Links information about PFAS health effects and various township communiques and meeting videos are included below.

The latest: Well testing expanded

After reporting the results of the latest well testing in April 2023 (see details below), Butler Township Trustees determined in August 2023 it was in the best interest of the residents to extend the testing program. Properties located in the "Citizen Advisory Area" will now be offered free testing, as will those in the “Recommended Testing Area” that previously did not sign up for testing. The township has again contracted with Bennett & Williams to administer this second round of testing. The deadline for registering for free well testing has been extended to Monday, October 16, 2023.

Eligible residents were mailed a letter on August 8, 2023 with details and the online registration link (https://arcg.is/bSH8j). This website includes a questionnaire to ensure eligibility and provide details needed for the consultant to complete the testing. Please note that residents who have paid to have their well tested on their own are eligible to have their well tested as part of this program, but will not be reimbursed for their self-testing.

Any resident with questions about this expanded testing effort should contact Erika Vogel at 937-898-6735 ext. 101 or at evogel@butlertownship.com.

Well testing results released in April 2023 showed that, of the 155 locations tested in the “Recommended Testing Area”, 85 had NO detection of PFAS compounds, 2 locations exceeded the current Ohio EPA action level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt), and 68 wells had detections that were below Ohio EPA action levels. Bennett and Williams also presented information about new regulations proposed by the USEPA for public water systems which have not yet been adopted but would reduce the maximum concentration level (MCLs) to four (4) ppt for PFOA and PFOS. Additional information pertaining to the well testing results and a menu of solutions can be found at: https://butlertownship.com/administration/township-videos/water-contamination-issue/.

In addition to sharing information about solutions like water filtration systems and bottled water (see links below), the April 2023 meeting also focused on the feasibility and costs of connecting to public water lines owned by Union, Vandalia or Dayton. While connecting to one of these lines is by no means mandatory for residents, it may be a viable option for some who are interested. Considerations include the cost of running service lines, connection fees and monthly water bills. The township plans to conduct a survey of residents to better determine the level of interest in public water versus private treatment system options.

Stay tuned for more information about the new, expanded testing program and the water connection survey. All information will be communicated to residents and included on our website as it becomes available. Any residents who would like additional information can also contact Township Administrator Erika Vogel at evogel@butlertownship.com.

  1. PFAS Health Effects
  2. Contingency Plan - Water Treatment and Bottled Water
  3. April 13, 2023 Well Testing Results Presentation Slides

Thursday, April 13, 2023 Well Testing Results at the Township Meeting Hall,  3780 Little York Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45414                                                   

    The History

    Butler Township was informed by the Ohio Department of Health on October 19, 2020, that sampling of drinking water from public water systems at the Aullwood Farm Discovery Center in Montgomery County had detected contaminants known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are a group of manmade chemicals used in many consumer goods and can enter a drinking water source through runoff, spillage or leakage into the soil.

    PFAS are classified as contaminants of growing concern, and although Ohio has established action levels for six forms of PFAS, there are no national drinking water standards for PFAS compounds, and their impact on human health is still being researched. Some studies report PFAS exposure can affect the growth, learning, and behavior of infants/children, and may lower fertility, increase cholesterol, affect the immune system, and increase the risk of certain cancers. Sensitive populations such as infants/children, pregnant and nursing women, and those who have compromised immune systems may be at a higher risk of health effects from PFAS exposure. People can be exposed to PFAS by drinking contaminated water, and the only way to know if PFAS are present is to have the water tested.

    Your safety and welfare are the most important concerns of your Butler Township elected officials and staff. The Township has developed this webpage so residents can stay informed about the water contamination issue. You can, at any point, reach out to Township Administrator Erika Vogel by phone (937-898-6735) or email (evogel@butlertownship.com).

    Since being informed of the presence of PFAS in the drinking water wells of some Butler Township residents, township leadership has moved aggressively to protect their health and welfare. Toward that end, the township has:

    • Offered to pay the tap-in fee ($1,000) for Township residents who wish to connect to the new City of Union waterline on Martindale and Frederick Pike.
    • Entered into discussions with Montgomery County to explore next steps and availability of public water from adjacent jurisdictions for Butler Township residents.
    • Voted to dedicate American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funds for studies, plans, and infrastructure improvements related to clean water for township residents.
    • Conducted an Impacted Resident Survey (survey results below)
    • Entered into an Agreement with Montgomery County for Technical Assistance Related to Water Contamination Issue.

    Sunday, September 11, 2022 Well-Testing Public Meeting at the Aullwood Audubon Farm located at 9101 Frederick Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45414

    Thursday, September 22, 2022 Well-Testing Public Meeting at the Township Meeting Hall, 3780 Little York Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45414

    Here is some other information you can access to see how the Township has responded to this issue:

    Here is a guide to the information contained on this page:

    Additional Resources: