The the town of Londonderry announced this week that an agreement with Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics for their part in providing clean drinking water to to residents in the “Consent Decree” area.
During a special Town Council meeting on Monday night, members unanimously voted to approve a settlement agreement that would pay over $2M toward the water line along High Range Road.
The settlement agreement is expected to expand access to clean, reliable drinking water for residents impacted by PFAS contamination along High Range Road.
The agreement addresses on-going concerns tied to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOA and PFOS, which have been detected in a number of private wells in the area.
Under the settlement, Saint-Gobain will help fund water mains being extended from Royal Lane north to Alexander Drive as part of Phase II of the High Range Road project. Phase I, which expanded service to southern portions of the road, was completed in 2025. Phase II is scheduled for completion by fall 2026 and will also allow additional water line construction west into the Consent Decree area beginning in 2027.
For residents, the expansion provides a long-term alternative to private wells that may be affected by contamination, offering access to a regulated public water system through Pennichuck Water Works.
The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $4.29 million. Under the agreement, Saint-Gobain will fund 40 percent of the construction costs – about $1.7 million – and place an additional $410,000 in escrow to cover potential cost overruns. The town will cover the remaining 60 percent, along with engineering and project management expenses, though officials note that grants and other funding sources may help offset local costs.
Town officials said the agreement also positions Londonderry to expand water access beyond the currently defined project area. Voters approved the reallocation of unused project funds at the March 2026 town election, and state officials have given preliminary approval to redirect grant funding toward future water line extensions.
“This is an important milestone for Londonderry and for the residents who have waited far too long for a permanent path to clean drinking water,” Town Council Chair Ron Dunn said in a statement, adding that the agreement reflects the principle that responsible parties should contribute to solutions.
Town Manager Shaun Mulholland said the settlement helps move the project forward while setting the stage for additional expansion.
“This agreement helps bring an important piece of the project across the finish line while setting up the next phase of work,” Mulholland said.
“It puts Londonderry in a stronger position to expand access to public water and serve the community well into the future.”
In addition to expanding infrastructure, the project is expected to improve property values, reduce reliance on private well maintenance, and provide greater peace of mind for residents concerned about water quality.
The agreement also avoids prolonged litigation between the town and Saint-Gobain over PFAS-related claims. While the company denies liability, both sides agreed to share costs to accelerate progress.
Officials emphasized that the settlement does not replace Saint-Gobain’s existing obligations under prior agreements with the state, which require the company to continue providing alternative water solutions within designated areas.
Pennichuck Water Works will oversee construction and management of the project as Londonderry continues its long-term effort to deliver safe drinking water to affected neighborhoods.
Of note, the settlement funds will be used for the extension to Alaxander and doest include individual residential connections.