Wastewater Testing Shows High Cocaine Levels on Nantucket Island

Recent testing of wastewater on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, has revealed cocaine levels nearly 50% higher than the national average, while fentanyl traces appear to be lower. These findings come from the Surfside Wastewater Treatment Facility, which caters to about three-quarters of the island’s homes. Since testing began in early summer, cocaine concentrations have measured less than 1,500 nanograms per liter (ng/L). This is notably higher compared to the national average of around 1,000 ng/L and about 900 ng/L in the northeastern region.

This summer, local health officials launched a wastewater monitoring program that expanded beyond just tracking Covid-19, aiming to assess substance use patterns across the community. Samples from treatment facilities are collected, which means that individual neighborhoods or residents aren’t singled out.

While cocaine levels were elevated, fentanyl was consistently detected at levels under 5 ng/L, falling short of the national average of approximately 15 ng/L. Another substance, xylazine, which has been increasingly prevalent but historically recorded low levels, was below the observable limits in tests.

During testing, nicotine levels varied but generally hovered around the regional average of less than 4,000 ng/L, which is lower than the national average of about 4,500 ng/L. Although results have fluctuated, cocaine levels have remained persistently high.

Many communities, particularly in light of Covid-19, have started testing water for spikes in the virus, but Nantucket has taken a different approach by including other drugs, according to Maryland lawyer and legal analyst Randolph Rice. The testing program covers various substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, xylazine, and nicotine.