Nantucket Wastewater Shows Alarming Cocaine Levels

Tests conducted on wastewater in Nantucket, a high-end Massachusetts ocean resort town, have revealed unexpectedly elevated levels of cocaine, reportedly up to three times the national average. These tests began last summer as part of an initiative to monitor high-risk substances and opioids within the community.

Initial findings in September indicated cocaine levels were 50% higher than the national average. However, significant increases were observed in October and December, with levels reaching what town officials described as "dangerous amounts." The town's health department stated that Nantucket, like other communities, faces a growing public health crisis of substance misuse.

In October of last year, cocaine levels peaked at 2,948.70 nanograms per liter, nearly tripling the US average of 900-1,000 ng/L. Another spike above 2,800 ng/L occurred just before Christmas. These data are intended to help identify concerning patterns and guide evidence-based interventions.

Interestingly, tests for fentanyl and methamphetamine showed levels well below regional and national averages, suggesting cocaine is the prevalent recreational drug in Nantucket. Officials also noted that some of the cocaine detected in the wastewater likely resulted from direct dumping rather than solely human metabolism.

Public health director Roque Miramontes emphasized the need for more testing to inform counter-strategies. He stated that sustained increases in drug markers over several weeks could be a stronger indicator for intervention, and the shared data aims to equip behavioral health partners with actionable information.