Story perspectives

Nantucket Faces Public Health Crisis Amid Soaring Cocaine Levels

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cocaine levels in Nantucket’s wastewater have consistently exceeded the national average from July 2025 through February 2026, peaking at 2,948.70 nanograms per liter in October 2025.
Nantucket acknowledges a public health crisis and notes the seasonal population can quadruple in summer, complicating resource management.
Fentanyl levels remain low in wastewater.
Nantucket has begun testing for various substances, and results show high cocaine levels.

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Story summary

Cocaine levels in Nantucket’s wastewater have consistently exceeded the national average from July 2025 through February 2026, peaking at 2,948.70 nanograms per liter in October 2025.
Nantucket acknowledges a public health crisis and notes the seasonal population can quadruple in summer, complicating resource management.
Fentanyl levels remain low in wastewater.
Nantucket has begun testing for various substances, and results show high cocaine levels.