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North Chelmsford Water District P.O. Box 655 North Chelmsford, MA 01863-0655
BULK RATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 40 No. Chelms., MA
2008 Annual Water Quality Report for NORTH CHELMSFORD WATER DISTRICT DEP PWS ID # 3056002
The North Chelmsford Water District is committed to providing residents with a safe reliable supply of high-quality drinking water. Our water is tested using sophisticated equipment and advanced procedures. North Chelmsford Water District meets state and federal standards. This annual “Consumer Confidence Report,” required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), tells you where our water comes from, what our tests show about it, and many other things you should know about drinking water. North Chelmsford Water District’s drinking water meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water standards. This report is about your drinking water sources and quality; regulations that protect your health; programs that protect the quality of our water sources; and the treatment processes that assure our drinking water meets or surpasses all federal and state standards.
Location of the North Chelmsford Water District and hours of operation:
The Water District Office is located at 64 Washington Street, North Chelmsford, Mass. the office hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. A member of our maintenance staff is on-call at all times, after hours, the answering service takes messages and will page the on call person for water emergencies, Telephone number (978)-251-3931, Fax number (978)-251-1181, E-mail address NORTHCHELMSFORDW@aol.com New Internet Address: http//www.northchelmsfordwater.com
Board of Water Commissioners:
A three-member Board of Water Commissioners, elected by the water takers of North Chelmsford, monitors the operations of the North Chelmsford Water District. Current members are Chairman, Bruce H. Clark, Leslie H. Adams, Jr., Robert M. Leavitt, Clerk.
Water Commissioner meetings:
Commissioners meet on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Water District office. Changes in meeting times are posted at the Chelmsford Town Hall. Those who wish to meet with the Commissioners are asked to put their request in writing and they will be added to the next agenda.
We encourage public interest and participation in our decisions affecting drinking water.
Our Groundwater Drinking Sources The North Chelmsford Water District receives their water from four groundwater gravel-packed wells, known as the Bomil Well Field, withdrawing water from the Merrimack River Basin and recharging from Cold Spring Brook and Stony Brook. Our two water storage tanks have 5.9 million gallons of combined capacity. The annual amount of water supplied to our customers was 259 million gallons in 2008. Source Water Assessment Program, (SWAP) The Source Water Program assesses the susceptibility of public water supplies to potential contamination due to land uses and activities within the recharge areas. Established under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act the program requires every state to: Inventory land uses within the recharge areas of all public water supply sources. Assess the susceptibility of drinking water sources to contamination from land uses. Publicize the results to provide support for improved protection. What is My System Ranking? A susceptibility ranking of “high” was assigned to this system using the information collected during the assessment by the Department of Environmental Protection. The North Chelmsford Water District continues in taking an active role in promoting source water protection, the design for the water treatment facility is almost complete. In 2008 we continued with the new source approval for the two deep bedrock wells and will look at developing these two sources to improve the water quality and assure that we have sufficient water supply to meet our future needs. We continue to monitor and take enforcement to the activities within the recharge area and report all violations to the proper authorities. We diligently continue to work with the, Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts Highway Dept. and the Town of Chelmsford on reducing sodium levels and any other potential contaminations to our water supply. Where can I see the SWAP Report? The complete SWAP report is available at the North Chelmsford Water District, the Chelmsford Board of Health and online at www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/3056002.pdf for more information call Superintendent, Mr. Bruce J. Harper, Sr. at 978-251-3931. Important Definitions Action Level (AL) is the concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment, or other requirement, which a water system must follow. Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) : The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCLs) These standards are developed to protect the aesthetic qualities of drinking water and are not health based. ppm-Parts Per Million or mg/l-Milligrams Per Liter-One part substance per million parts water. ppb-Parts Per Billion or Ug/l- micrograms per liter- one part substance per billion parts water. pCi/L Pico Curies Per Liter– Pico Curies per liter is a measure of the radioactivity in water. ND-Non-detected NT-Not Tested 90th Percentile – Nine out of every ten houses tested are at or below the reported level. EPA-Environmental Protection Agency Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal ( MRDLG): The levels of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the uses of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. The following table lists all the drinking water contaminants that we detected during the 2008 calendar year or during the most recent sampling period within the past five years. These were the only contaminants detected in all the monitoring required by the state. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in the table is from testing done from January 1 – December 31, 2008. The state requires us to monitor for certain contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. Some of the data, although representative of the water quality, is more than one year old.
2008 Water Quality Testing Results
Microbiological Contaminants: None Detected (ND) in 2008 Radioactive Substances: Gross-Alpha Emitters Location Unit MCL MCLG Detected Level 2.08 Date Collected Date Analyzed Typical source of contaminant Erosion of natural deposits Erosion of natural deposits
01/08/2008 04/11/2008 Radium-226 Well Four PCi/L 5 0 0.538 01/08/2008 04/11/2008 Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water Containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Inorganic Date Tested Unit MCL MCLG Detected Range Typical source of Substance Level Contaminant May 21, 2008 Nitrate Nitrite SUBSTANCE Copper Lead Synthetic Organic Contaminants: Dicamba Volatile Organic Compounds: Benzene Chloroform Bromodichloromethane Chlorodibromomethane Bromoform Methyl tert butyl ether, (MtBE) Regulated Contaminants ppm May 21, 2008 ppm Date Tested 08/2008 08/2008 Date Tested 06/04/04 10/11/04 Date Tested Quarterly Quarterly Tested Quarterly Tested Quarterly Tested Quarterly Tested Quarterly Date(s) Collected Action Level 1.3 ppm 15 ppb Unit ppb 1.0 90th percentile 0.011 1.0 # of sites tested 20 10 10
Well One
PCi/L
15
0
Runoff from fertilizer; leaching from septic 1.7 0.62-1.7 Tanks; sewage; erosion of natural deposits. None None Runoff from fertilizer; leaching from septic Detected Detected tanks; sewage; erosion of natural deposits # of sites found Typical source of contaminant above the Action Level 0 Corrosion of household plumbing systems. 0 Detected Levels Well 2 Well 3 ND to ND to 1.2 1.6 Detected Levels Well 2 Well 3 0.7 1.7 2.1 1.7 5.0 ND ND 0.54 ND 0.58 0.56 ND Corrosion of household plumbing systems. Typical source of Violation Contaminant Well 4 None Control of annual and perennial ND broadleaf weeds, brush and vines rangeland and non-cropland areas, Typical source of Violation contaminant Well 4 ND 0.65 0.51 ND ND ND None None None None None None Violation None None None Leaching from gas storage tanks By-product of drinking water chlorination By-product of drinking water chlorination By-product of drinking water chlorination By-product of drinking water chlorination A fuel additive. the EPA has Issued a Drinking Water Advisory Range of 20,000 to 40,000 ppb Possible Source(s) of Contamination Water additive used to control microbes By-product of drinking water chlorination By-product of drinking water chlorination
0.87 20 MCL MCLG Well 1 ND to 1.2 MCL MCLG Well 1
Unit
ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb ppb * Highest Quarterly RAA 0.15
5 None None None None None
0 None None None None None
ND 0.95 0.77 1.0 ND ND
Range MCL MCLG or MRDLG Detect or -ed MRDL Chlorine (ppm) Monthly 0.01 to 4 4 0.15 Trihalomethane Annual 21.2 16.6 to 80 --------(TTHM) (ppb) 08/13/08 21.2 Haloacetic acids Annual 5.1 0.75 to 60 --------(HAA5s) (ppb) 08/13/08 5.1 *RAA= highest running annual average of four consecutive quarters. Compliance is based on the quarterly Perchlorate (ppb) Annual ND ND 2.0 Detected Levels 08/13/08 Well 1 Well 2 Well 3 Well 4 ND ND ND ND
None
Inorganic Date Tested Unit MCL MCLG Detected Levels Violation Compound Well 1 Well 2 Well 3 Well (regulated) 4 Arsenic 09/26/2006 ppm 0.05 None <0.002 0.002 <0.002 <0.002 None Erosion of natural deposits While your drinking water meets EPA’s standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current Understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the cost of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of arsenic which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.
Perchlorate Is natural occurring manmade anion commonly associated the solid salts of ammonium, potassium sodium perchlorate. Typical source of contaminant
Secondary Contaminants Calcium Sulfate (So4) 1ron (Fe) Manganese (Mn) Potassium (K) Alkalinity(CaC03)
Date Tested 06/04/08 06/04/08 06/04/08 06/04/08 06/04/08 06/04/08
Unit
SMCL
SMCL Goal None None None None None None
Detected Levels Well 1 20.8 21.4 ND 0.029 29.0 54.0 Well 2 13.6 12.1 ND 0.26 36.0 66.0 Well 3 28.1 19.3 ND 0.07 47.0 75.0 Well 4 28.9 19.8 ND 0.13 48.0 78.0 Violation None None None None None None
Typical source of contamination
ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm
--250 0.3 0.05 100 ---
Mineral and Nutrient Mineral and Nutrient Naturally occurring element in soils. Naturally occurring element in soils Soft metal often linked up with chlorides. The capacity of water to neutralize acids.
COMPLIANCE WITH DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS The North Chelmsford Water District received two Administration Consent Orders And Notice Of NonCompliance; DEP File # NON-08-5D037 Compliance Period Contaminant Group Violation Type Violation Comment Jan-1-2008-Mar-31-2008 Gross Alpha Particle Activity NONREG Missing report for Well #1 Jan-1-2008-Mar-312008 Radium 226 NONREG Missing report for Well #4 Corrective Action: The two above water samples were collected on Jan-08-2008 within the compliance period but were not analyzed until April-11-2008, this action was due to a Massachusetts State certified laboratory’s failure to comply with Massachusetts General Laws. DEP File # ACO-NE-08-5D09 The NCWD has violated and continues to violate, Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, under 310 CMR 22.04(7), by failing to provide pH monitoring after the addition of potassium hydroxide, a chemical used to change the pH of the water delivered to consumers. Corrective Action: On October 09, 2008 on behalf of the North Chelmsford Water District (NCWD), Tata & Howard requested an extension of dates for the subject administration order. The NCWD is following the “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOP) outlined in the September 18, 2008 submittal to the DEP. The SOP’s were developed to provide protection to the public water system during the interim time period during the construction of the proposed water treatment facility. Granting the time extension will not pose a threat to public health.
In order to assure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contamination in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. All drinking water, including bottle water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contamination does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contamination and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Drinking Hotline at 800-426-4791. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people who have HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The North Chelmsford Water District is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottle water) include rivers, lakes streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals, and in some cases, radioactive material. It can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial Contaminants- such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewerage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife. Inorganic Contaminants- such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or the results from urban storm water runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming. Pesticides and Herbicides-, which may come from a variety of sources such as agricultural, urban storm water runoff and residential uses. Organic Chemical Contaminants- including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also, come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems. Radioactive Contaminants- which can be naturally occurring or be the results of oil and gas production and mining activities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Is my water safe to drink? North Chelmsford Water District meets or exceeds all governmental standards for drinking water. What is Cross-Connection Control? A cross-connection program is required to prevent drinking water contamination from unapproved sources. A crossconnection is formed at any point where a drinking water line connects to equipment, (boilers), systems containing chemicals (air conditioning systems, fire sprinkler systems, irrigation systems) or water sources of questionable quality. Contamination can occur when the pressure in the equipment or system is greater than the pressure inside the drinking water line (backpressure). Contamination can also occur when the pressure in the drinking line drops due to fairly routine occurrences, (main breaks, heavy water demand) causing contaminants to be sucked out from the equipment into the drinking water line, (backsiphonage). The purpose of the program is to prevent backsiphoning of non-potable water into the public drinking water distribution system. The installation of backflow prevention devices is recommended for all inside and outside hose connections. You can purchase devices at a hardware or plumbing supply store. Cross-connection and backflow information is available at the Water District. A cross-connection survey on Municipal and Commercial accounts is done at least once a year. Is the Water hard or soft? It is neither hard nor soft. Hardness in drinking water is usually caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium ions. When present in substantial amounts, the water is said to be “hard” because making soap lather is hard (difficult). Cleaning with hard water, that is, water that contains more than 150 milligrams per liter of hardness is difficult. Our water contains between 42 and 98 milligrams per liter of hardness. What causes my water to occasionally have a brown or black color? Naturally occurring iron and manganese in the water build up on the insides of the pipes and sloughs off from time to time. When we flush water mains, high concentrations of these minerals are removed from the pipes and the water is very dark. If fire hydrants are opened, this too can stir up sediment in the system. Usually, if you let your water run, it will clear up. If discoloration persists, however, call us and we will make recommendations or make an appointment to check it out. Sometimes my water looks cloudy. Is this harmful? No. Cloudiness in drinking water is caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to the gas bubbles in carbonated soft drinks. After a while, the bubbles rise to the top and are gone. How is our water treated? We add Potassium Hydroxide (KOH – a strong base) at the four wells to raise the pH (6.8-8.5) for corrosion control. Acid rain contributes to an acidic water supply which can create corrosion problems with water mains and domestic plumbing and can cause lead (from solder) to become a problem. The pH is constantly monitored and KOH added accordingly. We also add sodium hypochlorite, (NaOCl), a chlorinated/water solution) at two wells, as a disinfectant, at residual levels between 0.25 to 0.35 milligrams per liter. We do not add fluoride to the water supply. Are we connected to other Municipal Water Supplies? Yes, we have two emergency connections with the Chelmsford Water District and two emergency connections with the City of Lowell.
Summer Water Management Program
LEVEL 1 GREEN 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM OR 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Odd numbered addresses on odd numbered calendar days and even numbered addresses on even numbered days are allowed to use automatic sprinkler systems and nonautomatic sprinkler systems during these times only. Watering with hand-held hoses and watering cans for small flower and vegetables gardens is allowed from 6AM to 9:00 PM on your designated day using the odd/even model. Levels in effect will be posted through out the Districts and in the local media. The signs will show the level number in the following colors LEVEL 1---------GREEN LEVEL 2---------YELLOW LEVEL 3---------RED
May 01, 2009 to October 15, 2009 LEVEL 2 YELLOW 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Odd numbered addresses on odd numbered calendar days and even numbered addresses on even numbered days are allowed to use automatic sprinkler systems and non-automatic sprinkler systems during these times only. Watering with hand-held hoses and watering cans for small flower and vegetables gardens is allowed from 6AM to 9:00 PM on your designated day using the odd/even model. Why Do We Need Levels? To ensure adequate pressure and fire protection, storage tanks must be ¾ full. If this amount cannot be replenished during non-watering times more restrictive hours must be established by going up a level.
LEVEL 3 (RED) No outside water use until further notice You can also find out which level is in effect in your Water District by calling our office: North Chelmsford Water District 978-251-3931 East Chelmsford Water District 978-453-0121 Chelmsford Water District 978-256-2931 or 978-256-2381 Watch for water-wise tips for your landscaping needs in your bills and in the local media. Consult local nurseries and irrigation service providers for advice on water-wise landscaping maintenance. Our personnel are ready to address your concerns.
NOTE: All automatic lawn sprinklers systems require permitting from the North Chelmsford Water District and the local Plumbing Inspector. All systems must have rain sensors, backflow prevention devices and be zoned properly with timers set according to the Level we are in. Substance Date Tested Range Detected Annual Average Combined For All Four Wells Sodium Quarterly 52.0 PPM to 220 PPM 137 Parts Per Million or 137 milligrams per liter THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SODIUM NOTICE FOR PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM The principal source of exposure to sodium is the diet. The average American diet can contain anywhere from 2,000 mg/d to 24,000 mg/d depending on the amount of table salt added to food. Fruits, vegetables, and meats naturally contain sodium. Many foods such as dairy products and processed foods contain higher concentrations of sodium. For example, 2 slices of white bread could contain close to 300 mg of sodium, 1 frankfurter 400-800 mg and diet cola 20 mg of sodium. Sodium is often added during food preparation and at the table to food. Drinking water contributes a small fraction (less than 10%) to the overall sodium intake. Sodium is a naturally occurring common element found in soil and water. It is necessary for the normal functioning of the human systems. Sodium is part of a complex physiological mechanism involved in regulating fluids in the human systems. The normally functioning kidney compensates for moderate changes in sodium intake by increasing or decreasing sodium and fluid excretion in the urine. Small changes in the sodium intake do not adversely affect plasma sodium concentrations in the majority of the population. The natural mechanisms of fluid regulation maintain a relatively constant concentration of plasma sodium. Adequate daily total sodium intake has been estimated to range from 115 to 750 milligrams per day (mg/d) for infants, 325 to 2700 mg/d for children and 1100 to 3300 mg/d for adults. Some people, however, have difficulty regulating fluid volume as a result of several diseases, including congestive heart failure, kidney disease and hypertension. Some individuals are genetically susceptible to hypertension, a condition that may be enhanced by elevated plasma sodium levels. Monitoring sodium intake in these individuals is important in the management of their particular malady. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is requiring all public water suppliers to notify the local Board of Health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection of the detected concentrations of sodium in drinking water. Notification is required so that individuals who are on sodium restricted diets or who wish to monitor their sodium intake for other reasons will be able to take the amount of sodium in their water into account. The guideline of 20 milligrams per liter, (Mg/l) or 20 Parts Per Million, (PPM) for sodium, when exceeded, does not require treatment of the water to reduce the levels to prevent adverse health effects on public health. Rather, the guideline represents a level of sodium in water that physicians and sodium sensitive individuals should be aware of in cases where sodium exposures are being carefully controlled. We’ll be happy to answer any questions about the North Chelmsford Water District and our water quality. Call 978-2513931 or E-Mail us at NORTHCHELMSFORDW@aol.com Sincerely, Bruce J. Harper, Sr./Superintendent
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