For Chicopee Valley Communities
Your Drinking Water
Thisreport cootains very Im Serictrt sle!rt�fonnation oichtige lmpOttanl infonnalion aboul i.llerdel>JaltatdesWasse�lhrer PRESORTED yoordrill�ng water . Please Gerensctsfl. Oer8eridt� MASSACHUSETTS WATER A STANDARD tran�aleit, orspeak with W91den,oder spreche MWRA Board of Directors MWRA Kathleen A. Theoharides, I am pleased to share with you the annual results of our water quality testing. Each year, Chair takes hundreds of thousands of tests to ensure your water is safe and of the John J. Carroll, Vice Chair highest quality. In 2018, we again met every federal and state drinking water standard. Andrew M. Pappastergion, Secretary Christopher Cook Lead in drinking water is an important issue and all three Chicopee Valley Aqueduct Kevin L. Cotter (CVA) communities continue to successfully treat the water they deliver to make is less Paul E. Flanagan corrosive. All three CVA communities were below the EPA Lead Action Level. More Joseph C. Foti information can be found on pages 4 and 5 of this report. Brian Pena Henry F. Vitale Your water system is well protected - from the source reservoirs to the treatment John J. Walsh way. plants to the storage tanks - and real-time water quality monitoring allows us to check Jennifer L. Wolowicz the water every step of the We have recently enhanced our security measures at the Ouabbin Reservoir. We also have emergency plans for all of our facilities so we can MWRA quickly respond to any issue any time of day or night. For more information on and its Board of Directors, I hope you will take a few moments to read through this important report and learn visit www.mwra.com. more about your water system. We have great confidence in the water we deliver to your home and we want you to share that confidence. Please contact us if you have any questions about this report or any of MWRA's programs. Sincerely, v-� t Frederick A. Laskey I ______Executive Director ___._ Cover photo: Old Stone Church, Wachusett Reservoir Legend Storage Tank � Hydro 11111 I water report 111111111 Where Does Your Water Come From? Water Treatment - From The Reservoir To MWRA supplies about 10 million gallons of Community Pipelines high quality water each day to three Chicopee Your water is treated at the Brutsch Water Valley Aqueduct communities: Chicopee, Treatment Facility before it enters the Chicopee MWRA Takes Wilbraham, and South Hadley Fire District #1 Valley Aqueduct. The first treatment step is Customer (FD#1). MWRA also serves 48 cities and towns in disinfection of reservoir water. MWRA's licensed greater Boston and MetroWest. Your water Concerns treatment operators carefully add measured doses comes from Ouabbin Reservoir. Water from the of chlorine, and then further treat the water with Seriously. Ware River can add to the supply at times. ultraviolet light (UV). Both disinfection processes Everycall is investi Rain and snow falling on the watersheds - are designed to kill pathogens (germs) that may gated to ensure that protected land around the reservoirs - turn into be present in the water. Licensed operators in streams that flow to the reservoirs. Water comes Chicopee perform additional booster disinfection there are no problems in contact with soil, rock, plants, and other at the point where the local pipes take water from withthe water supply. material as it follows nature's path to the the Aqueduct. Each community also treats the Most complaints are reservoir. While this process helps clean the water, water to reduce leaching of lead from home relatedto discolored it can also dissolve and carry very small amounts plumbing. water, which is of material into the reservoir. Minerals from soil and rock do not usually cause problems in the Testing Your Water - Every Step Of The Way usuallyrelated to local water. But water can also transport contaminants Te st results show few contaminants are found in constructionor from human and animal activity. These can the reservoir water. The few that are found are in hydrant use. Ifyou include bacteria and viruses - some of which can very small amounts, well below EPA's standards. have a questionor cause illness. The test results in this report show Tu rbidity (or cloudiness of water) is one measure concern,please call that these are not a problem in Quabbin Reser of overall water quality. There are two standards voir's watershed. for turbidity: all water must be below 5 NTU yourlocal water Ouabbin watershed is protected naturally as (Nephelometric Tu rbidity Units), and only can be department orMWRA over 90% of the watershed is covered in forest above 1 NTU if it does not interfere with effective at 617-242-5323. and wetlands. About 83% of the total watershed disinfection. Ty pical levels at the Quabbin land cannot be developed. The natural undevel Reservoir are 0.28 NTU and were below the 1 oped watershed helps to keep MWRA water NTU over 99% of the time. The highest level was clean and clear. Also, to ensure safety, the 4.9 NTU, which was caused by a weather event streams and the reservoir are tested often and and did not interfere with effective disinfection. patrolled daily by the Department of Conserva MWRA also tests reservoir water for pathogens tion and Recreation (OCR). - such as fecal coliform, bacteria, viruses, and the The Department of Environmental Protection parasites Cryptosporidiumand Giardia. They can (DEP) has prepared a Source Water Assessment enter the water from animal or human waste. In Program Repor t for the Quabbin Reservoir. The 2018,no Oyptosporidium and Giardia were detected. DEP reportcommends OCR and MWRA on the existing source protection plans, and states that Test Results - After Treatment our "watershed protection programs are very EPA and state regulations require many water successful and greatly reduce the actual risk of quality tests after treatment to check the water you contamination." The report recommends that are drinking. MWRA conducts tens of thousands OCR and MWRA maintain present watershed of tests per year on over 120 contaminants (a plans and continue to work with the residents, complete list is available on www.mwra.com). farmers, and other interested parties to maintain Details about 2018 test results are in the table the pristine watershed areas. below, and on page 5. Test Results AfterTreatment I (MCL) Highest (We Found) (MCLG) Level Detected I Range Of Ideal Compound Units Allowed Level-Average Detections Goal Violation How It GetsIn The Water Barium - ppm - 2 - 0.006 0.006-0.007 2 No Common mineral in nature - Nitrate" ppm 10 0.011 0.007-0.011 10 t No Atmospheric deposition KEY: MCL=Maximum Contaminant Level. The highest level of a contaminant allowed in water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available technology. MCLG=Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. The level of contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. ppm=parts per million "=As required by DEP, the maximum result is reportedfor nitrate, not the average. 2 11111111 water report 111111111 Test:: In Community Pipe:: chusetts Departmentof Public Health regulations MWRA and local water departmentswork establish limits for contaminants in bottled water together to test water all the way to the tap. We which must provide the same protection for test samples of water in the city and town systems public health. Monitoring each week for total coliform and E.coli bacteria. Water Quality In Total coliform bacteria can come from the How Would I Know About A Problem With My intestines of warm-blooded animals, or can be Water Supply? Real Time found in soil, plants, or other places. Most of the MWRA and your local water department keep Your water is time, these bacteria are not harmful. However, close watch on the water supply. If there is a monitoredby a their presence could signal that harmful bacteria problem with your water, you would get the news state-of-the-art from fecal waste may be there as well. The EPA by radio, television, newspapers, state and local government, health officials, and from MWRA. system in real time requires that no more than 5% of the samples in a given month may be positive for total coliform. -24 hours a day, E.coli is a pathogen found in human and animal Research For New Regulation:: seven days a week-to fecal waste that can cause illness. No E.coli was MWRA has been working with EPA and other makesure it is freeof found in any CVA community in 2018. If your researchers to define new national drinking water contaminants.This town had any positive coliform results, more standards by testing for unregulated contaminants. To read more about these regulations, and to see allowsMWRA to information is available on page 4. a listing of what was found in MWRA water, respondto changes in Drinking Water And People With Weakened please visit www.mwra.com/CVNUCMR/2018. water qualityalmost Immune System:: immediately. Some people may be more vulnerable to Monit.oringBuoy in contaminants in drinking water than the general WachusettReservoir population. lmmuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDSor other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPNCDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidiumand other microbial Emergency Preparedne:::: Information contaminants are available from the EPA's Safe To confidently deliver the high quality water Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791 ). you expect requires that the MWRA prepare for all situations. MWRA and OCR staff are out in the Contaminant:: In Bottled Water And Tap Water watersheds walking the land, monitoring activi Drinking water, including bottled water, may ties, and protecting the source every day. We To Save Water? reasonably be expected to contain at least small continuously monitor the reservoir with buoys and .AfwaysUse amounts of some contaminants. The presence of underwater sampling stations at multiple locations Water Wisely contaminants does not necessarily indicate that and depths. If there were an accident in the water poses a health risk. More information about reservoir, a pipeline, or in one of our communities, We knowthat contaminants and potential health effectscan be we are ready to respond with mobile disinfection conservation works. obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water units and pumps, a mobile laboratory and staff Customers in the Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or MWRA. In order to who have trained and drilled. Watersystems rely on computers and specialized control systems to MWRAservice area ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Massachusetts DEP and EPA prescribe regulations operate efficiently. We've invested in cyber-secu have reduced their which limit the amount of certain contaminants in rity systems to prevent disruption, and have average daily demand water provided by public water systems. Food back-up operation centers in case the regular from340 million and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Massa- control center is non-operational or inaccessible. gallonsper day in 1980 to about200 million gallons today.It is Cross Connection Information Massachusetts DEP recommends the installation of backflow prevention importantthat these devicesfor inside and outside hose connectionsto help protectthe water in conservationefforts your home as well as the drinking water system in your town. For more continue- especially informationon cross connections, please call 617-242-5323 or visit duringdry periods. mwra. com/ crosscon. 3 I II II 11 I YOUR COMMUNITY INFORMATION Each community has specific treatment and improvements that are described below. CIIlCOPEE WILBRAHAM SOUTH HADLEY FIRE DISTRICT #1 Phone: 413-594-3420 Phone: 413-596-2807 Phone: 413-532-0666 PWS ID# 1061000 PWS ID# 1339000 PWS ID# 1275000 The Chicopee Water Department's The Corrosion Control Facility on Miller Our Treatment Facility located on Fuller Corrosion Control Facility continues to Street in Ludlow continues to inject St. in Ludlow continues to add sodium provide excellent water quality by Sodium Silicate into the drinking water in silicate for corrosion control. This is adjusting the water's pH and alkalinity compliance with the federally mandated necessary in order to comply with the levels. Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Lead and Copper Rule. MA DEP required Lead and Copper Rule. Our last sampling Bicarbonate (baking soda) are used to lead and copper sampling of 20 homes round was in 2016 and our 90th percentile make this adjustment. A phosphate blend and 2 schools in 2018. All 20 homes in for Lead was 4.6 ppb and for Copper was also adds an extra level of protection by addition to 2 schools were below the 0.3 ppm. We will be sampling again in further reducing corrosion throughout the Action Level for both lead and copper. June of 2019. We were required to system. The benefits of these treatment Our next sampling round will be in 2021. perform a Level 1 Assessment for total processes are evident in the reduced coliform positives in September (14.3%). The Wilbraham Water Department took level of dissolved metals such as lead, Appropriate actions were taken, and there 10 (ten) samples for coliform bacteria copper, and iron in the city's water supply. no other positives in 2018. during the month of September 2018. Two Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, water of those samples showed the presence of We continue to improve our system by samples must be collected specifically for coliform bacteria limited to the Town's updating water mains. Within the past year, the analysis of lead and copper. House Sewer Treatment Plant & the Water our crew has repaired five water main hold plumbing is the main contributor of Department headquarters. Retesting of breaks and three service leaks. In addition these metals in our drinking water and these locations showed no presence of to the repair work, four new services have the water's chemistry is adjusted to coliform, however, the Wilbraham Water been connected to the system. We minimize corrosion well before it reaches Department did not follow proper continue to update our water mains with the homes of Chicopee's residents. procedure of sampling up stream and our replacement program. Water main down stream of the Sewer Treatment replacements are prioritized by leak history, OuabbinReservoir Plant & Water Department. The Water pipe type and the annual street paving Dept. was issued a violation notice. list provided by the DPW. This collabora tion results in reduced costs and extend Within the last year, the Wilbraham Water ing pavement integrity. This program will Department performed the following: continue as funding and time permit. Brookmont Pump station was completely rebuilt with an above ground structure In 2018, we replaced 6000 feet of mains converted from a confined space entry, along Newton St. (Rte. 116.) All fire along with tree removal around the pump hydrants and water services were replaced station for the new generator. Routine as well. The Board would like to thank the maintenance has been done to our 3 efforts of our staff by performing the other pump stations, our 2.1 million inspection of the project in-house resulting gallon storage tank and the Corrosion in significant cost savings. We would also Control Facility; the Water Dept. repaired like to thank the MWRA for providing us 2 major water main breaks and 7 service with a 0% loan as part of their local leaks within our distribution system; 10 pipeline assistance program and also MA new services were installed and in excess DOT forholding off on paving of Newton St. of 50 main line gate valves were cleaned In 2018, there were 30 samples collected and checked for operation. The Water We feel strongly that the Water Depart for the analysis of lead and copper in Department has been busy installing new ment has been operated very efficiently by Chicopee's drinking water. The Environ water meters and installing our new Auto providing the rate payers with what they mental Protection Agency (EPA) has Readers through out the distribution expect from a municipal department at the reduced the number of samples that system as well. lowest possible cost. We would also like to must be collected by the Chicopee Water extend our thanks to the Fire and Police Department due to its successful mainte The water usage for 2018 was Departments, Fire District No. 2 and the nance of low to absent levels of lead and 403,852,000 gallons. This represents a Town for their cooperation. Please take a copper in the water system. The next 3.5% increase over 2017. moment to view our website with round of lead and copper samples will be historical and frequently updated collected in the spring of 2021. information at www.shdistrict1.org. 4 I I I I II I I What You Need To Know About Lead In Tap lead in your water, you may wish to have your Water water tested. Information on lead in drinking MWRA water is lead-free when it leaves the water, testing methods, and steps you can take reservoirs. MWRA and local pipes that carry the to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Lead In Tap water to your community are made mostly of Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or Water Continues iron and steel and do not add lead to the water. www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. However, lead can get into tap water through To Be In The pipes in your home, lead solder used in plumb News and you may ing, and some brass fixtures. Corrosion or have some concerns wearing away of lead-based materials can add aboutthe safety of lead to tap water, especially if water sits for a long time in the pipes before it is used. Lead yourtap water. All levels found in tap water in sampled homes three CVA communi have dropped significantly since the CVA ties are on reduced communities improved treatment to make water WHAT CAN I DO samplingdue to less corrosive. This means the water is less likely to reduce my exposure successful treatment to absorb lead from pipes and other fixtures. to lead in drinking water? and consistently CVA Communite: Meet Lead Standard In 0 Be carefulof places you may find lead in or being well belowthe 2018 near your home.Paint, soil, dust and some Lead and Copper Under Environmental Protection Agency pottery may containlead. Action Levels. regulations, your local water department must test tap water in a sample of homes that are 0 Let the waterrun beforeusing: fresh water is likely to have high lead levels. These are usually betterthan stale!To save water,fill pitcher a older homes with lead service lines or lead with freshwater and placein the refrigerator solder. The EPA rule requires that 9 out of 10, or forfuture use. 90%, of these sampled homes must have lead O Any time water has gone unused for more levels below the Action Level of 15 parts per than 6 hours, run each faucet usedfor billion (ppb). All three CVA communities were drinkingor cookinguntil after the water Did You Know? below the lead Action Level in 2018. becomes oold. Most cases of lead use Important Information From EPA About Lead 0 Never hot water fromthe faucetfor poisoningare from drinkingor cooking,especially when making If present, elevated levels of lead can cause baby formulaor other foodfor infants. contact with peeling serious health problems, especially for pregnant lead paint and lead women and young children. Lead in drinking 0 Checkyour plumbingfixtures to see if they paint dust. But water is primarily from materials and compo are lead-free.Read the labelsclosely. nents associated with service lines and home drinking water exposed 0 Remove loose lead solder and debris. Every plumbing. MWRA is responsible for providing to lead can increase a few months remove the aerator fromeach high quality drinking water, but cannot control faucet inyour home andflush the pipes for person's total lead the variety of materials used in plumbing 3-5 minutes. exposure. This is components. If your water has been sitting for particularlya concern several hours, you can minimize the potential for O Callthe Departmentof PublicHealth at for infants or pregnant lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 800-532-9571 or EPA at 800-424-LEAD for seconds to 2 minutes before using water for healthinformation. women. drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about Total Trihalomethanes HaloaoeticAcids in ppb Chlorine in ppm Lead in ppb Copper in ppm in ppb MCL=80 MCL=60 ppb (Avg) MRDL=4ppm (Avg) AL=15 ppb AL=1.3 ppm Sodium ppb (Avg) MCLG=O MCLG=O MRDLG=4ppm MCLG=O MCLG=1.3 ppm in ppm Annual Annual Annual #Samples 90% #Samples 90% Most Average Range Average Range Average Range over AL Value over AL Value Recent I ChicopeeResults 51.7 26.7-65.8 42.1 19.8-59.5 0.9 0.1-1.52 0 of 30 0 0 of 30 0.14 15.5" South Hadley FD #1 58.2 26.6-92.7 29.4 14.2-48.6 0.7 0.02-1.47 0 of 30 4.6* 0 of 30 0.03* 8.29 Wilbraham 62.2 36.3-69.4 30.4 2.6-51.7 0.7 0.1-0.9 1 of 20 9.3 0 of 20 0.09 7.65" KEY:The definitions for MCL and MCLG are on page 2. AL=Action Level-The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded,triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. "=Results from 2019. *=Results from 2016. Next samplin round in 2019. MRDL=Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincin evidence ti at addition of a disinfectant is necessaryfor p control of microbial contaminants. MRDLG=Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal. The leve of a drinkin water disinfectant below which there 1s no known or expected health risk. MRDLGsdo not reflectthe benefitsof the use of disinfectantsto control microbia� contamination. 5 III I I I I I