COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Town of Southwick
Southwick Water Department
WATER QUALITY REPORT
PWS 1279000
2009
The Southwick Water Department provides you, our customers,
with pure, safe, sparkling and taste-free drinking water. The Water Department employees and the Water
Commissioners are committed to working diligently to provide this same level of
service, and to provide for the future growth of the Town by maintaining, repairing,
and increasing the capacity of the water system.
Due to the
events that took place on 9/11/2001, care must be taken on how much detail is
published in this report. All Public
Water Systems have been advised to increase security since all are susceptible
to the acts of others. A vulnerability assessment study has been completed by
the National Rural Water Associations Security and Emergency Management System.
This study is a requirement of the federal enacted Safe Drinking Water Act. The
contents of that report are confidential for security reasons.
Diligent
efforts to protect this system will continue to make it our legacy to our
children.
Water
Source:
Our
water comes from these three sources:
1.)
Town
Well #1, which is located along the Great Brook Aquifer.
2.)
Town
Well #2, which is located along Great Brook Aquifer.
The
combination of flows from the two wells provides 95% of the water needs of the
Town.
Southwick is very fortunate to have one of
the most pristine and productive water supply aquifers in this part of the
country.
3.)
Two
(2) connections to the Springfield Water System Aqueduct and associated booster
pumps are
used to supplement the Town’s water system
needs during heavy use periods, and to act as a backup supply in an emergency
situation.
The
Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) completed a Source Water
Assessment and Protection (SWAP) Program report in April 2003. The report lists
potential contamination sources, and a summary of our system’s susceptibility
to these contaminant sources. The report may be reviewed and a copy obtained at
the Town of Southwick Department of Public Works at
Distribution
System:
After the
water enters the system, from either source, it is pumped up into the storage
tank, which also serves as the pressure regulator for the water system. At the same time, the tank also acts as a
reservoir of stored water, which can be used for fire fighting or any other
emergency.
From the
tank, the water enters the distribution system and branches out through a
system of approximately 50 miles of pipes, eventually connecting to your
faucets. During the past several years,
Water Division efforts have concentrated on upgrading the distribution system
and many significant improvements have been made. More and more demands are being put on the
water system due to the increase in housing development. In order to keep up with this added demand
for drinking water and fire fighting capabilities, lines that were adequate in
size 5 or 10 years ago need to be replaced with larger sized lines. During 2006 Tighe & Bond Engineers from
Westfield conducted hydraulic testing, and a computer model of the system was. Recommendations were made to add a
redundant well with a larger pump and motor and a second million-gallon storage
tank to increase our storage capacity to a 3-day supply. Town voters approved the requested funding
for permitting and installation of the new well. The new well and pumping house are now
complete and operating.
Construction
of the new 1.0 million gallon storage tank will begin during the summer of
2010, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
The system
improvements c will allow Southwick to utilize the approved MassDEP withdrawal
volumes. Southwick has a pumping
capacity of just over 1 million gallons per day. Southwick currently uses
approximately 800,000 gallons per day. This will Southwick to use less of Springfield’s
chlorinated water source reducing the taste and /odor associated with the
chlorinated water source. These
improvements will provide for long term increases in demands on the system.
How do
we ensure Water Quality?
Southwick
Water Department water is tested at a certified independent laboratory and the
results of these tests are compared to USEPA and MassDEP standards for safe
drinking water. These tests are
scheduled by MassDEP and performed throughout the year. Specific tests are performed for bacteria,
volatile organic compounds, synthetic organic compounds, inorganic compounds,
lead, copper, and disinfection byproducts.
Approximately 400 of these tests are taken each year to insure the
safety and quality of our drinking water. The test results are available for
review at the DPW office at
The Town is
required to test for lead or copper every three years. There has been no lead
or copper problems in past years that constitute above average levels of either
metal.
The water
system is required to test for Halocetic Acids and Trihalomethanes. These
compounds in the water are as a result from the chlorinated water we receive
from
Health
Information:
The sources
of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes,
streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells.
As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it
dissolves naturally occurring minerals and in some cases, radioactive material,
and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human
activity. Contaminants that may be
present in water sources include the following.
In order to
ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the MassDEP and US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain
contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must
provide the same protection or public health. Drinking water, including bottled
water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least a small amount of
contaminants. The presence of
contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health
risk. However, some people may be more
vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than others in the general
population. Immuno-compromised persons
such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone
organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or 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. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to
lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial
contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking water Hotline
(1-800-426-4791).
Appendix
A - Level of Detected Contaminants
Definitions:
Before you
can interpret the water test results, you need to understand the following
definitions and acronyms.
MCLG
(Maximum
Contamination Level Goal) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below
which there is no known or expected health risk.
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) is the
highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in safe drinking water.
ORSG MassDEP Guidance Level
SMCL
Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level
AL (Action Level) is the concentration
of a contaminant, which if exceeded, triggers treatment or other water system requirements.
PPM (Parts Per Million) measured in
milliliters / liter (ml/l) -- (1 drop in 10 gallons)
PPB (Parts Per Billion) measured in
microliters / liter (ml/l)
-- (1 drop in 10,000 gallons)
|
TOWN
WELL WATER TEST RESULTS |
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|
Contaminant (units) |
MCLG |
MCL |
Maximum amount detected |
Possible sources of
Contaminants |
Violation (Yes/No) |
Number of Sites Sampled |
Number of Sites found
above Action Level |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Barium (ppm) 2009 |
2000 |
2 |
.24 |
Erosion of natural
deposits |
No |
1 |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Perchlorate (ppb) 2009 |
2 |
2 |
.64 |
By-product from the
manufacture of rocket fuel fireworks and explosives. |
No |
1 |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sulfate (ppm) 2008 |
Not regulated |
Not regulated |
14.0 |
Erosion of natural
deposits |
No |
1 |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Nitrate (ppm) 2009 |
10 |
10 |
3.8 |
Runoff from fertilizer
use, Leaching from Septic Tanks or Erosion of natural deposits. |
No |
1 |
0 |
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|
Water Sodium and Sulfate Test Results
Delivered Water Lead and Copper 2008 test
results Contaminant Action Level MGL 90th Possible Source of Violation Number of Number of Units MGL Average Percentile Contamination YES/NO) Sites Sites found
Result Level
Samples above action
taken Level Lead
(ppb) 15 2 5 Corrosion of household No 20 0
plumbing Copper 1.3 .054 .09 Corrosion of household No 20 0
plumbing Delivered
Water Lead and Copper 2009 test results at the Middle School and High School High School Contaminant Action Level MGL 90th Possible Source of Violation Number of Number of Units MGL Average Percentile Contamination (YES/NO) Sites Sites found
Result Level
Samples above action
Taken Level Lead
(ppb) 15 1.0 and 6.3 n/a Corrosion of Plumbing No 2 0 Copper
(ppm) 1.3 .21 and .12 n/a Corrosion of Plumbing No 2 0 Middle School |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Contaminant (Units) |
Action Level MGL |
MGL Average Result |
90th Percentile Level |
Possible source of
Contamination |
Violation (Yes/No) |
Number of Sites Samples
taken |
Number of Sites found
above Action Level |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Lead
(ppb) |
15 |
1.1 and 1.4 |
n/a |
Corrosion of plumbing |
No |
2 |
0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Copper (ppm) |
1.3 |
.061
and .078 |
n/a |
Corrosion of plumbing |
No |
2 |
0 |
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Appendix
B – Health Information
Biological
Contaminants:
(1) Total Coliform:
Coliforms
are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an
indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present. People with
severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at
increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their
health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of
infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
1-800-426-4791
(2) Fecal
Coliform/E.Coli:
Fecal
Coliform and E. Coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may
be contaminated with human or animal wastes.
Germs in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches and
fatigue. No fecal Coliform or E. Coli
bacteria were found in any of the monthly samples taken at numerous sites
within the system.
Organic
Chemicals
(1) 1,2
Dichloropropane:
Some
people who drink water containing 1,2 Dichloropropane in excess of the MCL over
many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. This organic chemical has not been
detected. The Water Division is also
working with the people who may have used this chemical in the past in order to
determine if we can isolate the original source. There is no present danger, but we
want to avoid any potential problems.
Routine monitoring continues on this chemical..
Inorganic
Chemicals
(1) Barium:
Some
people, who drink water that contains barium in excess of the MCL over many
years, could experience an increase in their blood pressure. We have discovered that our water contains
barium at 240 PPB, which is far below the MCL of 2000 PPB. Barium in the
drinking water comes from natural deposits.
(2) Sodium
All groundwater contains a small amount
of sodium, which comes from the erosion of natural deposits and road salt. Persons on a sodium-restricted diet may want
to consult their health care provider even though this is a very small amount
(12.00 PPM).
(3) Sulfate
This
compound comes from erosion of natural deposits and is not regulated by USEPA
or the MassDEP.
(4) Nitrate
Nitrates
occur in drinking water from runoff from fertilize, animal waste, leaching from septic systems. At 3.40 PPM, the amount of this compound in
our water is below the MCL of 10 PPM and decreasing with time. The current sanitary sewer installation
project should further help to reduce this number.
(5)Berylium
Berylium
is an inorganic compound that occurs naturally and enters the water system as a
result of natural or human activities.
In 2009 the new well #2 was tested for berylium and none was detected.
The EPA has determined that berylium is a natural carcinogen.
(6)
Perchlorate
The
salts of perchloric acid are inorganic chemicals used in the production of
rocket fuel, explosives, and fire works. Human exposure to perchlorate can
occur if contaminated water is consumed. Perchlorate disrupts normal function
of the thyroid gland in humans. Southwick water perchlorate level has beem measured
at .64 ppb well below the maximum contaminate level of 2 ppb allowed by
MassDEP.
(7) Lead and
Copper
In
2009 Lead and Copper samples were taken at the Middle School and High School
and were found to be below the MassDEP maximum contaminant levels that would
trigger corrective action.
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
Southwick Water Department 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 two 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 Hot Line or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Note:
One
of the potential causes for chemicals in groundwater comes from the use of
fertilizers and pesticides on lawns and gardens. NEVER use more than the manufacturers
recommended amounts of either.
The
water is tested for hardness and pH to determine if any treatment is
necessary. The measured pH (how acidic
or basic) of 7.5, shows that our water is non-aggressive. The aggressiveness of water determines the
potential for the presence of lead or copper since acidic (pH of less than 6.7)
water leads to the dissolving of lead and copper from our plumbing systems. Our lead and copper testing also indicates
that this pH 7.5 has not been attacking the pipes in our system or in your
homes since the readings for lead and copper are at a very low level.
Our
test for hardness shows that our water is typical of well water. It has a hardness level higher than the typically
soft water from a surface water source.
Water Commissioners Meetings
The Southwick Water Commissioners meet
on alternating Thursday evenings during the year. The meetings are held on the first
and third Thursday of each month. During the months of July and August the
commissioners are in their Summer schedule and meet only on the first Thursday
of each month.
The meetings are held at 454 College
Highway Southwick, Ma in the upper level conference room. The meetings are
public and open for participation by all Town residents. Meeting notices are
posted at town Hall 48 hours prior to each meeting.
MassDEP Enforcement Violations 2009
Changes
to our routine monthly sample collection schedule for total coliform bacteria
were discussed with the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Under the revised schedule
the number of routine sample collection sites would be increased from eight to
ten locations. The Southwick Water Department did not begin collecting samples
from the ten locations until August 2009. We disagree that we were required to
collect ten samples for the month of July and therefore violated the total
coliform monitoring requirements. Since August 2009 all samples have been
collected as per the revised schedule as required.
Between
the months of July and September of 2008 the Southwick Water Department was
required to test the water at two different schools for levels of lead and copper,
however, samples were collected at only one of the schools. The 2008 Consumer
Confidence report listed monitoring violations but omitted the required
language that appears in the first italicized paragraph. A public notification
was issued by the water department including the required language and the
problem was resolved.
During
the month of October 2009 11 of the 36 water samples taken for the detection of
coliform bacteria tested positive for the bacteria. Both groundwater wells that
serve the water system were shut down and the connection to the Springfield
Water System was turned on in order bring chlorinated water into the system to
disinfect the water lines. The distribution system lines were flushed to
mobilize the chlorinated water. Water samples were taken at both groundwater
wells that tested negative for coliform and Ecoli bacteria. Subsequent sampling
after disinfection showed that there was no coliform bacteria in the system,
and that the problem was solved.
In
November 2009 three out of the twenty seven water samples collected tested
positive for total coliform bacteria however all repeat samples collected
tested negative for bacteria and the problem was resolved.
On
April 1, 2009 a Unilateral Administrative Order was issued by the DEP requiring
the following
·
Submit
a formal hydrant flushing program. This was completed.
·
Submit
results of our cross connection survey at each of our bacteria testing sites.
This was completed
·
Conduct
a complete flushing of the distribution system. This was completed.
On
September 21, 2009 an Administrative Consent Order was issued by the DEP
requiring that the Southwick Water Department submit a copy of our standard
operating procedure for assuring compliance with the Total Coliform Rule. This
was completed.
In
2009 water system received a notice of non compliance for violations of the
cross connection regulations and for not submitting the Interim Distribution
System Evaluation results in a timely manner.
More information can be obtained
from the following sources:
1.) Visit the Web Site for the
American Water Works Assn. @ www.awwa.org
2.) Visit the Web Site for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency @ www.epa.gov/OW/
3.) Visit the Web Site for the MassDEP
@ www.state.ma.us/dep/
4.)
Call the Water Division between 8:30 AM & 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
Phone: (413) 569-6772
Fax: (413) 569-5001