Lynnfield Community Letter 2021

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The Lynnfield Water District (LWD) is pleased to provide this annual water quality report to keep you informed about your water system. We would like to provide a recap of the major points for any new customers or residents who may not have seen last year’s water quality report.

Our Distribution System

The LWD purchases all its water directly from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The water is delivered through one master meter into the distribution system. The distribution system consists of a network of pipes, valves, hydrants, and service lines. The system delivers water to homes, businesses and other facilities for drinking and fire protection. LWD’s distribution system is comprised of approximately 29 miles of water mains ranging from two-inch to twelve-inch diameter. There are almost three hundred hydrants that are owned and maintained by the district. There are approximately four hundred and fifty gate valves that allow portions of the system to be shut down for maintenance and repairs.

Approximately ten percent of the system is unlined cast iron pipe. Unlined pipe allows tuberculation (rust) to grow on the inside surfaces of the pipe. While not a health problem, these tubercles can affect the ability of the pipe to carry flows and can affect the appearance of the water, such as yellow and red water problems. During 2021, LWD replaced a few hundred feet of 6” unlined cast iron pipe on Maple St with 8” ductile iron pipe that will increase water flow and help with overall water quality within the system. Also, on Fletcher Rd 150 feet of 8” unlined cast iron pipe was replaced with 8” ductile iron, ahead of a Lynnfield DPW drainage job so that a section of pipe could be installed ahead of the culvert that is being replaced on Fletcher Rd., with extra valves added in the case of an emergency, so that no residents would be left without water. The district also added a new hydrant on the end of Locksley Rd. that will not only provide extra fire support but will also give a new hydrant to flush a dead end section of the distribution system.

Lead and Copper Results

LWD tests for lead and copper in a minimum of 10 homes once a year. In the fall of 2021, LWD met the EPA rule that 90% of the sampled homes must be below the Lead Action Level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). In the September sampling round, the 90th percentile value for lead was 3.94 ppb. For more information about the potential presence of lead in tap water and steps that may be taken to reduce exposure, please see page 5. The LWD has also met the EPA rule that 90% of the sampled homes must be below the Copper Action Level of 1300 ppb. In the September sampling round, the 90th percentile value was 149 ppb.

Total Coliform Tests in Community Pipes

The MWRA and LWD test six water samples each month for total coliform bacteria to monitor the distribution system. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. The EPA requires that no more than 5% of the samples in a month may be positive. Routine water sampling during 2021 did not indicate the presence of coliforms in the district’s distribution system.

If you have any questions or comments on your water or would like information on District meetings, please call us at 781-598-4223 or visit www.lwdma.us.

Sincerely,

Matthew D. O’Connell Water Superintendent

Updated June 14, 2022