Newton Community Letter 2021

WHAT NEWTON IS DOING TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

In partnership with the MWRA, the Newton Department of Public Works maintains programs to improve the quality of drinking water provided to Newton residents. The City operates under the Massachusetts DEP regulation 310 CMR 22.00.

The City completed a Capital Efficiency Plan (CEP) in 2021, a Risk-Based Asset Ranking process that supported an ongoing program of pipeline replacement, cleaning and lining of water mains, replacement of hydrants, elimination of dead- end water mains, and water main flushing. Typical of older distribution systems, the City of Newton’s water pipes had developed a layer of sediment and encrusted material known as tuberculation. This condition can affect taste, odor and color. During rehabilitation, interior walls of pipes are restored, eliminating the tuberculation upon which bacteria can grow.

WATER MAIN REHABILITATION & REPLACEMENT

Water main replacement is performed where the main is undersized or has corroded to such an extent that it is not structurally sound. The City of Newton will spend approximately 4.5 million dollars per year for at least the next 10 years to rehabilitate the water infrastructure; in order to keep construction costs at a minimum, water main rehabilitation is targeted on roads scheduled for resurfacing. The 2021 construction season included installation of 5,290 linear feet of new water main on Needham Street between Oak Street and Winchester Street, and the cleaning and cement lining  of 3,450 linear feet of water main on Chestnut Street between Beacon Street and Commonwealth Avenue. The Department of Public Works also implemented an ongoing comprehensive unidirectional flushing program designed to remove tuberculation and sediments from water mains.

LEAK DETECTION PROGRAM

The City performs a semi-annual water leak detection survey on 319 miles of water main. Correlation technology is used to find leaks. In 2021, one hundred and seventy-seven (177) leaks were documented and repaired by the Utilities Division.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION

The City of Newton has a Cross Connection Control and Prevention Program (CCCP) to protect the water distribution system from contamination. The Certified Backflow Inspectors/Testers surveyed 84 facilities, performed 2,392 tests on backflow devices, and reviewed and approved new devices prior to installation.

TOTAL COLIFORM TESTS

IN THE PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
MWRA and Newton test 23 water samples throughout the city each week for total coliform bacteria to monitor the water quality in the distribution system. The EPA requires that no more than 5% of the samples in a month may be positive for total coliform. Newton had one (1) positive total coliform result in calendar year 2021.

LEAD AND COPPER SAMPLING

The MassDEP Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requires the city to test for lead and copper annually. Water testing under the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) showed the 90th percentile for both lead and copper to be under the MassDEP Action Levels. For more information on lead sampling, go to www.newtonma.gov.

James McGonagle, Commissioner of Public Works