Swampscott Community Letter 2021

The Swampscott Department of Public Works is pleased to provide this annual newsletter to keep you informed about your water system. The Town of Swampscott purchases all of its water directly from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The water is delivered through two MWRA master meters into the town’s distribution system. The distribution system consists of a network of pipes, valves, hydrants and service lines. The system delivers water to homes, businesses, schools and other facilities for drinking and other uses.

Swampscott’s distribution system is comprised of approximately 57 miles of water mains ranging from 6 to 16-inches in diameter, with 473 hydrants. There are approximately 1400 gate valves that allow isolated portions of the system to be shut down for repairs and maintenance. Swampscott has continued to make improvements to the water system, including a 2021 town wide leak detection survey. This survey was performed to reduce unaccounted for water by identifying hidden and surfaced leaks. During the survey two leaks were located, representing an estimated loss of approximately 28,800 gallons per day, or if left unrepaired approximately 10.5 million gallons per year. The subsequent repairs led to the reduction of purchased water from the MWRA. However, due to the rising cost to supply water, the Town once again had to increase the water rate. Although it should be noted, as opposed to years past when all users experienced the same increase, Swampscott implemented a tiered consumption rate. This tiered system resulted in low end users seeing a 3.0% increase, while high end users saw a 10% increase.

Seventy percent of the pipes in the distribution system are over fifty years old with approximately sixty percent unlined cast iron pipe. Unlined pipe allows tuberculation (rust) to accumulate on the inside surfaces of the pipe. While not a health issue, these tubercles can affect the ability of the pipe to carry flows for firefighting purposes and can affect the appearance of your water, i.e. yellow or red discoloration.

The Town, working with the MWRA, tests nine samples bi-weekly for total coliform bacteria to monitor the distribution system. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) requires that no more than one of the samples in a month may be positive. Swampscott had zero positive results for the entire year. The Town is also responsible for conducting lead and copper testing of samples on an annual basis. It is important to note that the water supplied by the MWRA does not contain any lead. However, Swampscott remains concerned about lead in tap water. Therefore, we test fifteen homes and two schools yearly. The 90th percentile level for Swampscott was 3.24 ppb, which is well below the Action Level of 15 ppb. Please see page 5 for more information on lead in tap water. Additionally, the 90th percentile value for copper was 162 ppb, which again was well below the copper action level of 1300 ppb.

As part of the Town’s continuing effort to upgrade its water distribution system, the 10-inch main on Atlantic Ave (from the Puritan/ Humphrey split to Shepard Ave.) was cleaned and lined, resulting in improved water quality and pressure. Additionally, the 6-inch main on Jesse Street will be replaced with a new cement lined 8-inch main this spring. New hydrants and gate valves were installed on Atlantic Ave. and will be installed on Jesse Street. This project is funded using MWRA zero interest loans and is the nineteenth year in which the town has taken advantage of the MWRA’s financial assistance.

The Town of Swampscott is committed to providing its residents with the best water possible. As our customers, we hope that you will find this report informative and useful. If you would like to obtain additional information on particular subjects, want to know about town meetings, or have specific questions, please feel free to contact the Department of Public Works, at (781) 596-8860, or e-mail the Director at gcresta@swampscottma.gov. You may also contact the MWRA directly using the phone numbers listed in this report.

Sincerely,

Gino A. Cresta Jr.
Director of Public Works