Northborough Community Letter 2021

Northborough is a partner with other MWRA communities in providing our water users with the Annual Water Quality Report produced by the MWRA. For calendar year 2021, 100% of Northborough’s water was delivered from the MWRA system through one metered connection.

After receiving the water from MWRA, Northborough distributes the water to our customers. The Water Division maintains ap- proximately 65 miles of distribution pipeline, over 575 fire hydrants and manages 4,233 accounts. The Town of Northborough’s Water Division delivered 326 million gallons of water to our customers.

WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Year 3 of the five-year valve exercising program was completed. The distribution system is flushed twice a year to remove naturally occurring sediments, which if left in water mains may cause taste or odor problems for consumers. The hydrant flushing program takes place in both Spring and Fall. Construction of the new Water/Sewer Maintenance Building along with the improvements and upgrades at the Assabet Storage Tank have begun and are slated to be completed in the summer of 2022.

CROSS CONNECTION

Northborough has an ongoing program to eliminate possible cross connections from the distribution system. In a typical water sup- ply system, pressure is maintained to adequately enable water to flow to the tap, shower head etc. When pressure drops within the system (due to a water main break, fire demand, etc.) contaminated water could be drawn back into the system from potential sources within your house or business (hose, irrigation system, pool, etc.). Additional Cross Connection Control educational information is available on the Town’s Water Division website at (www.town.northborough.ma.us/water-division).

LEAD & COPPER RESULTS

Northborough conducted lead and copper testing at 15 residences. The 90th percentile for Northborough results were 1.56 ppb for Lead and 130 ppb for Copper. These results were below the Action Levels of 15 ppb for lead and 1300 ppb for copper. Also, two pub- lic schools were tested, and both were below the Action Levels for lead and copper.

TOTAL COLIFORM RULE RESULTS

Northborough conducts bacteriological testing and chlorine residual sampling for compliance with the Total Coliform Rule (TCR). The TCR requires Northborough to take 16 bacteria samples per month (2 samples each at 8 locations). Northborough had 1 total coliform positive sample in August and repeat sampling results were negative. Northborough is in full compliance with the Total Coliform Rule requirements.

CONCLUSION

The Northborough Public Works Department, through its Water Division, continues its commitment to provide its customers with safe, high quality potable water. If you have any questions, require additional information or for information on public meetings, please contact the Public Works Administrative Offices, 63 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532, call us at (508) 393-5040 ext.6 or visit the Water Division’s website at www.town.northborough.ma.us/water-division.