Wakefield Community Letter 2021

The Town of Wakefield uses an average of 1.95 million gallons of water per day. Most of the Town's water is supplied by the MWRA through three separate connections and meters. The Broadway Treatment and Pumping Facility is used to supplement the MWRA supply and aid in times of high demand, such as during the summer or in firefighting circumstances. The Broadway Facility is also equipped to temporarily supply the entire Town under controlled use conditions (i.e., water restrictions) in the event of an emergency interruption of one of the MWRA connections. The additional supply provided by the Broadway Facility is an indispensable part of Wakefield's system.

WATER DEPARTMENT STAFF AND OPERATIONS

The Wakefield Public Works Water Division maintains and operates the Broadway Treatment Facility, approximately 110 miles of water mains, 900 fire hydrants, the Linden Street water booster station, the Harts Hill standpipe, pressure reducing valves, blow-off valves, and multiple gate and service valves. We maintain our system by detecting leaks, repairing water main breaks, replacing old water mains, water meters, and hydrants, flu shing water mains, and responding to the needs and concerns of our residents. We conduct a thorough water sampling and testing program that complies with all State and Federal requirements. We also maintain an active Cross Connection Control Program, continuously inspecting facilities and testing devices to protect the water system from contamination.

WATER ANALYSIS

The Town of Wakefield and the MWRA analyze water samples regularly to ensure compliance with drinking water standards. In 2021, we tested for more than 100 substances and only detected 12 regulated contaminants, all of which were reported below federal and state standards. Table 1 shows the detected amount of each contaminant. Not listed are the more than 100 regulated substances that were not detected in our water. For those persons who are restricting their sodium intake, we would like to provide supplemental information. Our testing indicates a sodium level of 87.8 ppm, equal to 21 milligrams per 8 ounce serving. A " low" sodium diet allows consumption of water with 140 milligrams of sodium per 8 ounce serving. For additional information on sodium, please contact the Board of Health. The Town of Wakefield successfully maintains lead and copper levels well below the EPA requirements. If you have any questions about lead in your drinking water and would like to have it tested, please contact the Department of Public Works.

TOTAL COLIFORM RESULTS

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment. Although they do not pose a health risk themselves, they are used as an indicator that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. In September, October and November 2021, coliforms were found in the water system in low concentrations. We were required to complete three Level 2 assessments of the system, which included a detailed study of the water system to determine why total coliform bacteria may have been found . Higher than average rainfall over the summer led to a higher amount of reactive organic carbon in the MWRA Wachusett Reservoir, which in turn depletes the residual chlorine levels. After deep cycling the standpipe tank and flushing parts of the distribution system, subsequent samples came back negative. We continue to monitor the water carefully each week for coliform bacteria and as required by our approved DEP Sampling Schedule for other contaminants.

UNREGULATED PFAS CONTAMINANTS

PFAS6 is a group of 6 different contaminants that are regulated as a group (see table below). Other PFAS chemicals are unregulated. Two of the 12 unregulated PFAS contaminants were detected at low levels. The MCL for PFAS is 20 ppt.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT

The DEP conducted a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) in 2004 to assess the susceptibility of the Crystal Lake supply to contamination. Based on their findings, DEP assigned a high susceptibility rank to Crystal Lake. However, the Town maintains treatment at Crystal Lake that meets or exceeds all drinking water standards and conducts extensive monitoring as described in this report to mitigate risk of contamination. The complete SWAP report is available at the Department of Public Works or online at: http://mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/water/drinking/swap/nero/3305000.pdf.

Joseph Conway, Director of Public Works

For additional information on water or public meetings, please contact:
Steven Fitzpatrick, Supervisor-Water/Sewer Divisions
Department of Public Works, Town Hall, 1 Lafayette Street
Tel. (781) 246-6318, stevef@wakefield .ma.us