Deer Island Community Letter 2022

The MWRA Waterworks Division appreciates this opportunity to provide MWRA staff on Deer Island with this annual report on the quality of your drinking water. This consumer confidence report (CCR) includes water testing results for 2022, information on MWRA’s water treatment and disinfection processes, and MWRA’s efforts to improve the water distribution system. MWRA supplies wholesale water to local water departments in 53 cities and towns as well as Deer Island, which is its own DEP recognized Public Water Supply. The report is attached and posted online on mwra.com for your review.

This water quality report reflects the significant, ongoing efforts and expertise of MWRA staff at Deer Island as well as waterworks staff who ensure the safety of the drinking water supplied to you and 3.1 million people, and protect the environment around our water supplies and communities. The report also provides information about source water and finished water leaving the John J. Carroll Water Treatment Plant.

This memo provides details about water tested at Deer Island, which is a public water system (PWS).

Lead and Copper Results
The MassDEP Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requires that we test drinking water at 10 sites once a year to determine the levels of lead and copper at Deer Island taps and water fountains. This testing also provides us with information to assess the effectiveness of MWRA’s corrosion control treatment. In September 2022, the 90th percentile for Deer Island water testing results for lead was 0.90 parts per billion (ppb), compared to the Lead Action Level (AL) of 15 ppb, and testing results for copper were 94.5 ppb, compared to the AL of 1300 ppb. Both lead and copper levels were significantly below the Action Levels for these metals. For additional information on the potential health impacts of lead in drinking water, and steps that may be taken at work or at home to reduce exposure to lead, please see page 4 and 5 of the 2022 CCR report.

Lead and Copper Rule 2022 Testing Results

Total Coliform Testing
Deer Island tests weekly for bacteria in drinking water sites. No bacteria positive water samples were found during 2022.

If you would like to learn more about the water that MWRA supplies, about other MWRA activities and projects, or about MWRA meetings that are open to the public, please visit our website at www.mwra.com. If you have any questions, please call 617-242-5323.

Thank you for your interest in MWRA’s water quality, and for your continued efforts to support MWRA’s mission.

Sincerely yours,
Steven Estes-Smargiassi, Director, Planning & Sustainability
and
Bryan Pyburn, Supervisor, Inspection, Water Operations & Maintenance