Lynnfield Community Letter 2022

The Lynnfield Water District (LWD) is pleased to provide this annual water quality report to keep you informed about your water system. We would like to provide a recap of the major points for any new customers or residents who may not have seen last year’s water quality report.

Our Distribution System

The LWD purchases all its water directly from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The water is delivered through one master meter into the distribution system. The distribution system consists of a network of pipes, valves, hydrants, and service lines. The system delivers water to homes, businesses and other facilities for drinking and fire protection. LWD’s distribution system is comprised of approximately 29 miles of water mains ranging from two-inch to twelve-inch diameter. There are almost three hundred hydrants that are owned and maintained by the district. There are approximately four hundred and fifty gate valves that allow portions of the system to be shut down for maintenance and repairs.

Approximately ten percent of the system is unlined cast iron pipe. Unlined pipe allows tuberculation (rust) to grow on the inside surfaces of the pipe. While not a health problem, these tubercles can affect the ability of the pipe to carry flows and can affect the appearance of the water, such as yellow and red water problems. During 2022 the district began a storage tank repainting project. The small tank was taken out of service in July and structural work and painting took place during the summer and fall months with the small tank coming back online at the end of October. The large tank was then taken out of service when peak usage had subsided and the work has been ongoing this winter. After completing the repainting of the tank, we tested for compounds typically found in paint. Only two were found and they were below EPA and MassDEP standards as shown in the table below.

Lead and Copper Results

LWD tests for lead and copper in a minimum of 13 homes once a year. In 2022, LWD met the EPA rule that 90% of the sampled homes must be below the Lead Action Level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). In the September sampling round, the 90th percentile value was 4.12 ppb. For more information about the potential presence of lead in tap water and steps that may be taken to reduce exposure, please see page 5. The LWD has also met the EPA rule that 90% of the sampled homes must be below the Copper Action Level of 1300 ppb. In the September sampling round, the 90th percentile value was 102 ppb.

Total Coliform Tests in Community Pipes

The MWRA and LWD test six water samples each month for total coliform bacteria to monitor the distribution system. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. The EPA requires that no more than 5% of the samples in a month may be positive. Routine water sampling during 2022 did not indicate the presence of coliforms in the district’s distribution system.

If you have any questions or comments on your water or would like information on District meetings, please call us at 781-598-4223 or visit www.lwdma.us.

Sincerely,

Matthew D. O’Connell Water Superintendent