Northborough Community Letter 2022

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 2022, 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 approximately 65 miles of distribution pipeline, over 575 fire hydrants and manages 4,249 accounts. The Town of Northborough’s Water Division delivered 326 million gallons of water to our customers.

WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Year 4 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 been completed. Phase 1 of the SCADA installation, which will allow continuous remote monitoring of tank levels and flow readings, has begun and is slated for completion in the summer of ’23.

CROSS CONNECTION

Northborough has an ongoing program to eliminate possible cross connections. In a typical water supply 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 (hose, irrigation system, pool, etc.) or business. 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 20 residences. The 90th percentile for Northborough results were 0.89 ppb for lead and 82.7 ppb for copper. These results were below the Action Levels of 15 ppb for lead and 1300 ppb for copper. Also, two public schools were tested, and both were below the Action Levels.

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 positive sample in August. The results were below State standards, and all follow-up test results were negative.

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.