Southborough Community Letter 2022

The Town of Southborough and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) are pleased to provide our customers with the 2022 Annual Water Quality Report. The report provides information on the drinking water the Town and MWRA supply to you daily. The Water Commissioners are Southborough’s Board of Selectmen. The town website, southboroughtown.com, posts the Select Board agendas along with water reports and other water system information. Water customers are encouraged to participate at Select Board meetings that discuss water issues.

SOUTHBOROUGH’S WATER SYSTEM: 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) manages the Town’s water system. 100% of Southborough’s water is from the MWRA. The water flows into Southborough’s two pumping stations and distributed throughout our water distribution system. Southborough’s three water tanks control the pressure in the water system. Southborough experienced drought conditions in the summer of 2022. The Town pumped about 370 MG of water into the distribution system in 2022, a 14.9% increase from the volume pumped in 2021.

WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE:

 The Town’s Leak Detection Contractor performed the annual leak detection survey in 2022. The survey identified 14 hydrant leaks and 1 service leak. In all, 8 water main breaks, 4 service breaks and 17 hydrants were replaced or repaired in 2022. The Water Division performed the annual flushing program to remove pipe tuberculation and sedimentation in the last week of April and the first week of May. Throughout 2022 the Water Division employees performed all required routine system maintenance. The Water System Master Plan was completed in April.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION (CROSS CONNECTIONS): 

Southborough continues to enforce the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mandated cross connection control and prevention program under 310 CMR 22.22 through device testing and surveys. The Town performs cross connection surveys at businesses to ensure required backflow prevention devices are in place, and tests the devices to make sure that they are working properly. Backflow devices are required on all lawn irrigation systems, even at residences.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (DEP) SANITARY SURVEY: 

The DEP performed its triennial sanitary survey on Southborough’s water system in 2022. Two deficiencies were noted: the Coliform Sampling Plan and Map needed to be updated. The plan deficiencies were addressed in 2022.

WATER ANALYSIS: 

The Town is required to sample 10 sites each month for the presence of coliform bacteria. 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. In September we found coliforms, indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct an assessment to identify any problems and to correct any problems that are found. The Town was required to complete a Level 1 Assessment due to samples taken on September 21st and a re-sample taken on September 22nd that tested positive for total coliforms. It was determined that bacteria entered the water pipes following construction work to replace 1 mile of cast iron pipe. We determined that the pipe replacement reduced water flow and pressure in the system, and that the disinfectant levels (chlorine) in the water were low. We were required to carry out three corrective actions. We addressed the pressure in the line post-construction, increased chlorine levels to improve disinfection in the lines, and resampled the water for bacteria. The Level 1 Assessment was completed and submitted to the DEP on October 7, 2022.

The DEP requires that Southborough sample and test the water from three locations with vinyl-lined asbestos cement pipe each year for PCE (tetrachloroethylene). No PCE was detected. Asbestos was tested and reported in 2020. The Town tests 20 sites once a year for the presence of lead and copper. Results are shown below. Southborough does not have any lead water mains or lead water services.

^1. Results of 2020 testing. MFL=million fibers per liter.

Questions? Contact Karen Galligan, DPW Superintendent, at the DPW 508-485-1210.