Bedford Community Letter 2022

BEDFORD’S WATER SYSTEM

In 2022, Bedford supplied 607 million gallons of water to our residential, retail and industrial customers; this usage was above the supplied amount in 2021 (550 MG), resulting in an average daily usage of 1.6 million gallons. Our average residential use is 64 gallons per person per day. Bedford’s peak day demand was 3.0 million gallons on August 4th. In 2022, Bedford was 100% supplied by the MWRA (i.e. Quabbin Reservoir) via Lexington from 3 meter vaults. The three Shawsheen Wells remain off-line while we continue to work with MassDEP to determine safe and cost-effective measures related to PFAS. Bedford’s water system includes approximately 84 miles of water mains, 800 fire hydrants, 760 backflow prevention devices, 5,000 service connections and three storage tanks.

WATER OPERATIONS

This year the Water Division completed its retrofit upgrade at the Pine Hill storage tank to enhance the disinfection process and began similar work at the Crosby Drive storage tank. Also in 2022, approximately 4,800 linear feet of water mains were replaced in sections of South Road and Page Road. Additionally, 5,000 linear feet of water main were cleaned and cement lined along Hillside Avenue, Anthony Road and sections of Springs Road and Pine Hill Road.

To maintain water quality, over 200 hydrants were flushed to remove sediments in dead-end water mains, and another 100 hydrants were cleaned, flagged and painted during the summer. Older/leaking hydrants are replaced as needed. In 2022, a comprehensive leak detection survey was completed, covering 39 miles of water mains and resulted in the location of two leaks. Total water loss through leaks in the survey was estimated at 6 gallons per minute. Both leaks were promptly repaired by Bedford Water Division staff.

WATER QUALITY TESTING

The Water Division regularly tests for various parameters to monitor water quality. MWRA’s results for various parameters are listed in the beginning of this report. In addition to the regulated testing noted below, the calcium concentration was 5.2 ppm, and hardness was 17 ppm.

In August, Total Coliform was detected above the 1 positive/per month limit, which required us to conduct a Level 2 Assessment to identify potential problems in our distribution system and to correct any problems that were found. A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify problems and to determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as indicators that other potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens, may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the water distribution system. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessments to identify any problems that were found during these assessments. As a result of the Level 2 Assessment, the two corrective actions noted below were performed and completed.

LEAD & COPPER IN BEDFORD

The MWRA adjusts the pH of drinking water, making it less corrosive in order to prevent the leaching out of lead and copper from household plumbing. As part of MassDEP revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule, the Bedford Water Division is updating its water service line material inventory to submit to MassDEP by October 2024. In compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule, the Town performed lead and copper sampling in 30 homes, the 4 public schools and 2 daycare facilities, with results below EPA Action Levels (see below). Our next sampling for lead and copper is scheduled for 2023.

If you would like more information about Bedford’s water system or public meetings, please call, or visit our website at the contacts below.

Jason Raposa, Water & Sewer Operations Manager
(781) 918-4255, www.bedfordma.gov