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Wilmington DPW - Water & Sewer Division
121 Glen Road
Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887
Office of the Director
115 Andover Street
Wilmington, MA 01887
Telephone (978) 658-4711
Fax (978) 694-2003
TTY (978) 694-1417
Public Water Supply
# 3342000
Wilmington Water Supply:
The Wilmington distribution system consists of over 138 miles of water mains, 1250 fire hydrants and three water storage tanks and provides drinking water to 99 percent of all residents and businesses in the Town. The Town has four active wells that serve as our primary supply of water: Brown’s Crossing, Barrow’s, Shawsheen Ave, and Salem Street. After treatment at one of the two water treatment plants, water is pumped to three storage tanks and to homes and businesses. In times of high demand, MWRA water is used to supplement the Town’s supply. In 2022, Town wells supplied around 70 percent of drinking water.
How Is My Water Treated?
The water is first aerated to improve taste and then treated to remove iron and manganese. Alum is added to allow particles to clump together and settle out, and then the water is filtered through granulated activated carbon (GAC) beds. The water is disinfected with chlorine, which is then converted to chloramine to keep the water safe within the distribution system, without increasing disinfection byproducts. More detailed information on our sources, treatment, and the characteristics of the water you receive is available at www.wilmingtonma.gov/water-sewer-division. There were no violations or exceedances of the contaminants found in our water (see below).
| Regulated Substances | Unit | MCL | MCLG | Highest * or Average Level Detected | Range | Major Sources | Health Effects | Violation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids -5 | ppb | 60 | NA | 16.86 | 0-55.6 | By-product of disinfection | No | |
| Total Trihalomethanes | ppb | 80 | NA | 42.95 | 0-110 | By-product of disinfection | No | |
| Nitrate (highest) | ppm | 10 | 10 | 1.20 | 0.31-1.2 | Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits | No | |
| Barium | ppm | 2 | 2 | 0.017 | 0.016-0.018 | Common mineral in nature. | No | |
| Sodium | mg/L | NA | NA | 91 | 62-120 | Use and improper storage of sodium- containing de-icing compounds or water softening agents | Some people who drink water containing sodium at high concentrations for many years could experience an increase in blood pressure | No |
| Chlorine | ppm | 4 | 4 | 1.71 | 0.07-3.07 | Disinfectant | No | |
| Arsenic | ppb | 10 | 10 | 0.43 | ND-0.85 | Natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; glass and electronics production wastes | No | |
| Perchlorate (highest) | ppb | 2.0 | N/A | 0.055 | 0.03-0.055 | Rocket propellants, fireworks, munitions, flares, blasting agents | No | |
| PFAS6 | ppt | 20 | NA | Highest Average 12.05 | 2.40-18.5 | Production or use of PFAS, including moisture and oil resistant coatings and fire-fighting foams. |
|
No |
| Coliforms | MCL/TT | MCLG | Value | Date | Violation | Possible Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E.coli | TT | 0 | Positive | September 2022 | Yes | Contaminated faucet |
Level Assessment:
In September 2022 a drinking water sample was positive for E. coli bacteria following a total coliform-positive routine sample, indicating the need to look for potential problems in the water treatment or distribution system. E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. We found E. coli bacteria, indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessments to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found. A Level 2 Assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred. The Level 2 Assessment was completed and we were required to take three corrective actions, which were completed. These included implementing a boil water order, retesting of the water, and identification and correction of the cause of the contamination at the Hillside Water Tank. A boil water order was issued by MassDEP on September 8, 2022. Two days of re-sampling took place and on September 10, the boil order was lifted after the repeat samples were absent of any bacterial contamination. The water tank was isolated, cleaned and tested clear for bacterial contamination. It was determined that the likely cause of the E.coli positive sample was a contaminated faucet where the sample was taken. Further information is available at: www.wilmingtonma.gov/water-sewer-division.
Lead and Copper Sampling:
To comply with the EPA Lead and Copper Rule, the Wilmington Water Division completed its latest round of sampling in June of 2020. Thirty samples were tested. Both lead and copper 90th percentile results were below the EPA action levels.
| Range | MCLG | 90% Value | Action Level | Samples Over Action Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (ppb) | 1.0-3.8 | 0 pb | 1.9 | 15 ppb | 0 |
| Copper (ppb) | 8.0-110 | 1300 | 63.2 | 1300 ppb | 0 |
Mandatory Outdoor Water Restrictions:
NO Outdoor Watering between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Sprinkler Systems: Both above ground or installed underground, can be used once per week, subject to the restrictions above. VIOLATION OF THESE WATER USE RESTRICTIONS WILL RESULT IN A MINIMUM $50.00 PER DAY FINE!
Source Water Assessment & Protection (SWAP) is available at the Wilmington Water Division and online at www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/3342000.pdf. For more detailed information, call us at (978) 658-4711 or go to www.wilmingtonma.gov/water-sewer-division. Water & Sewer Commission Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Joseph Lobao, Utility & Business Manager Department of Public Works
Updated June 8, 2023