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2023 Arlington Water Quality Letter
Thank you for taking the time to review the information contained within this report. The Arlington Department of Public Works, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), is pleased to provide this annual water quality report to keep you informed about your water system.
Our Distribution System:
Arlington receives all of its water directly from the MWRA. After traveling miles from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, and being treated at state of the art water treatment plants, water is delivered through five MWRA master meters into the Town’s distribution system. Arlington’s distribution system is comprised of approximately 130 miles of water mains ranging from six to twenty-inches in diameter, with approximately 1,400 hydrants.
Lead and Copper:
Arlington annually collects and tests water from 20 high risk properties to test for the presence of lead and copper. We receive many inquiries about lead in the drinking water. There is no lead in the water supply; however, lead can enter your tap water through contact with brass fixtures (which contain lead in the alloy), lead solder (which is now outlawed), old lead plumbing in the house or in the service line from the main to your house.
September 2023 Lead and Copper Results
| Range | 90% Value | Action Level | MCLG | Samples Over Action Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (ppb) | 0.21-46.2 ppb | 4.6 ppb | 15 ppb | 0 ppb | 1 of 20 |
| Copper (ppb) | 38.5-177 ppb | 150 ppb | 1300 ppb | 1300 ppb | 0 of 20 |
The one location above the Action Level was known to be lead and a plan to replace this service was in place prior to the sampling. The lead service has since been removed. In 2023, Arlington investigated 44 service line locations where lead was suspected. Of these, 11 were replaced with copper. The other 33 locations were found to already be copper. Additional investigations/removals are planned for 2024. Arlington is developing a lead service line inventory. To find out if you might have a lead service line and how it can be replaced, please contact the Water/Sewer Department at the number listed below. Questions about other possible lead sources in the home plumbing itself should be directed to a private plumber.
Asbestos Testing:
Every several years, Arlington is required to test for asbestos in the water at a few approved sampling locations. Last year, Arlington missed the required sample date by a few months, resulting in a Notice of Noncompliance (NON) by the MassDEP. No asbestos was detected. The next scheduled test will take place in 2031.
Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Removal:
Arlington is working to remove sources of I&I. I&I consists of clean water entering the sewer system and is prohibited by State Law. Common sources include sump pumps that are connected directly to the sanitary sewer line, or indirectly with hoses into sinks or floor drains. These connections add unnecessary flow to the sewer system and often result in overflows during periods of heavy rain. The Town will be contacting property owners where such connections have been documented or are suspected and options for removal will be presented.
Water Main Upgrades:
Each year Arlington works to replace aging water mains. In 2023, with help from the MWRA’s Local Pipeline Assistance Program, work will continue on: Broadway (Sunnyside to North Union), Decatur Street, and Silk Street (Broadway to Michael Street). In addition, work is being planned to replace the main on Pleasant Street between Route 2 and Mass. Ave. Details will be communicated on the Town’s Website as they are finalized.
Updates to Water Meter Reading Technology Town-wide/Water Meter Replacement Program:
Work continues on this project in 2024. If you have received a letter requesting an appointment, please take the time to do so. These upgrades are mandatory and no fee will be charged to customers for this service. The Town is also taking this opportunity to complete a water service line material inventory. Any locations determined to be lead will be contacted for inclusion with the Town’s no cost lead line removal program.
If you have any questions or comments on the information presented, or about water related meetings, please call us or visit www.arlingtonma.gov
Water Meters/Connections: 781-316-3106, Water Bills: 781-316-3102. Thank you.
Michael W. Rademacher, PE,
Director of Public Works
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