Bedford Community Letter 2023

Town of Bedford
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
314 Great Road  -  Bedford, MA 01730
Tel. (781) 275-7605  -  Fax (781) 275-9010 -  www.bedfordma.gov

Public Water Supply # 3023000

BEDFORD’S WATER SYSTEM 

In 2023, Bedford supplied 568 million gallons of water to our residential, and industrial customers; this usage was below the supplied amount in 2022 (607 MG), resulting in an average daily usage of 1.5 million gallons. Our average residential use is 55 gallons per person per day. Bedford’s peak day demand was 2.7 million gallons on June 1st. In 2023, Bedford was 100% supplied by the MWRA (i.e. Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs) via Lexington from 3 meter vaults. 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 of a chloramination booster station at the Crosby Drive storage tank to enhance the disinfection process. Also, in 2023, approximately 960 feet of water mains were replaced in Ledgewood Drive. The Water Division continued its storage tank maintenance program with the interior and exterior renovation at the Reeves Road storage tank.  

To maintain water quality over 200 hydrants were flushed to remove sediments in dead-end water mains, and another 50 hydrants were cleaned, flagged and painted during the summer. Older/leaking hydrants are replaced as needed. In 2023, a comprehensive leak detection survey was completed, covering 39 miles of water mains and resulted in the location of five leaks. Total water loss through leaks in the survey was estimated at 24 gallons per minute. All 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 are listed in the beginning of this report. In 2023 two sampling locations for TTHM/HAA were revised and approved by MassDEP.

ppm = parts per million, ppb = parts per billion, MCLG = maximum contaminant level goal, MCL = maximum contaminant level, ND = Non-Detected, NS = No Standard

In August 2023, total coliform bacteria was detected in Bedford’s water, which required a Level 1 Assessment. 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.  No more than 5% of samples can be positive in any month. Coliforms were also detected in September, October, and December, which required us to conduct Level Assessments to identify potential problems in our distribution system and to correct any problems that are found. Level 1 and 2 Assessments are very detailed studies of the water system to identify problems and to determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system. The Level 2 Assessment required two corrective actions which were both completed. The Reeves Road tank was inspected in November 2023 and the interior and exterior of the tank were restored to prevent bacterial growth in the tank. 

LEAD & COPPER 

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 (LCR), the Bedford Water Division is updating its water service line material inventory to submit to MassDEP by October 2024. In compliance with the LCR, the Town performed semi-annual lead and copper sampling totaling 68 homes, 4 public schools and 4 daycare facilities. We were notified that two residential locations tested above the Action Level for lead in July. We immediately resampled the water service to the property line, and both locations were found to be below the Action Level. All 90th percentile results were below EPA Action Levels (see below).  

(*repeat samples were below action level) 

If you would like more information about Bedford’s water system, or water related meetings, please call (781)-275-7605 or visit our website at www.bedfordma.gov