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CITY OF EVERETT
CITY SERVICES FACILITY WATER/SEWER DEPARTMENT
19 Norman Street
Everett, Massachusetts 02149
Public Water Supply # 3093000
Dear Water Customer,
The City of Everett in partnership with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) would like to present to you the 2023 annual water quality report.
Water Consumption
Everett purchases all of its water directly from the MWRA. The average daily flow of water in 2023 was 3.732 million gallons per day. The single highest daily flow for 2023 was on July 13, 2023 in the amount of 4.73 million gallons. The maximum flow week occurred from July 12, 2023 to July 18, 2023 in the amount of 31.5 million gallons.
Water System
Everett’s distribution system is comprised of approximately seventy miles of water mains ranging from two-inch to twenty four-inch in diameter, with seven hundred twenty five hydrants. There are approximately one thousand gate valves that allow isolated portions of the system to be shut down for repairs and maintenance. The system delivers water to homes, businesses and other facilities for drinking and fire protection.
Lead and Copper Results
The Everett Water Department tests for lead and copper once a year. In 2023, Everett was below the lead action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb), with a result of 12.9 ppb and the copper results were 119 ppb which is well below the copper action level of 1300 ppb in the September sampling round.
| Range | 90% Value | Action Level | MCLG | Samples Over Action Level | |
| Lead (ppb) | 0.11-113 | 12.9 | 15 | 0 | 2 of 20 |
| Copper (ppb) | 8.9-193 | 119 | 1300 | 1300 | 0 of 20 |
Some homes built before the 1950s may still have a lead service line connecting the house to the water main. To find out if you have a lead service line and how to get it replaced, please call the phone numbers listed below or you can look up your address at https://lead-service-line-inventory-ewate.hub.arcgis.com/
Total Coliform Tests in Community Pipes
To assure water quality and regulatory compliance, Everett collects 13 water samples each week and tests for total coliform bacteria. The EPA requires that no more than 5% of monthly samples may be positive for total coliform. Everett exceeded the 5% four times in August, September, October, and November of 2023. 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. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution, and were required to conduct assessments to identify problems and to correct any problems found during these assessments. We completed four Level 2 assessments of our water system and sampling procedures. We determined that the rise in total coliform was due to chlorine residuals being lower than normal in a localized area due to lower water flows, a broken valve, as well as higher than usual UV254 (organic compounds in the water) following the rain events in July and the late fall. Three corrective actions were completed. The chlorine dose was adjusted as needed to address increased chlorine decay. Hydrant flushing was conducted in this area to increase chlorine residuals and flush warm and stagnant water. The valve that was broken and closed was also repaired and opened back up.
Maintenance
Hydrant flushing was conducted in April and October. Unidirectional flushing helps remove sediments, improves water quality and increases the longevity of our water mains. All fire hydrants were inspected and operated to ensure proper operation. The valve exercising program was also continued. The Water Dept. replaced 18 hydrants, 11 inoperable gate valves and repaired 24 water leaks in 2023. Approximately, 1500 feet of 12” Ductile iron water main was installed on Ferry Street.
Cross Connection Program
The City also has a cross connection program in which backflow devices are tested annually or semiannually depending on the type of hazard to prevent contamination to the City’s drinking water system.
Please call the Water Department with any questions pertaining to your water or about water related meetings.
Rita Crafts 617-394-2327
Tameka Walsh 617-394-2325
The Department of Public Works Commission meets every second Thursday of the month in City Hall at 6:00 pm
Ernest Lariviere
Water Superintendent
PWS# 3093000