Lynnfield Community Letter 2023

Public Water Supply # 3164001

The Lynnfield Water District (LWD) is pleased to provide this annual water quality report to keep you informed about your water system. 

Our Distribution System

The LWD purchases all its water directly from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The water is delivered through one master meter into the distribution system, which consists of a network of pipes, valves, hydrants, and service lines. The system delivers water to homes, businesses and other facilities for drinking and fire protection. LWD’s distribution system has approximately 29 miles of water mains ranging from two to twelve-inches in diameter. Three hundred hydrants are owned and maintained by the district. Approximately four hundred and fifty gate valves allow portions of the system to be shut down for maintenance and repairs. Approximately ten percent of the system is unlined cast iron pipe, which allows tuberculation (rust) to grow on the inside surfaces of the pipe. While not a health problem, these tubercles can affect the ability of the pipe to carry flows and can affect the appearance of the water, (yellow and red water discoloration). 

During 2022 and 2023, the district began a storage tank repainting project. The small tank was taken out of service in July and was back online at the end of October 2022. The large tank was taken out of service when peak usage subsided, and work was completed at the end of June 2023. After completing the repainting of the tank, we tested for compounds typically found in paint. Only two were found and they were below EPA and MassDEP standards as shown in the table below. The latest testing results, from samples collected in October 2023, were non-detect for both components. Routine testing of the tank is no longer required by MassDEP.

Lead and Copper Results

LWD tests for lead and copper in 13 homes once a year. In 2023, LWD met the EPA rule that 90% of the sampled homes must be below the Lead Action Level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). In the September sampling round, the 90th percentile value for lead was 3.94 ppb.

Total Coliform Tests in Community Pipes

MWRA and LWD test six water samples each month for total coliform bacteria to monitor the distribution system. 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. The EPA requires that no more than 5% of the samples in a month may be positive. Routine water sampling in 2023 showed coliforms in the distribution system due to a low water use during the wet summer. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessment(s) to identify any problems that were found. In August, September, and October, total coliform bacteria were detected in samples. The August Level 1 Assessment identified high water age at dead ends. Automatic flushing valves were installed as a corrective action. The September Level 2 Assessment identified high water age and low chlorine residuals as an on-going issue. Automatic flushing was increased, dead ends were flushed, and the water storage tanks were cycled to reduce water age as 3 corrective actions. The October Level 2 Assessment identified high water age in the water storage tank (due to a pump station required repair) and ongoing low chlorine residuals. Tank cycling was increased after the pump station repair, automatic flushing times were increased, dead ends were flushed, and more system flushing near the tank was performed as 4 corrective actions.  

If you have any questions or comments on your water, or would like information on Lynnfield Water District meetings, please call us at 781-598-4223 or visit www.lwdma.us.

Matthew D. O’Connell
Water Superintendent