Download your report and letter.
City of Woburn, Massachusetts
Department of Public Works
SO No. Warren Street, Woburn, MA 01801
Td. (781) 897-5990 • Fax. (781) 897-5989
Jay Duran, Superintendent
Public Water Supply
# 3347000
The Woburn Department of Public Works, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) supplies potable water to approximately 12,000 residential and commercial customers. This page provides information on the quality of water supplied through the municipal well field at Horn Pond during 2023.
| Horn Pond WTP | Capacity | pH | Alkalinity | Hardness | Manganese |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treated Water | 4.07 MGD | 7.9 | 83.2 PPM | 83 PPM | 0.044 ppm |
Regulated contaminants:
The City tests water samples from five well for volatile and synthetic organic compounds, inorganic compounds and bacteria. Within the distribution system, twenty-one separate locations are tested weekly or quarterly for bacteria, trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, iron, and manganese. Lead and copper, and other sites are tested periodically. All testing sites are scheduled and approved by MassDEP.
| Range | 90th Percentile Value | Action Level | MCLG | Samples Over Action Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (ppb) | 0.1–6.19 | 1.69 | 15 | 0 | 0 of 32 |
| Copper (ppb) | 6.9–140 | 117 | 1300 | 1300 | 0 of 32 |
Compound | Units |
MCL (Highest Level Allowed) | Detected Level | Range of Detections | MCLG |
Violation |
How It Gets In The Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | ppm | 2 | 0.02 | 0.016-0.02 | 2 | No | Common mineral |
| Fluoride | ppm | 4 | 0.70 | 0.409-0.70 | 4 | No | Additive for dental health |
| Sodium | ppm | NS | 110 | 109-111 | 20 | NA | Road salt |
| Nitrate | ppm | 10 | 0.41 | 0.33-0.41 | 10 | No | Fertilizer use; septic tanks, sewage |
| HAA5 | ppb | 60 | 17.78 | 4.4-25.6 | NS | No | Byproduct of disinfection |
| TTHM | ppb | 80 | 57.86 | 10.4-70.8 | NS | No | Byproduct of disinfection |
| PFAS6 | ppt | 20 | 21 | ND-23.4 | NS | Yes | Moisture and oil resistant coatings; fire-fighting foams |
| Nickel (ppb) | ppb | 100 | 1.05 | 1.00-1.10 | 100 | NA | Wastewater, landfills, smelting |
| Chlorine | ppm | 4 | 1.13 | 0.2-2.78 | 4 | No | Disinfectant |
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS):
Woburn has been given a Notice of Non-compliance (NON) for failure to stay under the PFAS6 20 ppt standard. The City is working closely with DEP on this issue. For further information please visit www.woburnma.gov or www.mass.gov/info-details/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas#health-advisories-and-downloadable-fact-sheets-. Some people who drink water containing these PFAS in excess of the MCL may experience certain adverse effects. These could include effects of the liver, blood, immune system, thyroid and fetal development. These PFAS may also elevate the risk of certain cancers.
Perchlorate:
Woburn was given a Notice of Non-compliance for failure to use a Massachusetts certified laboratory for the Perchlorate sample in 2023. The City re-sampled with a Massachusetts certified laboratory and the result was a non-detect (ND).
Sodium:
Some people who drink water containing sodium at high concentrations for many years could experience an increase in blood pressure.
Distribution:
Cleaning and re-lining of pipes was carried out at: Frances St., Kilby St, and Cummings Ave. A relay was carried out at Main St. from Newbridge Ave to Elm St.
Cross-connection Control Program:
Please see the City of Woburn website at www.woburnma.gov.
Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP):
In 2003, DEP conducted a Source Water Assessment to assess the susceptibility of the water supply. The susceptibility rating was high. The City conducts an extensive monitoring program in and around its drinking water sources. We are currently revising the SWAP. The report is available at www.mass.gov/dep.
Meetings:
Water committee meetings are held by the City Council at City Hall. Public notice for these meetings can be found in the local newspaper, City Hall, and online at www.woburnma.gov. Woburn is committed to providing clean and safe water to its residents and will continue to implement improvements that will allow us to meet this goal now and in the future.