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THE CITY OF REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS
WATER, SEWER, DRAIN DEPARTMENT
281 Broadway, Revere, MA 02151
Office: (781) 286-8145
Fax: (781) 286-8146
Public Water Supply # 3248000
The Revere Department of Public Works continues to issue an annual newsletter to inform users about the water distribution system, as part of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s annual water quality report to consumers.
THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Revere purchases all our water directly from the MWRA. The water is delivered through five MWRA master meters into the city’s distribution system. This system consists of a network of pipes, valves, hydrants, and service lines, providing drinking water and fire protection. The Revere system is comprised of approximately 107 miles of water mains, ranging from four to sixteen inches in diameter. There are 850 hydrants that are owned and maintained by the City. Over one thousand gate valves allow isolation of portions of the system for repairs and maintenance.
SYSTEM UPGRADES
In 2023, Revere replaced 3,330 feet of water main, including 30 hydrants and 48 valves, through both our water department and improvement projects. These projects have looped four previously dead-ended water lines to improve overall water quality to all of our residents. In 2024 Revere will replace 15,450 feet of water main, including 35 hydrants, 121 valves, and services to the curb stop. These projects will also include looping four dead ended water mains. This year’s major projects will include the Library St. and Sewall St. Area System Improvements and North Shore Rd. Water Main Replacement Project.
LEAD WATER SERVICES
The City of Revere is concerned and proactive about lead and copper in the water. Lead can cause adverse health effects to all age groups. Infants and children who drink water containing lead, in excess of the action level, could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. For these reasons the city tests twenty homes and two schools each year, as representative of all areas of the city. The 90th percentile level for lead in Revere was 31.9 ppb in September of 2023, which is above the action level of 15 ppb. The copper level in Revere was 99.7 ppb in September 2023, below the action level of 1300 ppb. Revere strives to continue to remove lead services and has removed 105 lead services this year with our lead out program. Revere is also in the process of completing a comprehensive Lead Service Inventory to track down and remove the remaining lead services in the city. Contact us if you want to find out if you have a lead service.
| Range | 90% Value | Action Level | MCLG | Samples Over Action Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (ppb) | 0.08-965 | 31.9 | 15 | 0 | 4 of 20 |
| Copper (ppb) | 3.8-135 | 99.7 | 130 | 1300 | 0 of 20 |
TOTAL COLIFORM TESTS
We take a minimum of 60 bacteriological or coliform samples each month to ensure the quality of the drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency requires that no more than 5% of these samples test positive in a month. 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 system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution. When this occurs, we are required to conduct assessments to identify problems and correct any problems that were found during these assessments. During the past year we were required to conduct and completed one Level 1 and one Level 2 Assessment. The assessments determined that additional flushing and testing was needed to ensure required disinfectant levels in the system. We conducted the required flushing to address chlorine levels in the pipes and testing to ensure the treatment was effective.
Revere received a Notice of Noncompliance from MassDEP related to lead and copper sampling. We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. Revere’s 2020-2022 Lead and Copper Sampling Plans listed sampling sites that did not meet the requirements of 310 CMR 22.06B (7)(a)3. Since our sampling plans were not updated, from 2020 through 2022, we failed to collect the required number of Tier 1 samples from sampling locations meeting the requirements of 310 CMR 22.06B(7)(a)3. Under 310 CMR 22.16A (4)(i)6, our annual water quality report should have provided the number of sampling sites exceeding the lead action level. Our 2021 report, published in June 2022 did not state the number of sampling sites exceeding the action level as required (1 location – 29.7 ppb). We have updated our sampling plan, and instituted procedures to ensure that future sampling and reporting meets all requirements.
If you want more information about your drinking water or about water related public meetings, please contact Chris Ciaramella, Assistant WSD Superintendent at 781-286-8100 Ext: 20517 or email us at waterquality@revere.org