UCMR (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule) Data

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources.  Manganese is an essential mineral for proper digestion, bone development, and immune function.  Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, nuts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects.  EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb.  Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or black coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MA DEP has a health guideline value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. MWRA routinely samples for manganese in the source and finished water with results posted to MWRA’s web site on a monthly basis.  UCMR4 results are typical for results found through routine monitoring, and are well below the state and EPA health guidelines. Only two of 88 results were over the aesthetic standard of 50 ppb, likely due to local flushing or hydrant use.

1-Butanol is a naturally occurring alcohol, and also widely used in industry.  1-Butanol is not currently regulated by EPA, or by Massachusetts.  New York has a guidance value of 50 ppb.  There is an EPA Health Reference concentration of 700 ppb.  Only five of 185 samples had detectable concentrations, and all were well below the New York guidance and EPA Health Reference Levels.

Haloacetic acids (HAA) are a group of disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine compounds that are used to disinfect water react with other naturally occurring material in the water.  There are five significant HAAs potentially found in disinfected drinking water and their combined concentration is referred to as HAA5.  HAA5's are already regulated by the EPA and MassDEP and have a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) standard of 60 ppb as a locational running annual average.  MWRA’s HAA5 levels are always well below this 60 ppb standard with an average of about 10-15 ppb. HAA9 and HAA6Br include 4 more HAA compounds that are not currently regulated by EPA or MassDEP.  We detected 3 of the 4 new compounds, all at very low levels.  We did not detect tribromoacetic acid.  If you combined all 9 species in the HAA9 group, MWRA would still be well below the current HAA5 MCL of 60 ppb, with average of around 15 ppb.  

Only 6 of 185 samples taken at the required UCMR4 sample locations had any detections. The health effects of quinoline are uncertain, and thus EPA only provides a wide range for its health reference level (HRL), from 0.01 to 1 ppb. The average level detected is 10 to 1000 times lower than EPA HRLs.

Given the extremely sensitive test methods required and lack of published information on quinoline, MWRA conducted additional sampling beyond that required by UCMR4. This included field blanks to rule out any potential environmental contamination at the sample location, and samples before and after treatment and at other key locations. One of these 15 additional samples was positive with a value of 0.071 ppb.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources.  Manganese is an essential mineral for proper digestion, bone development, and immune function.  Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, nuts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects.  EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb.  Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or black coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health, EPA has a lifetime health advisory (HA) of 300 ppb, and an acute HA at 1.0 mg/l for manganese. Manganese results for Bedford were well below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources. Manganese is an essential mineral for proper digestion, bone development, and immune function. Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, nuts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects. EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb. Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or black coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MassDEP has a health guideline value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. Canton's results are well below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards.

Quinoline is a naturally occurring substance found in coal and is a component of coal tar and petroleum. It is used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals and some personal care products, and is present in some foods and beverages. Quinoline is present in tobacco smoke, which is a significant source of exposure for people who smoke and people exposed to secondhand smoke. Given the uncertainty in health effects, EPA provides a wide range for its health reference level (HRL), from 0.01 to 1 ppb. Minnesota has published a non-regulatory guidance value of 0.03 ppb. The average quinoline levels in Canton are low based on the HRL.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources. Manganese is an essential minieral for proper digestion, bone development and immune function. Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, buts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects. EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb. Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or black coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MassDEP has a secondary contaminant level value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. Manganese results for Needham are well below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards.

Quinoline is a naturally occurring substance found in coal and is a component of coal tar and petroleum. It is used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals and some personal care products, and is present in some foods and beverages. Quinoline is present in tobacco smoke, which is a significant source of exposure for people who smoke and people exposed to secondhand smoke. Given the uncertainty in health effects, EPA provides a wide range for its health reference level (HRL), from 0.01 to 1 ppb. Minnesota has published a non-regulatory guidance value of 0.03 ppb. The average quinoline levels in Needham are low based on the HRL.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources. Manganese is an essential minieral for proper digestion, bone development and immune function. Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, buts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects. EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb. Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or lack coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MassDEP has a health guideline value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. Peabody's results are below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards.

Quinoline is a naturally occurring substance found in coal and is a component of coal tar and petroleum. It is used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals and some personal care products, and is present in some foods and beverages. Quinoline is present in tobacco smoke, which is a significant source of exposure for people who smoke and people exposed to secondhand smoke. Given the uncertainty in health effects, EPA provides a wide range for its health reference level (HRL), from 0.01 to 1 ppb. Minnesota has published a non-regulatory guidance value of 0.03 ppb. The average quinoline levels in Peabody are low based on the HRL.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources.  Manganese is an essential mineral for proper digestion, bone development, and immune function. Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, nuts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects.  EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb.  Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or black coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MassDEP has a health guideline value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. Wakefield results are well below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources. Manganese is an essential minieral for proper digestion, bone development and immune function. Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, buts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects. EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb. Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or lack coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MassDEP has a health guideline value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. UMCR4 results for Wellesley are well below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards.

Quinoline is a naturally occurring substance found in coal and is a component of coal tar and petroleum. It is used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals and some personal care products, and is present in some foods and beverages. Quinoline is present in tobacco smoke, which is a significant source of exposure for people who smoke and people exposed to secondhand smoke. Given the uncertainty in health effects, EPA provides a wide range for its health reference level (HRL), from 0.01 to 1 ppb. Minnesota has published a non-regulatory guidance value of 0.03 ppb. The average quinoline levels in Wellesley are low based on the HRL.

Ortho-Toluidine is a chemical used in the manufacture of dyes, some pharmaceuticals and pesticides. It is also used to make rubber materials. Exposures to high levels of this chemical are usually in a workplace setting. o-Toluidine can also be found in tobacco smoke. It has been found at low levels in a variety of foods including fresh kale. celery, carrots, peas, red cabbage, and black tea. It is slightly soluable in water. In workplace settings where chronic exposure may occur, this chemical may cause effects on the spleen, liver, blood and bladder. This chemical is most toxic when absorbed through the skin. o-Toluidine has been found in surface waters and industrial wastewater.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources. Manganese is an essential minieral for proper digestion, bone development and immune function. Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, buts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects. EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb. Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or black coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MassDEP has a health guideline value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. UMCR4 results for Wilmington were well below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources. Manganese is an essential minieral for proper digestion, bone development and immune function. Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, buts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects. EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb. Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or lack coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MassDEP has a health guideline value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. Woburn results are well below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards in 2020.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources. Manganese is an essential minieral for proper digestion, bone development and immune function. Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, buts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects. EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb. Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or lack coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MassDEP has a health guideline value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. Chicopee's results are well below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards.

Haloacetic acids (HAA) are a group of disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine compounds that are used to disinfect water react with other naturally occurring material in the water.  There are five significant HAA's potentially found in disinfected drinking water and their combined concentration is referred to as HAA5.  HAA5's are already regulated by the EPA and MassDEP and have a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) standard of 60 ppb as a locational running annual average. HAA9 and HAA6Br include four more HAA compounds that are not currently regulated by EPA or MassDEP. Tribromoacetic acid was not detected in sampls of Chicopee water. If all 9 species in the HAA9 group were combined, Chicopee's water would still be well below the current HAA5 MCL of 60 ppb, with an average of around 48.34 ppb.

Manganese is a common mineral that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and is commonly found in ground and surface waters in New England. It may also be present due to underground pollution sources. Manganese is an essential mineral for proper digestion, bone development, and immune function. Primary sources in the diet include grains, beans, nuts and teas. At excessively high levels, however, manganese can have adverse neurological effects. EPA has a secondary, aesthetic standard of 50 ppb. Above the 50 ppb level, consumers may notice a gray or black coloring in their water and/or fixture staining. To be protective of public health MassDEP has a health guideline value of 300 ppb, and Consumer Confidence Report Notification Limit of 50 ppb. South Hadley FD #1 results were well below the state and EPA health and aesthetic standards.

Haloacetic acids (HAA) are a group of disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine compounds that are used to disinfect water react with other naturally occurring material in the water. There are five significant HAAs potentially found in disinfected drinking water and their combined concentration is referred to as HAA5. HAA5s are already regulated by the EPA and MassDEP and have a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) standard of 60 ppb as a locational running annual average. HAA9 and HAA6Br include four more HAA compounds that are not currently regulated by EPA or MassDEP. Tribromoacetic acid was not detected. If all 9 species in the HAA9 group were combined, South Hadley's water would still be well below the current HAA5 MCL of 60 ppb, with an average of round 41.29 ppb. 

0.05

71.93

0.11

Hexavalent chromium is one form of chromium. It is not currently regulated by EPA, by Massachusetts, or any other state other than California. In June 2014, California issued a maximum contaminant level standard of 10 ppb. It is commonly found in the environment, from both natural and human-made sources. Canton's levels are well below this California standard.  

0.12

Strontium is a metal that is common in nature, and small amounts are found in air, dust, soil, foods, and drinking water, though it is more commonly found at higher levels in ground water. EPA has developed a non-regulatory lifetime health advisory of 4 ppm for strontium levels in drinking water. Canton's levels are well below this health advisory.

0.074

Vanadium is a naturally occurring “rare earth” element that is found ubiquitously in the earth's crust. Vanadium compounds are found in fossil fuels and exist in over 50 different mineral ores. There are no federal or state standards, though California has proposed a Notification Level of 15 ppb. Canton’s levels were well below this level.

109.3

EPA already regulates total chromium with a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 100 ppb and a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal of 0. It is found at low levels in most water as it is an abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Peabody regularly tests for it and does not detect it with the normally required detection limit of 1 ppb. Total chromium was included in the UCMR3 testing with a more sensitive detection level to help understand hexavalent chromium occurrence data. Results for total chromium were all below the normal detection limit, and far below the MCL of 100 ppb.

0.042

0.004

Hexavalent chromium is one form of chromium. It is not currently regulated by EPA, by Massachusetts, or any state other than California. In June 2014, California issued a maximum contaminant level standard of 10 ppb. It is commonly found in the environment, from both natural and human-made sources. Wakefield's levels are well below this California standard.  

0.10

0.90-0.12

86.35

36.2

0.01

1,4-Dioxane is a clear liquid used  as a solvent in the manufacture of chemicals. It has historically been used as a stabilizer in chlorinated solvents.  It can be found in paint, adhesives, pesticides and some consumer products such as household cleaners, detergents, shampoos, deodorants, and cosmetics.  1,4 Dioxane does not have a federal Maximum Contaminant Level or Maximum Contaminant Level Goal.  The World Health Organization has a guideline value of 50 ppb.  Massachusetts DEP has recently introduced a drinking water guideline of 0.3 ppb.   In 2014, California adopted a drinking water notification level of 1 ppb.  Wilmington’s levels were well below all these guideline values.    

187.1

114.45

0.01

1,4-Dioxane is a clear liquid used  as a solvent in the manufacture of chemicals. It has historically been used as a stabilizer in chlorinated solvents.  It can be found in paint, adhesives, pesticides and some consumer products such as household cleaners, detergents, shampoos, deodorants, and cosmetics.  1,4 Dioxane does not have a federal Maximum Contaminant Level or Maximum Contaminant Level Goal.  The World Health Organization has a guideline value of 50 ppb.  Massachusetts DEP has recently introduced a drinking water guideline of 0.3 ppb.   In 2014, California adopted a drinking water notification level of 1 ppb.  Wilmington’s levels were well below all these guideline values.    

21.74

N-nitroso-dimethylamine (NDMA) can come from industrial pollution, or can be a disinfection byproduct of chloramination, and can also be a byproduct in filtration plants of certain coagulants and disinfectants. NDMA can for in small quantities in air, water and soil as a result of biological, chemical and photochemical processes. However, the largest source of human exposure is the reaction of stomach acids with nitrates in food. It is classified by EPA as a probable human carcinogen from long-term exposures.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has a guideline value for NDMA of 100 parts per trillion (ppt); Health Canada has a maximum allowable concentration of 40 ppt; and California has an enforceable response level of 500 ppt and a notification level of 10 ppt. MassDEP has an non-enforceable Office of Research and Standards Guidelinevalue for NDMA of 10 ppt.

Most of MWRA's samples had non-detectable levels. Sample sites at the extreme ends of the distribution system that have the longest travel time for the treatment plant had levels of 2 to 4 ppt. One non-UCMR sample from additional investigatory sampling had a result of 5.4 ppt. All results were well below any regulatory of health guidance values.