Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
The complete Consumer Confidence Report is available online at: http://www.townofholliston.us/water_department.htm
OVERVIEW
The Holliston Water Department is pleased to present its thirteenth Water Quality Report which details water quality for 2011. The report is required by federal law and intended to inform you of the quality of your water. Each year we publish a new report highlighting any changes in our water system while keeping you up to date with the most recent water quality information. It is intended to increase public awareness and contains important information about our water system. Public participation and support are necessary to help conserve water.
YOUR DRINKING WATER SOURCE
Where does your drinking water come from?
Holliston’s drinking water comes from five wells throughout town; Stoddard Park Road, Maple Street, Washington Street, Central Street and Brook Street. Combined the five gravel packed wells pumped a total of 366 million gallons for the year and supplied 243 MGY for residential use (49 gallons per person per day). We currently have five water storage tanks that have a total holding capacity of 5.6 million gallons.
In 2011, the Water Department conducted tests for more than 100 drinking water contaminants. The test results sometimes indicated the presence of small amounts of various contaminants at levels that were below the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s regulated maximum contaminant levels (MCL). Details of the analyses are presented in the full report.
The most recent sanitary survey of our system was conducted on October 5, 2011 by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The Holliston Water Department responded by eliminating noted deficiencies, thus complying with the survey findings. The water department has an active Cross Connection Control Program and a current staffing plan that is continually updated to comply with DEP requirements and includes SCADA monitoring, alarm systems and disinfection systems by chlorination at all wells.
The Town of Holliston has a ground water protection district to protect our ground water sources. The DEP, through the Source Water Protection Program (SWAP), has prepared a SWAP report of the water sources serving our water system. The report assessed a susceptibility ranking of our water system and assigned rankings for Wells 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. The report commended the Water Department for taking an active role in promoting source protection measures through land acquisition in water protected areas for Wells 5 and 6. The report recommends we continue to inspect and remove any non-water supply activity in our Zone I, a 400 foot radius around the wells. The Water Department continues to increase monitoring around all our wells. A copy of the SWAP report is available at the Water Department office in the Town Hall or on line at www.state.ma.us/dep/brp/dws/.
In response to the September 11th terrorist attacks, President Bush signed into law the new Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. The Act required all water systems to evaluate their water system’s security. The Holliston Water Department conducted a Vulnerability Assessment study and prepared an Emergency Response Plan. The Plan is continually updated and integrated with the Town’s ERP. An important element of the Water Department’s security includes surveillance information provided by the public. If you see something that looks suspicious, please call the Holliston Water Department at 508-429-0603.
How will you know if there is a problem with your water?
If during our routine sampling a contaminant exceeds the MCL, a regulated level, we will resample to verify the results and if a violation occurs, we issue notification at Town Hall, the Holliston Public Library, local cable channel, radio and the local newspaper. We will include information on what you can do to ensure safe conditions for you and your family’s health while we are working with DEP to correct the situation. Holliston is very fortunate to have excellent quality source water.
How can you find out more information?
Any additional information or questions you may have can be directed to:
Ron Sharpin, Superintendent and Doug Valovcin, Operations Manager, Holliston Water Department 703 Washington Street, Holliston, MA 01746 at 508-429-0603 and 508-429-0621, Email: sharpinr@holliston.k12.ma.us and valovcind@holliston.k12.ma.us
The Holliston Water Department continuously works to provide you with the highest quality drinking water. We have staff on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to ensure this standard. Regular hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For any after hours emergency situations, please call the Fire Department dispatch at 508-429-4631.
Additional copies of the Consumer Confidence Reports are available at the Water Department and Board of Health Offices at theTown Hall, the Holliston Public Library, Post Office and the Senior Center.
The Board of Water Commissioners meets bi-weekly at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall, 703 Washington Street. The public is welcome to attend and encouraged to participate. Major water issues are sometimes presented at Board of Selectmen Meetings, Special Meetings and Town Meetings.
Regulatory information may be obtained at:
Massachusetts DEP United States EPA
Drinking Water Program Safe Drinking Water Hotline 617-292-5770 800-426-4791
TREATING YOUR DRINKING WATER
How do we treat your water?
The Water Department adds various chemicals to the water pumped from the ground to improve quality and appearance. We treat for corrosion control by monitoring and adjusting the pH of the water and adding zinc orthophosphate. Fluoride is added to prevent tooth decay/cavities. All water is disinfected using sodium hypochlorite. The chart below details the chemicals added to Holliston’s water system, the purpose for adding them and the wells at which they are added. All chemicals are administered in strict accordance with DEP and EPA guidelines and are closely monitored. The water that you receive does not come from one specific well. Combinations of wells are used at different times. Water pumped from the well(s) is distributed to residents for use and to water storage tanks for use at other times and to maintain adequate pressures in the system.