2003 WATER QUALITY REPORT
DIGHTON WATER DISTRICT
PWS ID # 4076000
2002 CCR Report 2003 CCR Report Results
Treatment Plant
The District is undergoing
some drastic changes. The new 1.5 million gallon per day treatment plant has
been designed. The treatment plant will remove the iron, manganese, &
organic color from the water in the five District wells. The District is under
an administrative consent order from the Department of Environmental Protection
to have the plant running by the spring of 2005. The treatment plant will be a
welcome addition to the District and is long overdue because of water quality
issues we have been faced with over the years.
Every customer of the District must realize the importance of the plant
to provide a safe, clean, potable drinking water to all the Districts
customers. The Board of Commissioners would like to thank the voters of the
District for attending the special meeting and voting to fund the treatment
plant.
You’re Dinking Water Sources
The Dighton Water
District’s customers are supplied by 5 groundwater wells on Cedar & Walker
St. The Dighton Water District has an Emergency tie in with the Taunton Water
Department. The District also has an interconnection with the Somerset Water
Department. The Connection with the Somerset Water Department has not been used
since 1982.
The
Nondiscrimination Clause: This is an
Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law.
Complaints of Discrimination may be filed with the Secretary of Agriculture,
If you have any questions regarding this report please contact the
Superintendent @ 508-822-5461.
The Board of Commissioners: Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday
of every month. The Dighton Water District has its Annual Meeting on the fourth
Thursday in May.
The Board of Commissioners would like to
remind you to send back any & all Census that you receive.
“All drinking water,
including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small
amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily
indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants
and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’S Safe
Drinking Water Hotline @ (1-800-426-4791).”
Sources
of drinking water (both tap water & bottled water) include rivers, lakes,
streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the
surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally -occurring
minerals, and in some cases, radioactive material. It can pick up substances
resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants
that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants - such
as viruses and bacteria may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems,
agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants - such as salts and metals, can be
naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial, or
domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, and farming.
Pesticides and herbicides - may come from a variety of sources such as
agricultural, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical
contaminants - include synthetic
and volatile organic chemicals that are by-products of industrial processes and
petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff,
and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants - can be naturally occurring or be the result of
oil and gas production and mining activities.
Asbestos - Water systems that contain (AC) pipe are
vulnerable to asbestos contamination due to the presence of asbestos – cement
pipe and must sample for this contaminant dependent on the size of the system
population, or the number of miles of (AC) pipe within the system
Immune - compromised persons - Some
people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the
general population. Immuno-compromised
persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have
undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders,
some elderly, and some infants can be particularly at risk from
infections. These people should seek
advice about drinking water from their health care providers. Guidelines are available from the EPA/Centers
for Disease Control and prevention (CDC)
on lowering the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial
contaminants by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline:
@ 1-800-426-4791.
Important
Definitions
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – the highest level of a contaminant that is
allowed in drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) – the level of a contaminant in drinking water
below which there is no known or expected risk to health.
Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level
of a contaminant in drinking water.
Action Level (
90th percentile - used for calibrating the allowable limit set forth
by the US.EPA as a guideline for the Lead and Copper sampling results.
Variances and Exemptions – State or EPA permission not to meet an MCL or a
treatment technique under certain conditions.
TABLE
KEY
ppm: parts per million or milligrams per liter, (mg/l)
equivalent to one penny in $10,000
dollars
ppb: parts per billion, or micrograms per liter,
equivalent to one penny in
$10,000,000 dollars
ppt: parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter
equivalent to one penny in
$10,000,000,000,000 dollars
pCi/l: picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
Flouride, Cyanide samples: test
results for these contaminants were less than detectable limits.
SOC Samples: Sampling for these contaminants was done the second and fourth
quarter of 2003. Samples were taken on
IOC Samples: Samples were taken for Inorganic compounds on
VOC Samples: The Dighton Water
District tested the wells for these contaminants on
“Unregulated
contaminants are those for which EPA has not established drinking water
standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist EPA
in determining their occurrence in drinking water and whether future regulation
is warranted”.
Health affects for Lead and
Nitrates
Nitrate:
Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants
of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause
blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may
rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural
activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your
health care provider. Nitrate samples were taken at the
Lead:
Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking
water than the general population. It is
possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the
community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing. If you are concerned about elevated lead
levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested. You can
also flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using the tap water. Additional information is available from the Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
TTHMs:
(Total Trihalomethanes) Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes
in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver,
kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting
cancer.
“Radon is a radioactive gas
that you cannot see, taste, or smell. It is found throughout the
Informational Section
Lead:
Lead samples were taken at ten designated sampling sites in 2003. Out of
41samples, 9 samples were above the action level. The results for the year
ranged from .002 up to .056 mg/L. The 90th percentile results for
the year 2003 were .021. The District has taken steps to improve the lead
action levels for the system. A study was done at the corrosion facilities to
optimize the existing chemical dosages using an RTW model.
Copper: Samples were taken at ten
designated sampling sites in 2003. Eight out of 41 samples taken were above the
Action Level for copper. The results ranged from .13 up to 1.93 mg/l. for 2003.
Due to the RTW study copper levels found in the 2003 samples decreased from
4.65mg/l in 2001 to 1.93 mg/l. The 90th percentile results for the
year 2003 were 1.59.
Asbestos: The District has approximately 3 – 4 thousand feet
of (AC cement asbestos) pipelines. Because (AC) pipe is within the District we
are required to sample for this contaminant according to the DEP sampling
schedule. This portion of the system has been tested for asbestos particles and
was found to be free of asbestos in November of 1995. The next test for
asbestos will be during the second quarter of 2004.
Sodium: Information on Sodium is being provided for
the elderly population, and anyone within the District that has to monitor
their daily intake of Sodium. The sodium levels in the finished water at the
Iron: The Iron levels in the
Manganese: Manganese levels within the
The
Dighton Water District exceeded the MCL for THMs in the year 2003. The District
decreased the dosage of chlorine entering the system at the Corrosion stations
to try to keep THM levels below the MCL. The 1st quarter results
were at 59.38 (ug/l) micrograms per liter , averaged for that quarter. DEP
takes a four quarter running average to determine compliance with the
regulations. Results from the second quarter of 2003 exceeded the MCL at
90.28(ug/l). During August thru December 2003 the District cut back the
chlorine dosage which dropped THM levels below the MCL to 71.86, 38.02, and
93.52 micrograms per liter during the last quarters. Articles were in the
Taunton Gazette throughout the spring of 2003 regarding the elevated THM
results while explaining the importance of the new treatment plant. The
District received an ACO Administrative Consent Order to install a treatment
plant in order to correct the current Water Quality issues. These issues
include iron & manganese removal, and the removal of organic color. High
organics in the water when chlorine is added as a disinfectant creates
disinfection byproducts Trihalomethanes (THM’s).
Treatment Techniques
Corrosion Control
through ph Addition: Many drinking
water sources in
Visit the Dighton Water District website @ http://www.dightonwaterdistrict.com
Disinfection with
Chlorine: All Reservoirs and some ground water sources
contain numerous microorganisms, some of which can cause people to get sick. It
is necessary to disinfect the water to eliminate disease-carrying organisms.
Disinfect ion does not sterilize the water, but it does destroy harmful
organisms. Sterilization kills all microorganisms, even though most are not
harmful, and is too costly to use on a routine basis. The Dighton Water
District uses sodium hypochlorite as its primary disinfectant.
Water Awareness Programs
Water awareness programs
take place at the
Automatic Lawn Sprinklers
The installation of automatic sprinkler systems
linked to the Municipal Water Supply is prohibited on any new construction
including new homes and subdivisions.
Lots should be sized accordingly to accommodate a well if the owners elect to
install a lawn sprinkler system. No interconnections between potable drinking
water and non-potable water sources are permitted under the Massachusetts
Drinking Water Regulations 310CMR 22.22 cross connections.
Lawn irrigations are the
biggest consumers of water during the hot dry weather in the summer months. In
past years production from the 5 District wells has increased from a daily
pumping rate of four hundred thousand gallons and has gone as high as one point
two million gallons of water that was pumped in a 24 hour period. Sprinklers
place a great burden on the wells during the summer because low water levels in
the ground and the need to throttle back the wells to maintain the level of
water in the well casing above the screens. Over pumping the wells reduces the
efficiency of the well and increases the chance of contamination by causing the
well to draw water from further out than normal.
Residents must be aware
that a safe clean potable water supply is a precious resource.
“BE WATER WISE!”
New England has a high
precipitation rate, so turf
grasses here don’t have to be watered to survive. Lawns may turn brown and
dormant, but will turn green rapidly when moisture in the soil is replaced.
Conserve resources by
not watering unless the grass really needs it. Let Mother Nature water your Lawn!
If you choose to water,
1 inch of water is adequate to wet the soil to a depth of 4-6”. Place a can under the sprinkler to measure when an
inch has been applied. Water deeply & less frequently to encourage deep
root growth. Light watering encourages shallow roots, which lead to disease
& stress injury.
The best time to water
is in the morning; less water is
lost through evaporation. Avoid watering during
Summer of 2003
As many of you know the
summer of 2003 was unusually wet. Even though we received substantial amounts
of rainfall, most of the streams and smaller tributaries within the
southeastern communities were at low levels.
The District implemented a voluntary water ban which went into effect on
Water is a precious
resource that must not be taken for granted. Everyone should practice water
conservation measures not only in the dry season but year round. A “safe clean potable water supply” should be
the number one priority to everyone not only customers of municipal water
supplies. Increased chemical use due to more stringent regulations from EPA,
and increased pumping rates account for the high costs of treating drinking
water. Bottled water can cost anywhere from 50 cents per gallon up to $1.00 for
a sixteen ounce bottle which would cost up to $8.00 dollars per gallon. Treated
municipal drinking water if sold at $5.00 dollars per 1000 gallons would cost 5
cents for 10 gallons. Even though a rate of $5.00 per thousand gallons of water
seems expensive it really isn’t. The times have changed in the last 25 years.
Wellhead protection measures have been taken to reduce the contamination of
wells. Updated Title Five Regulations reduce the amounts of Nitrogen from
septic systems from entering water supplies. Conservation issues regarding
wetland buffers and waterways also reduce contamination of water supplies by
limiting the uses in these sensitive areas. Everyone must realize the utmost
importance of having safe, clean water for future generations as well as the
present. I strongly encourage each customer to preserve what we have by
developing your own water conservation program in your everyday routine.
“DON’T WASTE IT!”
Clean Water Is Up To YOU!
Where does my water
come from?
Your drinking water comes
from 5 gravel packed groundwater wells. Groundwater is the water that flows
through the spaces between soil particles and through fractures in rock. It
comes from rain & melting snow that percolates through the ground.
Education material on the hydrologic cycle is available at the District Office.
Why should I be concerned?
Even though some
pollutants (such as bacteria, viruses, and phosphorus) can be reduced by
passing through soil under certain conditions, groundwater can be easily
contaminated by chemicals & oils.
Tips to help protect the water
supply
Some do’s
& don’ts on how I can protect my drinking
water?
Chemicals
Do use
non-toxic and less toxic alternatives to household cleaners, oil based paints
& insecticides.
Don’t buy
more hazardous chemicals than you need.
Do follow package directions on pesticides, fertilizers,
and other household chemicals.
Don’t over-use household chemicals. More is not better. Don’t use pesticides or herbicides near wells, and
minimize the use of fertilizers around wells.
Do take leftover chemicals to hazardous waste
collection centers.
Don’t dispose of hazardous chemicals by pouring them
down household drains, storm drains, or onto the ground.
Do check heating oil tanks for leaks. Remove any deteriorating tanks.
Replace tanks with above ground tanks that include a secondary containment area
with a cover.
Don’t have tanks removed by contractors who are not
familiar with State guidelines for underground tank removal, and never locate
new fuel storage tanks in the recharge area of a well.
Do take care of your septic system. Keep records of your septic system
maintenance. Inspect the tank every year. Have your tank pumped every 2-3
years. And avoid damage to your leach field and distribution lines by keeping
heavy objects out of the area of the field.
Don’t overload
your septic with solids by using a garbage grinder (unless the system was
designed for a grinder). Never pour grease or cooking oils down the drain, it
will clog the soil and system. Don’t pour chemicals, including bleach down the toilet
or sinks. Never use septic cleaners or additives containing acids or chemical
solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE) contact the office for information
on wellhead protection issues @ 508-822-5461
For additional information
on ways to protect the water supply you can contact Ma. DEP/DWP @ 617-292-5770.
Wellhead Protection Areas
The
primary protection area around a public water supply (PWS) is known as the
Zone1. The Zone 1 is the 400 ft radius around a well or well field, which is
owned or controlled by the water supplier using conservation restrictions.
The area of an aquifer
that contributes water to a well under the most severe pumping and recharge
conditions is known as the Zone ll.. For public water supply wells that lack a
DEP approved Zone ll, DEP applies an interim Wellhead Protection Area (IWPA).
This is the area within a ½ mile radius for sources whose approved pumping rate
is 100,000 gallons/day (gpd) or greater. For smaller sources, the IWPA radius
is proportional to the wells approved daily volume.
Contact the Superintendent at the Water District
Office if anyone would be interested in forming a wellhead protection committee @
508-822-5461.
Security Measures
Many changes have taken
place since the tragedy that occurred on
A Word In Parting
I’d like to thank all the
Employees that work at the Water District for doing an outstanding job.
Treasurer: Carol Stevens
Foreman:
Dorian
Tina Bragga
Robert Thibeault
Kevin Carpenter
Visit the Dighton Water District website for
updates and information regarding your water @ http://www.dightonwaterdistrict.com