Thank you for visiting our website. The Warren Water District was established by the Acts of 1920. We continue to be a privately owned water district. The business is governed by a three member Board of Commissioners. Which are elected at the Annual Meeting.
The current BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
Loretta Beaudry, Clerk Donald Makowski Agent Cynthia Baxter, Member
OFFICE LOCATION: 988 Main St. (across from the Police Department)
Mailing address: P. O. Box 536, Warren, MA 01083-0536
MEETING: Social Distancing is being followed. Masks are required.
April 27, 2021 CHANGE TO evening meeting 6pm
May 11, 2021 10:00 am May 25, 2021 10:00 am
OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED April 23, 2021 May 31, 2021 Memorial Day
ANNUAL MEETING MAY 13, 2021 7 PM Shepard Building 48 High St.
WARREN WATER DISTRICT
2019 WATER QUALITY
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
P. O. Box 536
Warren, MA 01083-0536
PWS ID #1311000 July 1, 2020
Section 1 PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM INFORMATION
We are pleased to provide you, our customer, with this year’s Annual 2019 Water Quality Report. If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Carol Sanders at 413-436-9819, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Monday through Friday, or e-mail us at
We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you would like to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings. Due to changes regarding Social Distancing, meetings will be held once a month at 988 Main St. allowing a minimum of 5 customers per meeting. Any concerns can be phoned into the office prior to the meeting and will be addressed at the meeting with Minutes of the meeting provided to our concerned customer. Large print documents will be provided upon request at no additional cost to the person requesting accommodations.
The Warren Water District is governed by a three member elected Board. The current Commissioners are: Armand H. Dimo, Loretta Beaudry and Donald Makowski. The Commissioners serve a three year term and the District encourages minorities, females, and individuals with disabilities to apply for nomination papers which must be filed thirty days prior to the Annual Meeting. The Annual District Meeting is held the 2nd Thursday of May each year, in the Quaboag Middle/High School, 284 Old West Brookfield Road. (Due to Covid-19, the Annual Meeting was postponed to June 18, 2020)
This Consumer Confidence Report is available upon request.
LANDLORDS: Please make this report available to your tenants.
BUSINESSES, SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS: Please post this report where employees and people who may drink this water may read it.
Section 2 DRINKING WATER SOURCE
Our water sources are two gravel packed wells and one manifold tubular wellfield located at Comins Pond. We are currently addinga blend of orthophosphate, polyphosphate and sodium hydroxide. The orthophosphate content of these products forms a protective film on ductile iron, steel, copper, lead and other metals to reduce corrosion. The polyphosphate content of the product sequesters iron, manganese and calcium from the water to reduce staining in plumbing fixtures. Sodium hydroxide is being used to adjust the pH of the drinking water.
Zone I is a 400 foot radius around each well.
Section 3 PROFESSIONAL LICENSED STAFF
The State of Massachusetts has very specific laws requiring operators to be certified to provide drinking water to the public. Our certified operators are required to hold both a systems operator license and a treatment license. Our operators are certified by the Association of Boards of Certification by meeting required training and continuing education as required by the Massachusetts Division of Registration, Drinking Water Operators Certification Board.
Section 4 SUBSTANCES FOUND IN TAP WATER
Sources of drinking water (both tap water and 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, and 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, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants-such as salts and metals, which 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-which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants-including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which 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-which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. 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 (800-426-4791).
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. EPA/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on lowering the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
Section 5 IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)– The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) –The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
Variances and Exemptions – State or EPA permission not to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions.
ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/L) ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/L) pCi/L = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
Section 6 2019 WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS
The water quality information presented in the table(s) is from the most recent round of testing done in accordance with regulations. All data shown was collected during the calendar year of January 1 to December 31, 2019 unless otherwise noted in the table(s). All other testing including bacteriological reports conducted throughout the year was below detectable limits.
MONITORING WAIVER GRANTED: The Department of Environmental Protection granted a waiver for the testing of Inorganics, Synthetic Organic Compounds, Perchlorate, and Volatile Organic Compounds.
ASBESTOS: Some people who drink water containing asbestos in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps. The next round of asbestos testing is scheduled for 2022.
RADIUM 226 & 228 AND GROSS ALPHA: The next round of testing is scheduled for 2024.
LEAD AND COPPER: Educational flyers on the health effects of lead in drinking water are available at the District office. The next round of Lead and Copper is scheduled for 2022. Date Collected90TH percentile# of sites exceeded# of sites sampledAction levelMCLGViolation (Y/N)Possible source of contamination Lead ug/L9/24/19
0.0045 0 10 .015 .015 N Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits Coppermg/L9/24/19 0.132 0 10 1.3 1.3 N Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits
Lead is a common metal found throughout the environment in lead-based paint, air, soil, household dust, and food, certain types of pottery porcelain and pewter, and water. Lead can pose a significant risk to your health if too much of it enters your body. Lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells, and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children and pregnant women. Amounts of lead that won’t hurt adults can slow down normal mental and physical development of growing bodies. In addition, a child at play often comes into contact with sources of lead contamination – like dirt and dust- that rarely affect an adult. It is important to wash children’s hands and toys often, and to try to make sure they put only food in their mouths. Educational flyers on the health effects of lead in drinking water are available at the District office.
Lead: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Warren Water District is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing method and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Copper:Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level, over many years, could suffer liver and kidney damage. People with Wilson’s disease should consult their personal doctor.
MANGANESE: Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, soil and groundwater, and surface water. Manganese is necessary for proper nutrition and is part of a healthy diet, but can have undesirable effects on certain sensitive populations at elevated concentrations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MassDEP have set an aesthetics‐based Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) for manganese of 50 ug/L (micrograms per liter), or 50 parts per billion. In addition, MassDEP’s Office of Research and Standards (ORS) has set a drinking water guideline for manganese (ORSG), which closely follows the EPA public health advisory for manganese. Drinking water may naturally have manganese and, when concentrations are greater than 50 ug/L, the water may be discolored and taste bad. Over a lifetime, the EPA recommends that people drink water with manganese levels less than 300 ug/L and over the short term, EPA recommends that people limit their consumption of water with levels over 1000 ug/L, primarily due to concerns about possible neurological effects. Children up to 1 year of age should not be given water with manganese concentrations over 300 ug/L, nor should formula for infants be made with that water for longer than 10 days.The ORSG differs from the EPA’s health advisory because it expands the age group to which a lower manganese concentration applies from children less than 6 months of age to children up to 1 year of age to address concerns about children’s susceptibility to manganese toxicity.See: EPA Drinking Water Health Advisory for Manganese
*A: Sources Pre-treatment *B: Comins Pond Pump Station
**US EPA and MassDEP have established public health advisory levels for manganese to protect against concerns of potential neurological effects. Unregulated or Secondary Contaminant Date Collected Result or Range Detected Average detected SMCL ORSG or Health Advisory
Possible Sources Manganese (mg/L) 4/4/2019
4/4/2019 A*: 0.255
B*: 0.1.55 0.050 300**
Erosion of natural deposits
Section 6 2019 WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS (Continued)
IRON: Unregulated or Secondary Contaminant Date Collected Result or Range Detected SMCL Possible Sources Iron(mg/L) 4/4/2019
A* 0.466
B* 1.02
0.3 Erosion of natural deposits
*A: Sources Pre-treatment *B: Comins Pond Pump Station
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. Regulated ContaminantDate CollectedResult
Mg/LDetection Limit
Mg/LMCLG or Violation (Y/N)Possible Source of Contamination Nitrate 10/2/2019
0.73
0.010
10.0
N
Runoff from fertilizer use, leaching from septic tanks, sewage, erosion of natural deposits.
NITRITE: Nitrite was tested 11/1/2017 and was below reported limits.
Section 7 SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (SWAP)
The Department of Environmental Protection DEP, conducts a SWAP to help the District recognize the potential contaminant sources within Zone I and Zone II, and identify land uses within this area. Potential contaminant sources are the parking area for beach users and aquatic wildlife.
FIX A LEAK WEEK: The Warren Water District has teamed up with Lowes at 348 Palmer Rd., Ware to offer discount savings on plumbing supplies to fix a leak and replacement showerheads, faucets or toilets. Look for information on Fix-a-leak week coming in March 2021.
Install: water-saving faucets and low-flow showerheads.
Check your toilets for leaks: The leaks are sometimes so small you cannot hear or see them. Remove the tank cover and add a few drops of food coloring (red, green) to the tank, let set for approximately 2 hours. Then, look in the bowl. Do you see discolored water (red, green)? If so, you have a leak and should call a professional plumber. A leaking toilet can use up to 200 gallons a day.
Section 9 DROUGHT CONDITIONS & CONSERVATION
The District enforced a mandatory water use restriction from June 13, 2019 to September 30, 2019 under the guidance of the DEP, Water Management Act Permit.
The District, through its Board of Water Commissioners, may declare a State of Water Conservation if the Board by a majority vote determines a shortage of water exists. Notification will take place by the following: 1) Notice mailed with your quarterly bill 2) Public access TV 3) Bill-board display located at 988 Main St. and local newspaper postings. The following restrictions may occur:
1) Odd/even day outdoor watering 2) Outdoor watering Ban 3) Filling of swimming pools 4) Use of automatic sprinklers OR No nonessential outdoor water use is allowed between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Water use restrictions are implemented to protect your water supply and ensure water quality during a State of Water Supply Emergency. (Article 15 of the District By-laws, Water Use Restrictions, available upon request)
Section 10 BACKFLOW PREVENTION & CROSS CONNECTION
What is a cross connection? A cross connection is a direct arrangement of a piping line which allows the potable water supply to be connected to a line which contains a contaminant. An example is: a garden hose attached to a service sink with the end of the hose submerged in a tub full of detergent. The District is regulated under a Department of Environmental Protection approved cross connection program in accordance with 310 CMR 22.22. Cross connection control is achieved by the combined cooperative effort between plumbing and health officials, the water supplier, and the property owners. Homeowners are required to protect their drinking water supply when residential sprinkler systems are installed.
Surveys are conducted on new businesses as required. Thirty eight existing businesses were surveyed in 2019 and three business failed and repairs made or water shut off. In 2019, in accordance with regulations sixteen businesses and two home sprinkler systems were tested. One device failed and repaired.
Section 11 ONLINE BILL PAY or Autopay
To accommodate our customers, we offer online bill pay through Unibank. Go to: https://unipaygold.unibank.com Choose Warren Water District. Enter your 8 digits of your account number and complete each screen to process your payment. We also accept MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit card payments. Fees assessed on a per transaction basis by UniPay Gold.
Section 12 GROUNDWATER PROTECTION
The Wellhead Protection Plan that was approved by the Department of Environmental Protection along with this and other by-laws are the cornerstones of our Master Plan.
The Groundwater Protection By-law was adopted by the Town of Warren May of 2005. The purpose of this by-law is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the community by ensuring quality and an adequate quantity of drinking water for its residents and to protect the potential sources of our drinking water supply.
A Groundwater Protection Regulation was adopted by the Board of Health of the Town of Warren, January 10, 2002 pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 111, Section 31, and 122.
The Groundwater Protection By-law and Regulation is available upon request at the District office.
Section 13 VISIT OUR DISTRICT WEBSITE
The website has been developed to provide you updates on meeting date and times, hydrant flushing, office hours, office policies such as shut off procedures. Please visit: warrenwaterdistrict.net
Section 14 CLOSING STATEMENT
The Commissioners and Staff are working with Tighe & Bond and (USDA) United States Department of Agriculture to move forward with the Comins Pond Water Treatment Plant. This treatment facility will filter out the iron and manganese that is causing our water to be discolored.
Due to Governor Baker’s directive to close the State of Massachusetts for several months, the project was placed on hold. As the state re-opens, we will be able to move forward with the permitting phase of this necessary project and continue providing safe drinking water. .
Thank you to all our customers for your continued support and understanding during these difficult times.
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov
