349 Public Water System Information 2019This report is a snapshot of the drinking water quality that we provided last year. Included are
details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to state and
federal standards. We are committed to providing you with this information because informed
customers are our best allies.
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM INFORMATION
Address: 349 Heydenville ltd
Contact Person: Paul Kane
Telephone #: 413-586-7700 email pkane(.@bhsl.org
Internet Address: lindanzanonorg
Water System Improvements
Our water.system is routinely inspected by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection (MassDEP). MassDEP inspects our system for its technical, financial, and managerial
capacity to provide safe drinking water to you. To ensure that we provide the highest quality of
water available, your water system is operated by a Massachusetts certified operator who
oversees the routine operations of our system. As part of our ongoing commitment to you, last
year we made the following improvements to our system: a monitoring system was installed to
allow staff at Linda Manor to track and monitor key components of the water system digitally. This
allows us to see well status and storage tank status. This is important as it alarms staff of water
shortage or malfunctions before they become an emergency.
Opportunities for Public Participation
If you would like to participate in discussions or ask quetions regarding your water quality, feel free
to contact Linda Manor.
YOUR DRINKING WATER SOURCE
Where Does My Drinking Water Come From?
Your water is provided by the following sources listed below:
This Linda i1arwr facility is supplied by (2) 6 inch diameter wells. The wells are located in the field behind
thefacility. The wells, which are labeled (Nell #1 and Well #2, are operated together when water is called
for by the level of the storage tanks. The wells have a combined approved pumping rate of 15 gallons per
minute (gpm)./rom GT%ll 91 and 9gpm front Nell 92. Water is pumpedfrom the wells by inline pumps into 2
fiberglass storage tanks also located undw-ground in the field to the rear of the building. Tlie systwn has a
pH treatment sytem available for use, but is not in use do to the acceptable pH range of the water. In 2019
a combined total of 4.7 million gallons was pumped by the wells.
Source Name
MassDEP Source ID#
Source Type
Location of Source
Well #1
1214001-01 G
Groundwater
Field located behind the facility
Well #2
1214001-02G
Groundwater
Field located behind the facility
Is My Water Treated?
Our water system makes every effort to provide you with safe and pure drinking water. We are
pleased to report that your water does not need to be treated at this time to meet these goals. The
water quality of our system is constantly monitored by us and MassDEP to determine if any future
treatment may be required.
How Are These Sources. Protected?
MassDEP has prepared a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Report for the water
supply source(s) serving this water system. The SWAP Report assesses the susceptibility of
public water supplies.
What is My System's Ranking?
A susceptibility ranking of moderate was assigned to this system using the information collected
during the assessment by MassDEP. The moderate ranking was given due to the proximity of the
parking lot, septic system, and the nursing home.
Where Can I See The SWAP Report?
The complete SWAP report is available through the head of maintanance at Linda Manor and
online at httos://www.mass.eov/service-details/tlie-source-water-assessment-protection-swap-progcain
For more information, call Paul Kane at 413-586-7700
What Are the Key Issues For Our Water Supply?
The SWAP Report notes the key issues of maitaining and keeping a clean parking lot in the water
supply protection area for source(s) Well #1 and Well#2. The report commends our water system
on keeping this area clean and free of chemicals and other hazordous materials.
What Can Be Done To Improve Protection?
Residents and Staff can help protect sources by:
• Practicing good septic system maintenance
• Supporting water supply protection initiatives
• Proper handling and disposal of chemicals that may be hazordous to the water
• Limiting pesticide and fertilizer use, etc.
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 stormwater 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
stormwater 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 stormwater 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
(MassDEP) 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).
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. Linda Manor 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 methods, and steps you can take to minimize
exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Maximum Contaminant Level NCL) — 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
4
treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLGI —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.
90th Percentile — Out of every 10 homes sampled, 9 were at or below this level.
Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) —.These standards are developed to protect
the aesthetic qualities of drinking water and are not health based.
Unregulated Contaminants
Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA has not established drinking water standards.
The purpose of unregulated monitoring is to assist EPA in determining their occurrence in drinking
water and whether future regulation is warranted.
Massachusetts Office of Research and Standards Guideline (ORSG) — This is the
concentration of a chemical in drinking water, at or below which, adverse health effects are
unlikely to occur after chronic (lifetime) exposure. If exceeded, it serves as an indicator of the
potential need for further action.
Treatment Technique ITT) — A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in
drinking water.
Running Annual Average (RAA) — The average of four consecutive quarter of data.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) -- The highest level of a disinfectant (chlorine,
chloramines, chlorine dioxide) allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that
addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal'(MRDLG) -- The level of a drinking water
disinfectant (chlorine, chloramines, chlorine dioxide) below which there is no known expected risk
to health.
MRDLG's do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Level 1 Assessment -.A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify
potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in
our water system.
Level 2 Assessment - A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to
identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has
occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple
occasions.
ppm = parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/1)
ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/1)
ppt = parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter
pCi/l = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units
ND = Not Detected
N/A = Not Applicable
mrem/year = millimrems per year (a measure of radiation absorbed by the body)
WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS
What Does This Data Represent?
The water quality information presented in the table is from the most recent round of testing done
in accordance with the regulations. All data shown was collected during the last calendar year
unless otherwise noted in the table.
Lea
(ppl
Col:
(pp,
Date(s)
Collected
90T"
percentile
Action
Level
MCLG
# of sites
sampled
# of sites above
Action Level
possible Source of Contamination
pates) Highest Running
Range a
°r
MCLG or
Violation
'
Possible Sources) of
Corrosion of household
Detectetl'
7/23/18
2.6
15
0
5
0
plumbing systems; Erosiot
.,,
;
Inorganic Contaminants
natural deposits
Corrosion of household
per
7/23/18
1.095
1.3
1.3
5
0
plumbing systems; Erosiot
natural deposits; Leaching
from wood reservatives
A Level 7 Assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and
determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
A Level 2 Assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems
and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform
bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
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 distribution 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 any problems that were
found during these assessments.
In 2019, all ofthe monthly bacteria samples taken at Linda Manor yielded no positive results.
HighesCResult or
MCL
Regulatedpontarpmant i
pates) Highest Running
Range a
°r
MCLG or
Violation
'
Possible Sources) of
colleotetl Average
Detectetl'
MRDL
FMRDLG
(YJN)
.Conteminahon:
..Detected
.,,
;
Inorganic Contaminants
6. COMPLIANCE WITH, DRINKING WA,TER,REGS,
Does My Drinking Water Meet Current Health Standards?
We are committed to providing you with the best water quality available. We are proud to report
that last year your drinking water met all applicable health standards regulated by the state and
federal government.
7.. y EDUCATIONAL INFORMATON,
Cross -Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
Linda Manor makes every effort to ensure that the water delivered within the building is clean,
safe and free of contamination. Our staff works very hard to protect the quality of the water
delivered to our customers from the time the water is extracted via deep wells from underground
aquifers or withdrawal point from a surface water source, throughout the entire treatment and
distribution system. But what happens when the water reaches your home or business? Is there
still a need to protect the water quality from contamination caused by a cross -connection? If so,
how?
What is a cross -connection?
A cross -connection occurs whenever the drinking water supply is or could be in contact with
potential sources of pollution or contamination. Cross -connections exist in piping arrangements
or equipment that allows the drinking water to come in contact with non -potable liquids, solids, or
gases (hazardous to humans) in event of a backflow.
What is a backflow?
Backflow is the undesired reverse of the water flow in the drinking water distribution lines. This
backward flow of water can occur when the pressure created by equipment or a system such as a
boiler or air-conditioning is higher than the water pressure inside the water distribution line (back
pressure), or when the pressure in the distribution line drops due to routine occurrences such as
water main breaks or heavy water demand causing the water to flow backward inside the water
distribution system (back siphonage). Backflow is a problem that many water consumers are
unaware of, a problem that each and every water customer has a responsibility to help prevent.
What can I do to help prevent a cross -connection?
Without the proper protection something as simple as a garden hose has the potential to
contaminate or pollute the drinking water lines in your house. In fact over half of the country's
cross -connection incidents involve unprotected garden hoses. There are very simple steps that
7
Oct 9
Runoff from fertilizer use;
Nitrate (ppm)
ND
10
10
N
leaching from septic
2019
tanks; sewage; erosion of
natural deposits
Perchlorate (ppb)
Aug 12
ND
2
N/A
N
Rocket propellants,
2019
fireworks, munitions,
flares, blasting a ents
6. COMPLIANCE WITH, DRINKING WA,TER,REGS,
Does My Drinking Water Meet Current Health Standards?
We are committed to providing you with the best water quality available. We are proud to report
that last year your drinking water met all applicable health standards regulated by the state and
federal government.
7.. y EDUCATIONAL INFORMATON,
Cross -Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
Linda Manor makes every effort to ensure that the water delivered within the building is clean,
safe and free of contamination. Our staff works very hard to protect the quality of the water
delivered to our customers from the time the water is extracted via deep wells from underground
aquifers or withdrawal point from a surface water source, throughout the entire treatment and
distribution system. But what happens when the water reaches your home or business? Is there
still a need to protect the water quality from contamination caused by a cross -connection? If so,
how?
What is a cross -connection?
A cross -connection occurs whenever the drinking water supply is or could be in contact with
potential sources of pollution or contamination. Cross -connections exist in piping arrangements
or equipment that allows the drinking water to come in contact with non -potable liquids, solids, or
gases (hazardous to humans) in event of a backflow.
What is a backflow?
Backflow is the undesired reverse of the water flow in the drinking water distribution lines. This
backward flow of water can occur when the pressure created by equipment or a system such as a
boiler or air-conditioning is higher than the water pressure inside the water distribution line (back
pressure), or when the pressure in the distribution line drops due to routine occurrences such as
water main breaks or heavy water demand causing the water to flow backward inside the water
distribution system (back siphonage). Backflow is a problem that many water consumers are
unaware of, a problem that each and every water customer has a responsibility to help prevent.
What can I do to help prevent a cross -connection?
Without the proper protection something as simple as a garden hose has the potential to
contaminate or pollute the drinking water lines in your house. In fact over half of the country's
cross -connection incidents involve unprotected garden hoses. There are very simple steps that
7
you as a drinking water user can take to prevent such hazards, they are:
• NEVER submerge a hose in soapy water buckets, pet watering containers, pool, tubs,
sinks, drains, or chemicals.
• NEVER attached a hose to a garden sprayer without the proper backflow preventer.
® Buy and install a hose bibb vacuum breaker in any threaded water fixture. The installation
can be as easy as attaching a garden hose to a.spigot. This inexpensive device is
available at most hardware stores and home -improvement centers.
® Identify and be aware of potential cross -connections to your water line.
$. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Linda Manor takes pride in providing safe and clean drinking water throughout the, facility. It is intprotant
for you to do your part. Please report any leaks or other potential problems regarding the water system to
the maintanance staff or to the water system operator.
Thankyou,
Jeff Hildreth - Certified Drinking Water Operator
(413) 219-0982
0