349 PWS 1214001 2021 Linda Manor CCR'!)21 Consumer Confidence Report
For
LI NTDA MANOR
Leeds, Massachusetts
MASSDEP PWSID # 1211001
This 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 Haydenville Rd
Contact Person: Paul Kane
Telephone #: 413-586-7700 email pkane@bhsl.org
Internet Address: lindamanor.org
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. An effort to replace
toilet and faucet parts to reduce water leaks is being made. It is important to make efforts to conserve water by all
who use and need it at Linda Manor.
Opportunities for Public Participation
If you would like to participate in discussions regarding your water quality, you may contact Paul Kane, Facilities
Director at 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 Manor facility is supplied by (2) 6 inch diameter wells. The wells are located in the field behind the
facility. The wells, which are labeled Well #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)
from Well #1 and 9 gpm from Well #2. Water is pumped from the wells by inline pumps into 2 fiberglass storage
tanks, also located underground in the field behind the facility. In 2020, 4.6 million gallons of water was pumped
and used at Linda Manor.
Source Name MassDEP
sDEP Source Source Type Location of Source
Well #1 1214001-01G Groundwater Field located behind the
facility
Field located behind the
Well #2 1214001-02G Groundwater facility
Is My Water Treated?
Linda Manor makes all efforts to serve and provide safe, clean drinking water. The groundwater at Linda Manor does not
need to be treated at this time as it meets all drinking water standards set forth and monitored by the Massachusetts Dept. of
Environmental Protection (MaDEP).
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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 modercarc was assigned to this system using the information collected during the
assessment by MassDEP. The moderate ranking was given due to the proximity of parking lot, septic system, and
the nursing home
Where Can I See The SWAP Report?
The complete SWAP report is available through the facilities director at Linda Manor and online at
littps://www.mass.P-ov/service-details/the-souttirouhrce-water-assessment-protection-swap-program . For more
information, call Paul Kane'a 413-386-7700
Also, the Certified Operator, who makes monthly inspection visits, looks for any changes or possible hazards that
may affect the drinking water.
What Are the Key Issues For Our Water Supply?
The SWAP Report notes the key issues of maintaining a clean parking lot in the water supply protection area for
sources Well #1 and Well #2. The report commends our water system on keeping the lot clean and free of
hazardous materials.
What Can Be Done To Improve Protection?
Residents can help protect sources by:
• Practicing good septic system maintenance
• Supporting water supply protection initiatives at the next town meeting
• Taking hazardous household chemicals to hazardous materials collection days
• Contacting the water department or Board of Health to volunteer for monitoring or education outreach to
schools
• Limiting pesticide and fertilizer use, etc.
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
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.
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.
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.
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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 (TT) — 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/I = 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.
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.
Date(s)
Collected
961
percentile
Action
Level
MCLG
# of sites
sampled
# of sites above
Action Level
possible Source of Contamination
Corrosion of household
Lead
8/25/21
3.2
15
0
5
0
plumbing systems, Erosion of
(ppb)
natural deposits
Corrosion of household
Copper8/25/21
5
p
plumbing systems; Erosion of
(ppm)
0.95
1.3
1.3
natural deposits; Leaching
from wood preservatives
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.
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 2020, Linda Manor is happy to report that all of the monthly samples taken yielded zero positive results.
PFAS
On October 2, 2020, MassDEP published its PFAS public drinking water standard or Massachusetts Maximum Contaminant
Level (MMCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L), or parts per trillion (ppt) applicable to community (COM) and non -transient
non -community (NTNG) systems for the sum of the concentrations of six specific PFAS. This drinking water standard is set
to be protective against adverse health effects for all people consuming the water.
The Linda Manor Extended Care Facility did take samples in 2021 and had no detects.
6. COMPLIANCE WITH DRINKING WATER 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. EDUCATIONAL INFORMATON i
Cross -Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
Linda Manor makes every effort to ensure that the water delivered to your home and business 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?
r.
Highest Result or 1
MCL
i Dates)
Regulated Contaminant
Cgltected
-- --
Highest Running Range
Average Detected
Detected
or
i MRDI
MCLG or i Violation
MRDLG 11 (YJN)
Possible Source(s) of
, Contamination
Inorganic Contaminants
Discharge from pulp mills,
Chromium (ppb)
11/24/20
.0023
mg/�
100
100
N
erosion of natural
deposits
PFAS
On October 2, 2020, MassDEP published its PFAS public drinking water standard or Massachusetts Maximum Contaminant
Level (MMCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L), or parts per trillion (ppt) applicable to community (COM) and non -transient
non -community (NTNG) systems for the sum of the concentrations of six specific PFAS. This drinking water standard is set
to be protective against adverse health effects for all people consuming the water.
The Linda Manor Extended Care Facility did take samples in 2021 and had no detects.
6. COMPLIANCE WITH DRINKING WATER 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. EDUCATIONAL INFORMATON i
Cross -Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
Linda Manor makes every effort to ensure that the water delivered to your home and business 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?
r.
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.
Back Pressure:
Norn°ialssure
le s
in potabystem
High pressure in
non -potable system.
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 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.
• Buy appliances and equipment with backflow preventers.
• Buy and install backflow prevention devices or assemblies for all high and moderate hazard connections.
If you are the owner or manager of a property that is being used as a commercial, industrial, or institutional facility
you must have your property's plumbing system surveyed for cross -connection by your water purveyor. If your
property has NOT been surveyed for cross -connection, contact your water department to schedule a cross -
connection survey.
Example 2.-
What
.
What is a Cross Connection and what can I do about it?
Polluted Source — 0
4 Clean Drinking Water
A cross connection is a connection between a drinking water pipe and a polluted source. The pollution can come
from your own home. For instance, you're going to spray fertilizer on your lawn. You hook up your hose to the
sprayer that contains the fertilizer. If the water pressure drops at the same time you turn on the hose, the fertilizer
may be sucked back into the drinking water pipes through the hose. This problem can be prevented by using an
attachment on your hose called a backflow -prevention device.
--
$, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Linda Manor takes pride in providing safe and clean drinking water throughout the facility. It is important for you to do
your part. Please report any leaks or other potential problems or concerns regarding the Nater system to the Linda
Uanor staff'or to the water system operator.
Thank You,
Jeff Nildreth -Certified Drinking Water Operator
(413) 219 0982
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