Annual Water Quality Reports

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ABOUT DISCOLORED WATER:

Occasionally you could see brown water or sand. Sometimes this occurs when there is an increase or change in water flow, largely caused by water main breaks, fire hydrant activations, and flow direction changes. These occurrences knock off small particles of rust and stir up sediments in the pipes. It is a temporary condition that usually clears up in a couple of hours. If you run your water for a short time, it should clear. If not, please contact our office at 508-432-0304 and we'll send someone to flush the line.
Harwich Water Department crews flush the lines through fire hydrants during the year to minimize the build up of sediments in pipes, which helps reduce chances of discolored water. Even though the water is discolored and has sediments, disinfectants are still present and the water is safe once it clears up. Watch for flushing signs in your area.
If you have any water quality concerns, please contact our Primary Treatment Operator, Neil Salzillo at 508-432-0304, x.210.

2006 Annual Water Quality Report

Water Sampling

UNREGULATED OR SECONDARY CONTAMINATES
SUBSTANCE (UNITS)	YEAR SAMPLED	HIGHEST DETECT VALUE	RANGE LOW-HIGH	AVERAGE DETECT VALUE	SMCL (Secondary Minimum Contaminant Level)	ORSG (Massachusetts Office of Research and Standards Guidelines)
pH	10/2006	8	5.6-8.0	7.5	6.5-8.5	NA
Chloride	06/2006	33	11-28	22	250 ppm	NA
Chloroform	10/2006	3.4		1.98	NA	NA
Iron	10/2006	1.4	<0.01-1.20	0.1	0.30 ppm	NA
Manganese	10/2006	.26	<0.01-0.32	.086	0.05 ppm	NA
Radon*	03/1999	95(+/-36)	95	95	NA	10,000 pCi/l
Sodium	02/2006	.23	1.0	10.2	NA	20 ppm
Sulfate	10/2006	12	5.7-10.0	7.9	250 ppm	NA
Radium-226	04/2005	0.0(+/-0.1)	0.1	0.1	5 pCi/l	NA
Radium-228	04/2005	0.0(+/-0.4)		0.5	5 pCi/l	NA
*Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste, or smell. It is found throughout the United States. Radon can move up through the ground and into a home through cracks and holes in the foundation. Radon can build up to high levels in all types of homes. Radon can also get into indoor air when released from tap water from showering, washing dishes, and other household activities. Compared to radon entering the home through soil, radon entering the home through tap water will in most cases be a small source of radon in indoor air. Radon is a known human carcinogen. Breathing air containing radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon may also cause increase risk of stomach cancer. If you are concerned about radon in your home, test the air in your home. Testing is inexpensive and easy. Fix your home if the level of radon in your air is 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/l) or higher. There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that aren't too costly. For information, call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Radon Program at 413-586-7525 or call EPA's Radon Hotline( 800.SOS.RADON).

Table Definitions

90th Percentile: Out of every 10 homes sampled, 9 were at or below this level.

AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): 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 technology.

MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): 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.

NA: Not applicable

ND: Not detected

pCi/l (picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity): One pCi is equal to the decay of about two radioactive atoms per minute.

ppb (parts per billion): One part substance per billion parts water (or micrograms per liter; ug/l)

ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter; mg/l)

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