1998 Water Quality Report

1998 Annual Water Quality Report

1998 Water Quality Report (.pdf)

Consumer Confidence Report
January 1999
PWS ID #4126000
Issue 1

This report explains how drinking water provided by the Harwich Water Department is of the highest quality. Included in this report is a listing of results from water-quality tests, tips on how to interpret the data as well as an explanation of where our water comes from. This "Consumer Confidence Report" is required by law, but we are proud to share our results with you. Please read them carefully.

We are proud to report that the water provided by the Harwich Water Dept. meets or exceeds established water quality standards.

Call us for information about the next opportunity for public participation in decisions about our drinking water. Consult our Web site at http://www.harwichwater.com and, for further information, see U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water information at www.epa.gov/safewater.

Overview
In 1998, your water department distributed 619,321,800 million gallons of water to the Town of Harwich customers. We installed 22,836 feet of new water mains. During the next year we will continue to improve the distribution system and install and upgrading water mains.

Water Source
Harwich Water Department is supplied by groundwater pumped from 12 wells located in North, East and South Harwich. We will also be completing the construction on station #11 in the late summer of 1999 and have it on line shortly after the first of September. During 1998, a source-water assessment was completed for The Harwich Water Department by The Department of Environmental Protection. Copies are available from D.E.P., One Winter St., Boston MA. 02108, or by telephone at 1-617-292-5500.

Water Sampling Test Results

Water Sampling Test Results
ContaminantDate TestedUnitMCLMCLGDetected LevelRangeViolationMajor Sources
Lead** 6/17/98 ppb AL = 15 0 12.00 1-12 NO Corrosion of household plumbing system. Erosion of natural deposits.
Nitrate*** 2/2/98 ppm 10 10 1.56 0.02-1.56 NO Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tank; Erosion of natural deposit
Copper* 6/17/98 ppm AL = 1.3 AL = 1.3 .86 0.05-0.86 NO Corrosion of household plumbing system. Erosion of natural deposit. Leaching from wood preservatives

 

Radioactive Contaminants
ContaminantDate TestedUnitMCLMCLGDetected LevelRangeViolationMajor Sources
Alpha Emitters 1/1/95 pCi/L 15 0 1.00   NO Erosion of natural deposit

 

Volatile Organic Contaminants
ContaminantDate TestedUnitMCLMCLGDetected LevelRangeViolationMajor Sources
Chloroform**** 10/19/98 ppb 9,999 9,999 0.86 0.05-0.86 NO By-product from drinking water chlorination and naturally forming in coastal areas

*90% Percential was 0.004 ppm
**90% Percential was 0.51 ppm
***Average is 0.78 ppm
****Average is 1.9 ppb

Legend to Table
AL= Action Level pCi/l = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level PPM = parts per million or miligrams per liter (mg/l)
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Goal Ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/l)

An Explanation of the Water-Quality Data Table
Our water is tested regularly to assure that it is safe and healthy for the residents of Harwich. The column marked Maximum Detected shows the highest test result during the year. Sources of Contaminant shows where this substance usually originates Columns headed MCL and MCLG refer to:
Maximum Contaminant level or MCL: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL's are set close to the MCLG's as feasible using the best available technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or MCLG: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG's 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.

Required Additional Health Information
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes limits on the amount of contaminants in water provided by a public water system. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least a small amount 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 Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). The 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 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:

  • (A) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
  • (B) Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
  • (C) Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
  • (D) Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and septic systems.
  • (E) 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, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than is the general population. Immune-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 infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Concerning Lead in Our Water
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. The longer water resides in your home's plumbing the higher the lead level may be. Flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water also helps in reducing levels. Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Compliance
This report was prepared by the Harwich Water Dept. staff and technical assistance provided by the American Water Works Association. For further information please call the office at 432-0304. We'll be happy to answer any questions about Harwich Water Department and our water quality. Call David Condrey at 508-432-0304. Water Quality Data for community water systems throughout the United States is available at www.waterdata.com. Learn more about the Harwich Water Department water system at [www.oncapecod.net/harwichwater]. * Member of NEWWA, MWWA, PCWWA and BCWWA.

This report was prepared by the Harwich Water Depatment staff with technical assistance provided by the American Water Works Association. For further information please call our office at 508 432-0304 and we will be happy to answer any questions about the Harwich Water Department and our water quality. David Condrey is the Secondary Operator and handles the water sampling program. David can answer questions about sampling procedures and can answer any specific concerns you may have. Water Quality Data for community water systems throughout the United States is available at http://www.waterdata.com. Learn more about the Harwich Water Department water system at http://www.harwichwater.com.

Water Sampling Test Results

Water Sampling Test Results
ContaminantDate TestedUnitMCLMCLGDetected LevelRangeViolationMajor Sources
Lead** 6/17/98 ppb AL = 15 0 12.00 1-12 NO Corrosion of household plumbing system. Erosion of natural deposits.
Nitrate*** 2/2/98 ppm 10 10 1.56 0.02-1.56 NO Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tank; Erosion of natural deposit
Copper* 6/17/98 ppm AL = 1.3 AL = 1.3 .86 0.05-0.86 NO Corrosion of household plumbing system. Erosion of natural deposit. Leaching from wood preservatives

 

Radioactive Contaminants
ContaminantDate TestedUnitMCLMCLGDetected LevelRangeViolationMajor Sources
Alpha Emitters 1/1/95 pCi/L 15 0 1.00   NO Erosion of natural deposit

 

Volatile Organic Contaminants
ContaminantDate TestedUnitMCLMCLGDetected LevelRangeViolationMajor Sources
Chloroform**** 10/19/98 ppb 9,999 9,999 0.86 0.05-0.86 NO By-product from drinking water chlorination and naturally forming in coastal areas

*90% Percential was 0.004 ppm
**90% Percential was 0.51 ppm
***Average is 0.78 ppm
****Average is 1.9 ppb

Legend to Table
AL= Action Level pCi/l = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level PPM = parts per million or miligrams per liter (mg/l)
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Goal Ppb = parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/l)

An Explanation of the Water-Quality Data Table
Our water is tested regularly to assure that it is safe and healthy for the residents of Harwich. The column marked Maximum Detected shows the highest test result during the year. Sources of Contaminant shows where this substance usually originates Columns headed MCL and MCLG refer to:
Maximum Contaminant level or MCL: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL's are set close to the MCLG's as feasible using the best available technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or MCLG: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG's 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.

Required Additional Health Information
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes limits on the amount of contaminants in water provided by a public water system. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least a small amount 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 Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). The 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 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:

  • (A) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
  • (B) Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
  • (C) Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
  • (D) Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and septic systems.
  • (E) 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, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than is the general population. Immune-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 infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Concerning Lead in Our Water
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. The longer water resides in your home's plumbing the higher the lead level may be. Flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water also helps in reducing levels. Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Compliance
This report was prepared by the Harwich Water Dept. staff and technical assistance provided by the American Water Works Association. For further information please call the office at 432-0304. We'll be happy to answer any questions about Harwich Water Department and our water quality. Call David Condrey at 508-432-0304. Water Quality Data for community water systems throughout the United States is available at www.waterdata.com. Learn more about the Harwich Water Department water system at [www.oncapecod.net/harwichwater]. * Member of NEWWA, MWWA, PCWWA and BCWWA.

This report was prepared by the Harwich Water Depatment staff with technical assistance provided by the American Water Works Association. For further information please call our office at 508 432-0304 and we will be happy to answer any questions about the Harwich Water Department and our water quality. David Condrey is the Secondary Operator and handles the water sampling program. David can answer questions about sampling procedures and can answer any specific concerns you may have. Water Quality Data for community water systems throughout the United States is available at http://www.waterdata.com. Learn more about the Harwich Water Department water system at http://www.harwichwater.com.

posted: 12/31/98

  • Water Service Line Inventory is now available as part of Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. View
  • 11/6/24 Invitation To Bid: Valve Isolation Equipment System. Awarded to Hydra-Stop.
  • 2024 Fall Flushing; October 7th through December 31, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. in the areas of Pleasant Lake and North > Flushing FAQ's
  • Invitation to Bid: FY 2025 Water Works Supplies | Awarded to Ferguson Waterworks
  • Town Phase 3 Wastewater Engagement Forum; 10/1/2 6:30 p.m. @ Community Center. View Project Info.
  • It's official!!  Our new Water & Wastewater Superintendent, Jason Trepanier, joins our department on Monday, August 26, 2024.  Congratulations Jason and welcome!
  • Voluntary Water Restrictions:  Please consider conserving water staying within the days and hours > Odd number houses: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday  |  Even number houses: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday "Before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m".
  • Spring Flushing is now complete! 
  • Seasonal Laborers Wanted. The pay range is $16.82-$18.94/hr.  View Job Description.  Email Application to tracey.alves@harwich-ma.gov 
  • Congratulations Noreen Donahue, on another 3-year term as Water & Wastewater Commissioner!
  • Congratulations to Bob Young!!  We look forward to your contributions as a newly elected Water & Wastewater Commissioner!
  • Thank you Gary Carreiro for your committment and dedication over the past 9 years as Water and Wastewater Commissioner.  You will be missed!!   
  • JOB OPENING:  Harwich Water & Wastewater Superintendent job posting has been extended to Friday, June 28th, 2024  > View Job Posting & Description.
  • 4/01 - 6/30/24 | Spring Flushing Monday-Thursday 6:00p-12a as weather permits > Flushing FAQ's 
  • 5/15/24 Planned power outage at Water Department office on 5/15/24 from 7a-12p (approx) in preparation for generator replacement.
  • Sewer Phase 3 Project Map (.pdf)  |  Wastewater Phase 3 Interactive Map
  • 4/17/24 | Job Posting: Harwich Water & Wastewater Superintendent > View Job Posting & Description.
  • 4/16/24 | 2023 Consumer Confidence Report is now available > View
  • 4/16/24 | New Composting Program to begin 7/1/24 > Learn more
  • 4/10-4/11/24 | Water Emergency; Do Not Drink Water; limited to are of North Harwich was lifted on 4/11/24.
  • 4/01-6/30/24 | Spring Flushing Monday-Thursday 6:00p-12a as weather permits > Flushing FAQ's  
  • 2/12/24 | Phase 3 Septic As-built Ties are available > View P3 Septic As-Built & Septic System Download
  • 2/8/24 | Phase 3 Map and Updates are available > View Map | View Project Updates
  • 2/1/24 | Phase 2 Sewer Order to Connect has been extended to March 1, 2025.
  • 12/5/23 | Fall Flushing is now complete!  Thank you for your patience.
  • 10/23/23 | The Town of Harwich Water Department is accepting sealed bids for furnishing and delivery of General Water Works Supplies for the period of August 11, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Bid awarded to Cape Cod Winwater!
  • 9/13/23 | Fall Flushing begins September 18th and runs through December 2023, Monday - Thursday from 6:00pm to 12a (weather permitting). Flushing will begin in East Harwich and finish in South Harwich. View Flushing FAQ's  
  • 7/11/23 | Water Department job openings; Electrician/Journeyman, Secondary Distribution Operator and (2) Seasonal Laborer Positions | View Job Postings & Job Descriptions.  Positions have been filled as of 9/13/23. Thank you.
  • 06/08/23 | Spring flushing is now complete - Thank you for you patience! 
  • 05/03/23 | Emergency Generators and Transfer Switches RE-BID. Bid awarded to FM Generator!
  • 04/13/23 | The Harwich Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners will be holding a public hearing April 27, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at the Harwich Water Department, 196 Chatham Road, Harwich, MA 02645.  The purpose of the hearing is to receive public input regarding changes to General Bylaws, Chapter 300 Water §300-5, §300-16. Violations and Penalties.... View Legal Ad  |   View General Bylaws, Chapter 300
  • 04/10/23 | Water Main Flushing begins in the areas of Route 39, Harwich Center and North Harwich, Monday through Thursday from 6 PM TO 12AM, through June 30, 2023View Flushing FAQ's
  • 03/02/23 | Need assistance with the cost of your sewer connection?  Cape Cod AquiFund offers low-interest betterment loans for Cape Cod homeowners faced with the cost of replacement of septic sytems and installation of advanced onsite water treatement units now includes sewer connections. Learn more
  • 02/23/23 | Emergency Generators and Transfer Switches bid > View Bid
  • 01/24/23 | Water/Sewer bills were delayed, but have been mailed. We apologize for the delay and thank you for your patience. Water Department Staff.
  • 10/26/22 | As of Wednesday, October 26th, the Board of Water & Wastewater Commissioners voted to lift the outdoor watering ban in Harwich. Please be advised, water ban citations issued up to this date remain due and payment should be made to the Town Clerk’s Office. Once again, the outdoor watering ban has been lifted in the Town of Harwich. Thank you for your cooperation during the ban.
  • 10/18/22 |  Request for Quote for Well 7 Rehabilitation Pump Removal & Replacement > Link to RFQ download(s)
  • 09/22/22 |  Special Town Meeting, Article #1 Maps >> Route 28 PS Sites_CLR and Phase 3 PS Sites_CLR
  • 08/29/22 |  Invitation for Bid: Water Distribution Materials Bulk Purchase View Bid
  • 07/29/22 |  Mandatory Outdoor Water Ban, Effective 8/1/22; View Notice and  Learn More -->USGS Chart
  • 07/08/22 |  Water Department Job Posting: Secondary Distribution Operator D2, view posting and job description
  • 06/17/22 | Invitation For Bid:  Domestic Water Meters > View Bid
  • 06/16/22 | BOWWC Public Hearing Outcome: Rates & Fees were adopted and become effective 7/1/22.  Property Acquisitions will move forward.  
  • 05/26/22 | A Public Hearing will be held in the Griffin Room at Harwich Town Hall on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. for items; 1. Proposed Water Rates & Fees Increases and 2. Aquisition of Property through Eminent Domain. View Rates & Fees |  Property Acquisition Locations >> Assessors Parcel 43-E-7-0 (0.48 acres), 43-E-9-0 (0.96 acres), 43-E-9A-0 (0.82 acres), 43-E-10-0 (0.97 acres) and 43-E-12-0 (4.51 acres) 
  • 04/01/22 | Spring Flushing Notice is scheduled for April 11th - June 30th, 2022.  Flushing FAQ's
  • 04/01/22 | Annual Water Quality Report 2021 is now available.
  • 03/14/22 | Fertilizer Policy Guidelines Education
  • 03/09/22 | New Payment Options: VISA, Venmo, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal and PayPal Credit
  • 02/09/22 | Order to Connect to Sewer & Welcome Packet has been mailed to the first round of property owners; 265 total. Read more
  • Secondary Distribution Operator (2 Openings) > Positions have been filled.
  • Fall Flushing 2021 in South Harwich Area; Monday-Thursday 6-11p October 5 through December, weather pending. Flushing FAQ's
  • Sewer Bill Estimates for Phase 2, first-to-connect future customers, is now available -> Sewer Bill Estimates
  • Sewer Rates; effective 7/16/21 -> Sewer Rates
  • New Water Rates; effective 7/1/21 -> Water Rates
  • New Sewer Use Regulations were adopted; effective 5/26/21 -> Sewer Use Regulations
  • Water Rules & Regulations were updated and adopted; effective 5/26/21. -> Water Rules & Regulations 
  • Proposed Sewer Rates Proposed, effective 7/16/21.  Public hearing will be held on July 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Water Department office at 196 Chatham Road, Harwich MA 02645.
  • Water Rate Increase Proposed, effective 7/1/21.  Public hearing will be held on June 30, 2021 @ 1:00 p.m. at the Water Department office at 196 Chatham Road, Harwich MA 02645.  
  • Water Department Office, and Town Offices open tomorrow!  Water Department hours are M-F 8a-4:30p.  Please note that we will be closed on Friday 6/18/21 in observance of Juneteenth.  
  • Welcome to our newest members of the Water/Wastewater Commission; Noreen Donahue and John Gough!!
  • MANDATORY Water Restrictions - Please be advised that in response to the level 1 drought declaration and lower than average groundwater levels the Harwich Water Department has implemented mandatory odd/even watering schedule effective immediately.  Learn More -->USGS Chart
  • 2020 Consumer Confidence / Annual Water Quality Report is now available.
  • View News Feed Archive; 2020 and prior