2000 Water Quality Report

2000 Annual Water Quality Report

2000 Water Quality Report (.pdf)

Consumer Confidence Report
January 2001
PWS ID #4126000
Issue 3

The Harwich Water Department is pleased to present to its customers the 2001 Annual Consumer Confidence Report. In this brochure you will find what is in your water, the results of the tests performed in the last year, and how it is treated. 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.

If you would like to know more about the Water Department, Board of Water Commissioners meetings are held at 8:15 am on the first and third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise posted and are open to the public. Commissioner Meeting minutes are available on our website.

Consult our web site at www.harwichwater.com and, for further information, see U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water information at www.epa.gov/safewater (opens in new window) which is linked to our Web site. If you have any questions regarding this report, please contact Superintendent Craig Wiegand at 508-432-0304.

Overview
The Harwich Water Department produced a total of 644,636,400 gallons of water in 2000. This averages out to over 1,766,000 million gallons per day. One hundred thirty three services were added throughout the year bringing the total to 9,179 accounts.

During 2000, the department collected over 550 samples for general water chemistry and over 75 for regulated contaminants.

THE WATER LINE

  • The Harwich Water Department will continue to chlorinate during the spring and fall hydrant flushing program.
  • The Department will continue conducting a Water 101 course for its customers. This course will give a general overview of the water industry. Interested parties should contact the office.
  • A voluntary water restriction will again be in effect this coming summer. We urge residents to conserve water whenever possible. The summer of 2002 is forecasted to be as dry as the past few years.
  • February l, 2001, Superintendent, Kenneth J Bulley, resigned. Senior Administrative assistant, Deborah Fuller, is the Acting Superintendent. Daniel Hanley, formerly of Earth Tech, has joined the staff as Secondary Operator and Distribution Foreman. The number of staff the Water Department has is 12 including the office staff. All personnel, except for the two office clerks, are now certified by the state for water distribution and 8 have water treatment grade licenses.

Harwich's Water Source

Map The Town of Harwich is supplied by groundwater from fourteen(14) gravel packed wells. Our wellfield are located in South, East and North Harwich, which draw water from the Monomoy Lens Aquifer. The Main Station tubular wellfield and Stations One (1) through Four (4) are located off of Chatham Road, behind the Water Departments main office and garages. Station Five (5), Six (6) and Seven (7) are located off of Depot Road in South Harwich, next to the bike path. Stations Eight (8) and Nine (9) are off of Bay Road in East Harwich, Station Ten (10) is in North Harwich off of North Westgate Road on the Brewster Town line and Station number Eleven (11) is located off of Pleasant Bay Road in East Harwich.

Also, a source-water assessment plan (SWAP) was completed for The Harwich Water Department by The Department of Environmental Protection (D.E.P.) agency, which shows the surrounding areas of the zones of contribution to the Town wells. The water department is waiting for DEP's comments before it is released to the public.

General Water Chemistry

The quality of drinking water is a subject that is frequently discussed, but more often misunderstood. Just a few years ago we seldom questioned the water we drank. In the past few years technology has given us the ability to measure small amounts of contaminates. Along with technology comes public awareness and more Federal and State regulations. Even with today's technology some people still question the safety of the water and turn to alternative sources for drinking 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: (A) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may came 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 stormwater runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, and farming. (C) Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses. (D) 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. (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, 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 agents. EPA/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quidelines on lowering the risk of infection by microbial contaminants are also available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline.

Water Sampling Test Results

LEAD AND COPPER ACTION LEVELS AT RESIDENTIAL TAPS
Contaminant90th Percentile# of sites exceeded# of sites sampled on 7/04Sites above Action LevelAction LevelMCLGViolationPossible source of contamination
Lead 0.002 0 30 N/A 15ppb 0 No Corrosion of household plumbing system. Erosion of natural deposits.
Copper 0.85 0 30 0 1.3mg/l 1.3 No Corrosion of household plumbing system. Erosion of natural deposit.

 

Inorganic Contaminants
Regulated ContaminantsDate CollectedHighest Detect ValueRange DetectedAverage DetectedMCLMCLGPossible SourceViolation
Nitrate   3.2 0.8-3.2   10 10 Erosion of natural deposits leaching from septage tanks NO
Nitrite 3/1999 0.4 0.4   1.0 1.0 Erosion of natural deposits leaching from septage tanks NO

 

TOTAL COLIFORMHighest # Positive In a monthMCLMCLGViolationPossible Source
6 <1 0 Y Naturally present in the environment

Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and indicate that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.
On November 8, 2000, the Harwich Water Department received a Notice of Non-Compliance for a MCL Violation of Total Coliform Bacteria. The description of the Non-Compliance was as follows:

  1. On 9/13/00 Harwich Water Dept. was informed that 2 routine samples collected on 9/12/00, were positive for total coliform bacteria. Repeat samples, which were collected on 9/14/00 indicated four (4) sampling locations were positive for total coliform bacteria. The above constitutes an exceedance of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total coliform bacteria.
  2. The Department of Environmental Protection was not notified of this exceedance until September 19, 2000.
In response to the violation, the water department began chlorinating the system and took the Brooks Park Tank off line until all samples were to be found negative of bacteria.
Unregulated or Secondary ContaminantsDate CollectedHighest Detect ValueRange Low-HighAverage DetectSMCLORSG
pH 7/2000 6.4 5.5-6.4 5.9 6.5-8.5 N/A
Chloride 7/2000 64 6.0-64.0 29 250 ppm N/A
Copper 7/2000 1.74 .02-1.74 0.86 1 ppm N/A
Radon 3/1999 95(+/-36) 95 95 N/A 10,000 pCi/l
Sodium 2000 0.14 30 N/A N/A 20 ppm
Sulfate 7/2000 10.7 5.8-10.7 8.25 250 ppm N/A
Zinc 7/2000 <.01-.23 0.23 0.11 5 ppm N/A

Additional language required by EPA and DEP

Radon is a radioactive gas that you can not 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).

Lead: 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 levels in your home's water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water that has sat unused for awhile. Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800.426.4791.

posted: 12/31/00
     

  • 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