Untitled Document

June, 2004

Dear Water Customer:

The Annual Water Quality Report to Consumers is a report on the quality of the drinking water supplied by the Town of Brookline in partnership with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). We are pleased to be working with the MWRA in this joint communication on the quality of the drinking water arriving at your home and business. This annual report provides detailed information on the MWRA’s source water reservoirs, which are the sole source of water distributed within the Town of Brookline, and the quality of water as determined through federal and state testing guidelines. Water quality test data, as well as the definition of the terms used in the drinking water industry, are presented as it relates to health effects of tested contaminants.

Go back to the MWRA 2003 Report

With the completion of the water main rehabilitation program in 2001, the Town is able provide the highest quality water to its customers. On-going improvements include the replacement of hydrants for improved fire protection, the replacement of valves for more efficient system control and the scheduled replacement of water meters to provide more accurate utility billing and water accountability. In addition, bi-annual leak detection surveys are conducted to reduce water waste from leakage and annual main flushing progams are done to maintain water quality.

Each year, MWRA and local water departments test tap water in homes that are likely to have high lead levels. The EPA rules require that 9 out of 10, or 90%, of these sampled homes must have lead levels below the Lead Action Level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). We are pleased to report that in Brookline, all 15 sampled homes tested below the Lead Action Level with the 90th percentile concentration of lead at 8.59 ppb. For more information on lead in tap water and practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure, please see the main report.

The Town of Brookline is committed to providing you with the best water possible. As our customers, we hope that you will find this report informative and useful. If you would like more information on particular topics, or have specific questions, please call the Water & Sewer Division at 617-730-2170, or contact the MWRA directly using the phone numbers listed in the report.

Sincerely,
Andrew M. Pappastergion, P.E.
Director – Water & Sewer Division