IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER: To all customers of the Westminster Water Department located in Westminster, Massachusetts
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) are Above Drinking Water Standards
This notice is to advise our customers that our water system is in noncompliance with the drinking water standards for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs). Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
We are required to monitor the drinking water for TTHM levels on a quarterly basis (once every three months) at two specific locations in the distribution system. The results of the last two quarters’ samples show that our system exceeded the standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL) for TTHMs at one out of two locations during the April through June 2022 and July through September 2022 compliance periods. The standard for TTHMs is 80 parts per billion (ppb), and compliance is determined on a quarterly basis by averaging all samples collected at each location for the last 12 months (Running Annual Average). The locations and those averages are as follows (averages above the MCL have been highlighted):
What does this mean?
This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified right away. However, pregnant women, infants, and women of childbearing age may be at increased risk and should seek advice from their health care providers if they have any concerns. Some people who drink water containing (TTHMs) trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
What are Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)?
TTHMs are a group of disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine compounds, which are used to disinfect water, react with other naturally occurring chemicals in the water. They are colorless and will evaporate out into the air. There are four significant TTHM (chloroform, bromoform, bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane) potentially found in disinfected drinking water and their combined concentration is referred to as total TTHM.
What is the Town doing to reduce TTHM levels?
We are working closely with MassDEP, the City of Fitchburg and a consultant to investigate the cause of the elevated levels and determine appropriate corrective actions to be taken. We will continue flushing affected areas as an interim measure. You may experience water discoloration during the flushing events.
What happened?
Our water system purchases 100% of our drinking water from the City of Fitchburg who treats the water with filtration and adds chlorine disinfectant as part of the treatment process. Westminster does not add any additional disinfectants, such as chlorine, to the water. TTHMs are a byproduct of chlorine disinfection which forms when chlorine combines with natural organic matter commonly found in surface water supplies and sometimes in groundwater sources. TTHM levels can vary depending on a number of factors including the amount of chlorine used, amount of organic plant material in water sources, temperature, water age and seasons. TTHM levels must be controlled while also maintaining appropriate levels of disinfectant in the water necessary to avoid bacterial issues.
Our Commitment to Quality
We will continue to monitor the public drinking water supply for all regulated inorganic substances, synthetic organics, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Total Coliform, e.coli bacteria, unregulated (secondary) substances, organic disinfection byproducts, radionuclides, as well as lead and copper. Our team is committed to providing clean, safe water. As stewards of this valuable resource, we take our job to protect public health and safety seriously. Our team of professionals work around the clock to provide reliable, cost-effective, high-quality water service that protects public health, promotes environmental stewardship, maintains customer confidence, and supports economic development and sustainability.
Recent TTHM Sampling Results
TTHM Running Annual Average (ppb) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | April-June 2022 | July-Sept 2022 | TTHM MCL (ppb) |
DBP1 – 133 North Common Road | 81 | 83 | 80 |
DBP2 – 86 East Road | 69 | 76 | |
Definitions
- Parts Per Billion (PPB)
- Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
- Running Annual Average (RAA): Average of one year of consecutive compliance periods, including the current one.
- Location Running Annual Average (LRAA): RAA from the same sample location. Average of this quarter and three prior consecutive quarterly averages at the same location.
- Operational Evaluation Level (OEL): Average of the two previous quarter’s results and twice the current quarter’s results.
What can you do to reduce exposure?
Some activated carbon type filters can help remove or lower chlorine and TTHM levels. For more information on filters please refer to US EPA Filtration Facts at Water Health Series Filtration Facts
- The CDC also has information on water filtration options for your home:
- Use bottled water for drinking.
Where to find more information?
- Visit the Westminster TTHM webpage to find more State and Federal resources, recent TTHM sampling results, previous past public notifications and frequently asked questions.
- A question-and-answer document on health effects, precautions, and water treatment options for TTHMs is available on the MassDEP website. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/tthm-in-drinking-water-information-for-consumers
- You can also contact the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Hot Line at #1-800-426-4791.
Should you have any questions, you may speak with a water quality representative by calling (800) 604-8717 or by emailing us at waterquality@westminster-ma.gov