Amherst DPW Water Division

We are pleased to present our annual water quality report, showcasing our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality water. Our team remains vigilant in addressing new regulations, source water protection, and conservation efforts while meeting all community needs.

The Town currently operates seven water sources: Atkins Reservoir, Pelham Reservoir System, South Amherst Wells (#1 & #2), Brown Well (#3), Lawrence Swamp Well (#4), and Bay Road Well (#5). Atkins Reservoir and Well #4 serve as primary sources, with Wells #1, #2, and #3 rotating as supplementary sources daily, collectively providing about 90% of total water production. The Pelham Reservoir System and Well #5 operate during peak demand periods.

In 2002, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) completed a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) for Amherst's water system. This assessment evaluates our water sources' vulnerability to contaminants and outlines protection recommendations. You can review this report at the Department of Public Works or online.

Health Information: Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly individuals, and infants—should seek advice from healthcare providers about their drinking water. Guidelines for reducing infection risk from microbiological contaminants are available through the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline.

Drought Awareness: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines drought as a prolonged precipitation deficiency resulting in water shortages that adversely affect vegetation, animals, and people. Droughts occur in all climate zones and manifest in three primary forms: Meteorological Drought (precipitation deficiency), Agricultural Drought (impact on crops and irrigation needs), and Hydrological Drought (affecting stream flow, reservoir levels, and groundwater). Following basic conservation practices can significantly reduce drought impacts.

Water Contaminant Information: To ensure tap water safety, the Department of Environmental Protection and EPA establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA and Massachusetts Department of Public Health set similar standards for bottled water. All water sources—including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells—can contain at least small amounts of various contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate health risks.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, or industrial activities
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from energy production activities

Plumbing Concerns: Please help protect our sewers by disposing of wet wipes in the trash, not down toilets. Flushed wipes can block pipes and cause sewage backups into homes or waterways, potentially resulting in costly plumbing repairs.

Lead Awareness: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While we provide quality water, we cannot control plumbing component materials. If your water has been sitting for several hours, minimize lead exposure by running the tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.

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