Braintree Water and Sewer Department

This report outlines how tap water provided by the Braintree Water and Sewer Division meets high quality standards. We've included comprehensive water quality test results, information about our water sources, and guidance on interpreting the data. Additionally, we've dedicated a section to our Sewer Department highlighting concerns about grease disposal and sump pump redirection. This "Customer Confidence Report" is mandated by regulations, and we're pleased to share our findings with you.

Braintree Water and Sewer municipal water comes from the Great Pond Reservoir System, a surface water source. Water enters through the Upper Reservoir via Narroway Brook, flowing by gravity to the Lower reservoir before treatment. The Richardi Reservoir serves as a supplementary source fed by the Grind River. When main reservoir levels decline, water transfers through a dedicated 24" pipeline to the Upper Reservoir.

In emergencies, Braintree can access water from Quincy, Weymouth, Randolph, Holbrook, and the MWRA. We're a registered Public Water Program (ID #4040000).

Regarding violations, Braintree received a notice for late submission of Lead and Copper results from two schools. These samples were within acceptable MCL limits and posed no health risks. The Water and Sewer Department will coordinate with the School Department to ensure timely future submissions.

To ensure tap water safety, EPA establishes limits on certain contaminants in public water systems, while FDA regulates bottled water contaminants. All water sources may contain small amounts of contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and reservoirs. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and radioactive materials and may pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial discharges, or oil/gas production
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may be naturally occurring or result from oil/gas production and mining

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly, and infants) should seek advice from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk are available from the Safe Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

.. ...