Burlington Water Department

We're proud to present this year's water quality report for Burlington residents. As in previous years, our commitment to delivering high-quality municipal water remains unwavering. We continue meeting regulatory challenges, protecting source water, promoting conservation, and engaging with our community while serving all water users' needs.

This year, we've completed several important capital projects including:

• Filter valve replacement for our purification process
• Vacuum priming valve upgrades for all Raw and Finished water pumps
• Remanufacturing of two raw water pumps
• Installation of a frequency drive for one high service pump
• Addition of a backup motorized unit for our sand filter back-washing system

We appreciate your patience as our distribution team continues rehabilitating our aging infrastructure. This year we completed 1.78 kilometers of water main relining with Aqua-Pipe technology and replaced 0.44 kilometers of water main on Ethan Allen Parkway. Additionally, we received a grant to improve our asset management system, including comprehensive condition assessments and financial forecasting.

Water Conservation Tips

You can help conserve water and reduce your bills with these simple practices:

• Fully load dishwashers before running - they use 15 gallons regardless of how many dishes are inside
• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
• Check for leaks - even slow drips waste 15-20 gallons daily
• Test toilets for leaks using food coloring in the tank - invisible leaks can waste up to 90 gallons daily
• Use your water meter to detect hidden leaks by checking after all water sources are turned off

Understanding Your Water Source

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminants in public water systems, while FDA regulations cover bottled water. All water sources (tap and bottled) contain at least trace amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate health risks.

Water sources (including surface water in Burlington) may contain:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage systems, agriculture, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources or urban runoff
• Pesticides from agriculture, urban runoff, or residential use
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes or petroleum production
• Radioactive components occurring naturally or from industrial activities

We're celebrating Gary Lavigne's 40 years of service to Burlington Public Works! Starting in the Road Department in 1977, Gary moved to the Water Division in 1982 and has been instrumental in treatment plant upgrades and operations throughout decades of technological advancements. As our Chief Mechanic and Water Operator, Gary remains vital to our water quality assurance.

Common Questions About Your Water Service

Why is my water service disconnected?

If you've recently moved, verify that you've made the required deposit and set up utility billing. Check your receipt before calling after business hours. Your service might have been disconnected due to non-payment. If your bill is current and neighbors also lack water, a water main break might be responsible - contact Public Works immediately at (636) 327-5102. Payment issues must be resolved during regular business hours, though after-hours payments can be made online at https://www.Municipalonlinepayments.Com/wentzvillemo.

Why is my water pressure low?

Determine if the problem affects your entire home or just specific fixtures. Sudden pressure loss throughout your property and affecting neighbors could indicate a water main break that should be reported immediately. Issues with individual fixtures might be resolved by cleaning clogged showerheads or faucet screens. For consistently low pressure in a new home, consult your builder about adjusting the pressure-regulating valve (typically located above your main shut-off valve in the basement). Avoid adjusting this yourself as it could void warranties.

What's causing the puddle in my yard?

Small puddles might result from landscaping issues like over-watering, improper grading, or poor soil quality. Signs of water leaks include flowing water, decreased pressure, and increased water bills. Upon request, the Water Department can perform chlorine testing and meter inspection to distinguish between surface water accumulation and actual leaks.

Can I use a fire hydrant?

Fire hydrant use requires meeting strict criteria. Options include purchasing day-tags ($35 for sod purposes, $75 for contractors jetting trenches) or renting a hydrant meter ($1,600 deposit) for longer-term usage. Day-tag purchases require specifying the exact hydrant address. All users must provide current back-flow inspection documents or air-gap information. Sites are subject to inspection, with violations resulting in tickets and fines. Report any suspicious hydrant connections immediately.

When will my yard be restored after emergency repairs?

Complete yard restoration typically requires several visits. We maintain all yard repair jobs on our work list until the original grade is restored and grass is established. Contact Public Works for status updates on specific properties or to discuss concerns.

Do I need a home water purification system?

This is a personal preference decision. Burlington's water supply meets or exceeds all federal and state regulations and is safe to drink. Our average hardness level of 6.5g or 110ppm falls below the 8.0g or 140ppm threshold where most softener manufacturers recommend treatment. Also note that filtering reduces beneficial chlorine and fluoride levels in your water.