City of Peoria

To ensure tap water is safe for consumption, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in public water systems. Similarly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets standards for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. All municipal water, including bottled varieties, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

SPECIAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants—may face higher infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about appropriate precautions.

Nitrate, Arsenic, Lead & Copper, Turbidity and Trihalomethanes

Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L pose health risks particularly for infants under six months, potentially causing blue baby syndrome. Nitrate concentrations can rise rapidly during rainfall or agricultural activity periods. If caring for an infant, consult your healthcare provider.

While Peoria's municipal water meets EPA's arsenic standards, it contains low levels of this mineral known to cause cancer at high concentrations and linked to skin damage and circulatory issues. Ongoing research examines health effects of low arsenic levels, as prolonged exposure above MCL limits may increase cancer risks.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily enters municipal water through service lines and home plumbing materials. After water sits for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. For concerns about lead in your water, testing is available. Information on lead in drinking water and testing methods is available from EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or www.epa.gov/lead.

1. What is a Public Record?

   Every document created or obtained through a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld partially or completely. Exemptions can be found in Chapter 4, Section 7(26) of the Massachusetts General Laws. Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website for additional information.

2. What is a Public Records Request?

   A public records request seeks to examine and/or copy public documents. There's no requirement for requests to be made in person, in writing, or in any particular format. Requesters aren't required to identify themselves or explain their purpose or intended use of the records. The request must be clear enough to enable a meaningful search, though officials may ask questions to fulfill the request completely and promptly. The State recognizes access to information as a fundamental and necessary citizen right.

3. Are Public Records available online?

   Certain public records can be inspected, downloaded or printed directly from the Town website. To view currently maintained public records online, visit the Document Center, Archive Center, Bid Postings or Agenda Center.

4. How do I obtain a copy of an accident, arrest or incident record?

   Records copies are available in person at the Braintree Police Department Records Division during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The Records Division is located in the front lobby of the Police Station at 282 Union Street - when entering the front door, the Records window will be on your right. Requests can also be submitted by mail or email. Visit the Police Contact List page for Records Division email addresses or call 781-794-8611 for more information.

5. What's the best way to report a crime?

   For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency crime or suspicious activity reports, call the Braintree Police Department at 781-794-8601 and follow the menu options.

6. When must I submit a motor vehicle crash report to the Registry of Motor Vehicles?

   If you're involved in a motor vehicle crash causing injury or over $1,000 in damage to a vehicle or property, you must file a Motor Vehicle Crash Report with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and send a copy to the police department where the accident occurred. Reports must be filed within five days.

7. How do I obtain a license to carry a firearm (LTC) or a firearms identification card (FID)?

   Braintree residents can apply for firearm licenses from the Chief of Police. Officer John Twohig handles firearm licensing and can answer questions. Applications are available at the Records Division or online.

8. Can I call 911 from a mobile phone?

   Yes, mobile calls are received and processed by the Massachusetts State Police. State Police call handlers determine your location and transfer your call to the appropriate police agency.

9. How do I inform the police department about traffic concerns (speeders, illegal passing) on my street?

   The Braintree Police Department is committed to road safety. Report concerns by calling the Traffic Division at 781-794-8764 or email the Traffic Division. Email inquiries are checked Monday through Friday.

10. How can the police department help with neighbor disputes?

    For noise complaints from neighbors, call the Braintree Police Department at 781-794-8601 or 781-794-8602 to request officer response. Responding officers have discretion in addressing noise complaints.