Fall River Water Department

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Safety (MA-DEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require public water systems to provide an Annual Customer Confidence Report. This report shares important information with residents about their tap water quality and provides updates on water-related activities.

The Watuppa Water Board and the Division of Community Resources, which oversees the Water Division, presents our 2017 Report. If you have questions or feedback, please contact Steve Friar, Director, at 508-324-2330 or visit Room 308 of the Government Center.

Water Sources: Fall River draws water primarily from the North Watuppa Pond. When necessary, water is transferred from Copicut Reservoir to the North Watuppa watershed. The city maintains several backup water sources including South Watuppa Pond, Terry Brook Pond, Sawdy, Stafford and Devol Ponds, and Noquochoke Lake, ensuring an abundant supply.

Water Quality: In 2017, thousands of water quality tests on samples from North Watuppa Pond, the treatment plant, and consumer taps found NO unacceptable levels of contaminants. The watershed areas are patrolled by the Fall River Environmental Police Unit to protect these supplies.

Treatment Process: The Water Department operates a treatment plant on the western shore of North Watuppa Pond with a capacity of 26 million gallons per day. Treatment includes disinfection by chlorination, removal of suspended solids through flocculation/sedimentation, and filtration using sand and coal. Carbon and sodium hydroxide are added to reduce pipe corrosion, and fluoride (reduced from 1.0 to 0.7 ppm in 2016) helps prevent tooth decay.

Distribution System: After treatment, water travels through approximately 250 miles of water mains, 7 storage tanks, and more than 2,000 hydrants. The Distribution Division regularly replaces water mains, valves, hydrants, and residential services, with about 36% of the city's hydrants flushed twice during 2017.

Lead Information: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water comes primarily from materials in service lines and home plumbing. To minimize exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if it hasn't been used for several hours. The Watuppa Water Board offers financial incentives to homeowners who replace lead service lines.

Cross-Connection Safety: A cross-connection occurs when drinking water pipes connect to potential contamination sources. The Fall River Water Department recommends installing backflow prevention devices such as "hose bib vacuum breakers" on all outside faucet connections to protect your home's water supply and the city's water system.

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