Glasgow Water Company

This report aims to inform the public about the quality of water and services provided by the Glasgow Water Company (GWC). The GWC operates a State Certified Microbiology Lab with 8 Class IV Water Treatment Plant Operators and Lab Analysts. Our certified experts evaluate water samples 365 days a year to ensure safety and quality, collecting from both treatment processes and various distribution system locations.

We want residents to feel confident that we continuously monitor, improve, and protect the water system, delivering high-quality water directly to your tap. Water is essential to every household, and we ask everyone to help safeguard our water supply.

GWC ranks as the 14th largest water utility in Kentucky among nearly 500 providers. Our service area spans 444 square miles, serving Glasgow, Barren County, and portions of Allen County and Edmonson County. We maintain 884 miles of water mains serving 17,000 water customers and 144 miles of sewer mains serving 6,150 wastewater customers. GWC also supplies wholesale water to four neighboring utilities: City of Edmonton (Metcalfe County), Allen County Water District, Fountain Run Water District, and Caveland Environmental Authority. Annually, we deliver over 2.8 million gallons of water and treat over 835 million gallons of wastewater.

Water Treatment Plant Operations Receives 12th AWOP Recognition
GWC's performance earned U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognition for achieving exceptional drinking water quality through optimized filtration plant performance. This marks the 12th consecutive year GWC has achieved the Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) designation by exceeding state and federal water quality standards.

WATER SUPPLY INFORMATION
GWC operates two water treatment plants, both processing surface water: the Barren River Reservoir Water Treatment Plant (A) in Lucas, drawing from Barren River Lake, and the Beaver Creek Water Treatment Plant (B) north of Glasgow, which uses Beaver Creek as its raw water source.

A source water assessment has been completed. Barren River Lake has one KPDES permitted discharger, an underground storage tank, agricultural chemical users, and oil and gas wells that could potentially contaminate the supply. The Beaver Creek Plant has two links, several oil and gas wells, one KPDES permitted discharger, an underground storage tank, and agricultural chemical users upstream and near its intake.

The complete source water assessment with details about potential contamination sources is available for review at the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) office at 177 Graham Avenue, Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Regulated Contaminants in the Water Supply
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, sometimes radioactive material, and may pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

To ensure tap water safety, EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

More information about contaminants and potential health effects is available through the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from animals, agricultural livestock operations, septic systems, and wastewater treatment plants.
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals that may be naturally occurring or result from stormwater runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming.
• Pesticides and Herbicides: From agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential use.
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, also from gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or from oil and gas production and mining activities.

1. Does the municipality test tap water?
   The DPW Water Division must comply with state and federal municipal water standards and conduct testing according to those requirements. Visit the DPW Water Division webpage or the MWRA website for annual water quality reports.
2. Does Glasgow water contain lead?
   Water from Crystal Lake and MWRA sources is lead-free when it leaves the reservoir. MWRA and local distribution pipes that deliver water to homes are primarily iron and steel and don't introduce lead. However, lead from household plumbing pipes and brass fixtures may enter tap water, especially in water that has remained stagnant in pipes for extended periods.
3. How can I get more information about lead in my tap water?
   Additional information about lead in municipal water is available from:
   • DPW Water Division: 781-246-6318 or by email
   • MWRA: 617-242-5323
   • Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Lead Exposure Office: 617-284-8400
4. How is water usage measured?
   Water consumption is measured in consumption units. One unit equals 100 cubic feet or approximately 748 gallons.
5. How often will I receive a water and sewer services bill?
   You'll receive quarterly bills for water and sewer service. If you don't receive your bill, contact the DPW at 781-246-6305 or 781-246-6301, ext. 4120, or email.
6. Which portion of the water service line am I responsible for maintaining?
   Generally, homeowners are responsible for maintaining and repairing the water service line running from the shut-off valve near the property line to the house or building. The DPW Water Division handles the water mains in the street and the portion of service line extending from water main to the shut-off valve.
7. Where does Glasgow's municipal water come from?
   Glasgow's water is supplied by both Crystal Lake (the Town's source) and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA).
8. Who should I contact about repairing a water pipe between the street and my house?
   First, call the Department of Public Works (DPW) Water & Sewer Division at 781-246-6318. We'll help you locate a qualified drain layer for necessary repairs. For issues inside your home, contact a plumber after notifying the Water & Sewer Division.
9. Who should I contact about water and sewer bills when buying or selling a home?
   Contact the DPW water billing office at 781-246-6305 or 781-246-6301, ext. 4120.
10. Who should I contact during a water emergency?
    During business hours, call 781-246-6318 or 781-246-6301, ext. 4120. After hours, call 781-246-6318 or 911.
11. Who should I contact with questions about water consumption or my bill?
    Contact the DPW water billing office at 781-246-6305 or 781-246-6301, ext. 4120.
12. Why does the Town use MWRA water despite having its own supply?
    We use MWRA water because the Town's supply provides only 20-30% of our annual water needs. However, during temporary emergencies, the Town's supply can provide all necessary water.