Holliston Water Department

WATER PROGRAM The Holliston water program undergoes regular inspections and continuous monitoring by the Massachusetts Division of Environment Protection (MassDEP) to ensure optimal water quality. The system is operated by certified Boston professionals who oversee daily operations and maintenance.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES Water-related topics and concerns are addressed at weekly Board of Selectmen meetings held at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall. Citizens interested in discussing water quality can attend these sessions. Meeting agendas are posted at Town Hall, 703 Washington Street. Contact the Water Division for information about meetings specifically covering water supply policy topics.

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION MassDEP has prepared a Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) Report for Holliston's water sources. This important document analyzes the vulnerability of public water supplies in our area.

SYSTEM VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT A susceptibility rating of moderate for Well 8 and high for Wells 4, 5, and 6 was assigned based on information collected during MassDEP's assessment. The complete SWAP report is available at the Water Division, Board of Health, and online at https://www.mass.gov/EEA/docs/dep/water/drinking/swap/cero/2136000.pdf. For additional information, contact Sean M. Reese, Holliston Director of Public Works at 508-429-0603.

EMERGENCY CONNECTIONS Holliston maintains emergency interconnections with both Milford Water Company and Ashland water systems. These connections can be activated during emergencies with proper authorization.

WATER TREATMENT PROCESSES The Water Division employs various treatment methods to ensure safe municipal water:

• Iron & Manganese Filtration: Wells #4, #6, and #7 undergo filtration to remove iron and manganese, which can cause discoloration and unpleasant tastes. This two-step process uses oxidation (with chlorine or potassium permanganate) followed by specialized greensand filtration.
• Disinfection: Sodium hypochlorite is used to eliminate harmful microorganisms without sterilizing the water completely.
• Corrosion Control: Zinc orthophosphate is added to prevent pipe corrosion and reduce lead and copper leaching into municipal water.

WATER CONTAMINANT INFORMATION Municipal water sources may contain various contaminants including:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants from urban runoff, industrial discharges, and mining
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes and petroleum production
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or mining activities

The MassDEP and EPA regulate contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA and Massachusetts DPH regulate bottled water. All water naturally contains some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. More information about contaminants and potential health effects is available through the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800)-426-4791.

SPECIAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly people, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to certain waterborne infections. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their municipal water consumption.

WATER QUALITY DATA The water quality information presented in our reports represents the most recent testing conducted in accordance with regulations, unless otherwise noted. All laboratory analysis reports are submitted to regulatory authorities as required.

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