Onset Fire District

The Onset Water Department is pleased to present our annual water quality report. As in previous years, we remain dedicated to delivering the highest quality water possible to our community. We continue to focus on meeting new regulatory challenges, protecting our water sources, promoting conservation, and community education while serving all our customers' needs.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you and your family. We welcome your thoughts on the information contained in this report. Well-informed customers are truly our best allies.

Important Health Information

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems—including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, certain elderly individuals, and infants—may face higher risks from infections. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about their drinking water. The EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate measures to reduce infection risks from microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Water Main Flushing

Distribution pipes deliver water throughout your neighborhood. While the water entering these pipes is high quality, water quality can deteriorate over time in certain areas. Regular flushing of water mains helps by:

• Removing sediments like iron and manganese
• Eliminating stale water
• Ensuring proper oxygen and disinfectant levels
• Maintaining acceptable taste and odor

During flushing in your area, you might notice temporary water quality changes. If this happens, run cold water at full velocity for several minutes before use, and avoid using hot water to prevent sediment buildup in your water heater.

Naturally Occurring Bacteria

Bacteria and microorganisms exist everywhere in our environment—in food, on our skin, in our bodies, and in air, soil, and water. Some are harmful while others are beneficial. Throughout the year, we regularly test water samples for coliform bacteria. None of our samples tested positive. Federal regulations require that municipal water testing positive for coliform must be further analyzed for fecal coliform bacteria, which are present only in human and animal waste. Our testing confirms no fecal coliform exists in our water supply.

Potential Contaminants in Water Sources

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and EPA establish limits for contaminants in public water systems. Similarly, FDA and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations set limits for bottled water contaminants. All water sources—whether tap or bottled—reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Water sources (both municipal and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and potentially radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Substances potentially present in source water include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and Herbicides: From agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Cross-Connection Concerns

Cross-connections that contaminate drinking water distribution lines pose a serious threat. A cross-connection occurs where a drinking water line connects to equipment containing chemicals or water sources of questionable quality. Contamination can happen when pressure in equipment exceeds water line pressure (backpressure) or when water line pressure drops due to routine occurrences like main breaks or heavy demand (backsiphonage).

Common household cross-connection hazards include:

• Garden hoses submerged in pools or attached to chemical sprayers
• Hoses left lying on the ground that may contact fertilizers or garden chemicals
• Improperly installed toilet valves

We regularly survey commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities to identify potential cross-connections and ensure they're protected by proper backflow prevention devices that we inspect and test annually.

Lead in Household Plumbing

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and home plumbing. We're responsible for providing high-quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.

1. How often is municipal water tested? Onset Fire District tests water quality multiple times daily for some parameters, while other contaminants are monitored according to schedules set by state and federal regulations.
2. What causes water hardness? Water hardness results from dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals, which can cause scale buildup in pipes and reduced effectiveness of soaps and detergents.
3. Why does my water sometimes appear cloudy? Temporary cloudiness often comes from air bubbles in the water that clear from bottom to top within minutes when left in a glass.
4. How can I report water quality concerns? Contact Onset Fire District directly at 508-295-0603 to report unusual taste, odor, or appearance in your water.
5. Is bottled water better than tap water? Not necessarily. Municipal water is more strictly regulated than bottled water in many aspects, and bottled water may actually be tap water with additional treatment.