Sandwich Water District

Where does Sandwich's water come from?

The Sandwich Water District serves approximately 17,750 residents during winter months and up to 25,000 customers during summer from Groundwater Wells #2 through #11. These wells are strategically located throughout the region:

• Wells #2, #3 and #9 at Boiling Springs Well Field in East Sandwich
• Well #5 at Weeks Pond Well Field
• Well #7 at Nye Pond Well Field
• Wells #4, #6 and #10 at Pinkham Road Well Field
• Wells #8 and #11 on Farmersville Road

Well #1 has been inactive since 1976 and was officially abandoned in 1998. For supplemental supply, interconnections exist with the Bourne Water District, Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Water District, and the Upper Cape Regional Water Supply Cooperative.

Water Treatment Process

Water from each District Well and the Route 130 Booster Station is treated with Sodium Hydroxide to control household plumbing corrosion. Wells #2, #3, #5, #7, #8, #9 and #11 receive Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine) for disinfection. Well #8 receives sodium hexametaphosphate to manage iron levels, while Wells #4, #6, #10 and the Route 130 Booster Station are treated with Zinc Orthophosphate to prevent tetrachloroethylene leaching from vinyl-coated asbestos cement pipes.

Potential Contaminant Sources

Source water may contain various contaminants before treatment:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage facilities, septic systems, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources or urban runoff
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture and residential use
• Radioactive elements from natural sources or industrial activities
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes and petroleum production

Is municipal water safe for everyone?

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants, including immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their municipal water consumption.

Elevated lead levels pose serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically comes from service lines and home plumbing materials, not the water supply itself. To reduce potential exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water after it has been sitting for several hours.

WHY IS MY BILL SO HIGH?

Your bi-monthly bill amount (beyond the base fee of $37.50) reflects your actual water consumption. Usage often increases during warmer months due to lawn irrigation, garden watering, car washing, pool filling, pressure washing, additional house guests, and similar activities. If you haven't knowingly increased usage but notice a significant change in consumption, you may have a leak on your property.

HOW DO I CHECK FOR LEAKS ON MY PROPERTY?

1. Turn off all water in your home, then check your meter. Wait several hours (checking at bedtime and again in the morning works well) - significant meter movement indicates a potential leak.
2. Inspect all faucets, both indoor and outdoor, and look for water droplets under sinks and from exposed pipes. Perform these checks with water both off and running.
3. Toilet leaks are common culprits. Add food coloring to the tank and wait 30 minutes - if color appears in the bowl, your toilet is leaking. Remember that some toilet leaks are intermittent.
4. Monitor basements and exposed pipes regularly for signs of dripping water.

Many leaks can be difficult to locate and may require professional assistance. Regular inspection of all plumbing fixtures is recommended.

MY LEAK IS FIXED, BUT MY BILL IS STILL HIGH. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

You may qualify for a leak rate adjustment to offset some costs. Print and complete the Leak Rate Adjustment Form and contact Manchester Water District for details.

WHERE IS MY SHUT-OFF VALVE?

Not all properties have water shut-off valves. When present, they may be located in the garage, basement, a closet, or buried outside the property.

WHERE IS MY WATER METER?

All water meters are located outdoors, typically near a property corner close to the street. Look for a small metal or plastic cover in your driveway, lawn, or nearby footpath.

WHAT IS A BASE RATE?

The bi-monthly base fee supports infrastructure development, operations, and maintenance of the distribution system. All customers pay the same amount - $37.50 per billing cycle in 2017.

WHAT IS MY WATER PRESSURE?

Sandwich's topography allows for a gravity-fed water system, resulting in varying pressure at individual homes. The Water District regulates pressure for water mains only, not individual properties. If concerned about your water pressure, consult a plumber about installing a pressure reducing valve.