Saugus Water Department (MWRA)

The MWRA supplies wholesale water to 50 local water departments, with 44 located in greater Boston and MetroWest, three in Eastern Massachusetts, and serves as backup for 3 additional areas. Your tap water originates from the Quabbin Reservoir (65 miles west of Boston) and the Wachusett Reservoir (35 miles west). Together, these reservoirs provided approximately 212 million gallons of high-quality water daily in 2019.

Precipitation falling on protected watershed lands flows through streams to the reservoirs. This natural journey helps purify the water but can also transport small amounts of materials. While nutrients from soil and rock rarely cause issues, contaminants from human and animal activities—including bacteria, viruses, and fertilizers—could potentially create health concerns. Testing confirms these pollutants don't pose problems in our reservoir watersheds.

The Quabbin and Wachusett watersheds benefit from natural protection, with over 85% covered by forests and wetlands. Approximately 75% of the watershed land cannot be developed. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) conducts regular testing and patrols to maintain water quality. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has identified wildlife, agriculture, transportation corridors, transmission lines, and residential land use as primary watershed concerns, though they commend the existing protection programs as "highly effective."

Water Treatment Process at Carroll Water Treatment Plant:

Since July 2006, your water undergoes treatment at the John J. Carroll Water Treatment Plant in Marlborough. The process begins with ozone disinfection, where carefully measured ozone gas bubbles eliminate potential pathogens. Next, water chemistry is adjusted to minimize lead and copper corrosion in household plumbing. Fluoride is added for dental health, followed by chloramine (a mild, long-lasting chlorine and ammonia disinfectant) that protects water throughout the distribution system.

Ozone provides superior disinfection compared to chlorine alone, especially against resistant organisms like Cryptosporidium, while reducing potentially harmful chlorine byproducts. MWRA has nearly completed its $1.6 billion Integrated Water Improvement Program—the largest investment since the Quabbin Reservoir construction in the 1930s.

Water System Maintenance:

MWRA and partner communities maintain thousands of miles of piping, many sections over 50 years old and some exceeding 100 years. MWRA offers zero-interest loans to help communities replace and upgrade aging infrastructure. The organization collaborates with EPA and researchers on testing for unregulated contaminants to help establish future regulations, and participates in a Tufts University study on Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Lead Reduction Efforts:

• Since 1996, MWRA has added sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide to adjust water pH and buffering capacity, making water less corrosive and reducing lead leaching by over 80%
• Local water departments are replacing existing lead service lines
• MWRA works with government agencies to eliminate lead in new household plumbing

Tips to Reduce Lead Exposure:

• Be aware of potential lead sources in and around your home (paint, soil, dust, some pottery)
• Run tap until water feels cold before using for consumption
• Never use hot tap water for drinking or cooking, especially for infant formula
• Ask your local water department about lead service pipes to your home
• Consider testing your tap water through MWRA (617-242-5323 or www.mwra.com)
• Contact the Department of Public Health (1-800-532-9571) or EPA (1-800-424-LEAD) for health information

All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. More information is available through EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or MWRA. Immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, some elderly persons, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to certain water contaminants and should consult healthcare providers about drinking water precautions.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips:

• Water lawns and gardens in morning or evening to reduce evaporation
• Ensure sprinklers target only lawn areas, not pavement
• Avoid watering on windy, rainy, or hot days
• Use a broom rather than hose to clean driveways and walkways
• Apply mulch around plants to reduce water loss

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