Springfield Water and Sewer Commission

Springfield Water and Sewer Commission treats and delivers municipal water from the Cobble Hill Reservoir (Source ID 1281000-02S) and Borden Brook Reservoir (Source ID 1281000-04S), both surface water supplies located in Blandford and Granville, MA. The water undergoes slow and rapid sand filtration to eliminate particulates and microorganisms including sediment, soil, and bacteria.

Following filtration, water receives corrosion control treatment to protect household plumbing, pH adjustment, and chlorine disinfection before distribution. The system delivers approximately 30 million gallons daily to Springfield and Ludlow retail customers, plus wholesale service to Agawam, East Longmeadow, and Longmeadow.

Certain populations may have increased vulnerability to water contaminants, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, elderly residents, and infants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. Guidelines for reducing Cryptosporidium and microbial infection risk are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INFORMATION: Municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources, urban runoff, wastewater discharge, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive substances occurring naturally or resulting from resource extraction activities

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Elevated lead levels pose serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from service lines and household plumbing materials. While the Commission provides quality water, it cannot control plumbing component materials. If your water has been sitting unused for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. For lead testing information, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Cross-connections between water lines and contamination sources pose additional risks. Common household examples include garden hoses connected to chemical sprayers or submerged in pools. Pressure drops can cause contaminants to be siphoned back into the water system. Prevent cross-connections by:

• Never submerging hoses in soap buckets, pet water containers, pools, tubs, sinks, or chemicals
• Installing backflow preventers on chemical sprayer attachments
• Adding inexpensive hose connection vacuum breakers to all threaded fixtures
• Purchasing appliances with built-in backflow prevention

.. ...