Swansea Water District

The Swansea Water District (public water supplier ID number 4292000) provides this annual report in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. This document offers vital information about your municipal water supply.

The district maintains 12 wells (10 active, 2 inactive) with 3 treatment facilities throughout the service area. These wells draw groundwater from sand and gravel aquifers, with one source drawing from bedrock fissures. Additionally, the district operates a Desalination Facility that converts Palmer River saltwater into potable water.

Typically, your household receives water from the nearest well or treatment plant, though this may change based on maintenance schedules and varying water demands. All water produced undergoes treatment for pipe corrosion control, chlorine disinfection, and fluoride addition for dental health protection.

Water sources nationwide—whether tap or bottled—include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials. It can also pick up substances from animal or human activities.

These substances are called contaminants and may include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment, septic systems, livestock operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, sewage discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally

All water, including bottled water, reasonably contains at least trace amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or visit www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/safe-drinking-water-hotline.

The EPA and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. The FDA and state regulations set similar limits for bottled water to ensure equal public health protection.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons—including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, some elderly individuals, and infants—may face increased infection risks. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about drinking water. Guidelines on reducing cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminant risks are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water Quality Parameters: The district monitors Total Organic Carbon/UV254 to measure treatment effectiveness in controlling disinfection byproducts. Additional parameters like iron, manganese, and color intensity are monitored as recommended by the Massachusetts DEP. Some district water sources have elevated levels of these substances, which are addressed through treatment. However, residual deposits may remain in distribution pipes, necessitating the district's ongoing flushing program.

Special Notes on Contaminants:

• Sodium: Sodium-sensitive individuals with hypertension, kidney failure, or congestive heart failure should monitor sodium levels in their water.
• Fluoride: The district adds fluoride (0.6 mg/L) to promote dental health. This practice began in 1969 following district voter approval. The Swansea Water District has received CDC fluoridation quality awards annually from 2006-2016.
• Lead and Copper: The naturally corrosive groundwater requires treatment with sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate at all supply sources. While the district complies with the Lead and Copper Rule, some homes may still have elevated lead levels.

1. How often is municipal water tested? Public water systems conduct daily monitoring for some parameters, while comprehensive testing occurs according to schedules established by state and federal regulations.
2. What causes water hardness? Water hardness results from dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals that naturally occur in groundwater sources.
3. Does water treatment remove all contaminants? Standard treatment processes target regulated contaminants but may not completely remove all substances, especially emerging contaminants.
4. How can I learn about my specific water quality? Request a Consumer Confidence Report from your water utility or access public testing records through your state's environmental department.