Taunton Water Division

We're proud to present our annual water quality report. As in previous years, our commitment remains focused on delivering the highest quality municipal water possible to our community. We continue to navigate new regulatory challenges, source water protection initiatives, and conservation efforts while meeting the essential needs of all water users.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your family, and we encourage your feedback on the information presented in this report. Well-informed customers are our greatest allies in maintaining water quality.

Lead in Residential Plumbing

Elevated lead levels can pose serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials used in service lines and home plumbing. While we provide high-quality municipal water, we cannot control the materials used in household plumbing components. When water sits in pipes for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. If concerned, consider having your water tested for lead content.

Community Participation

To voice concerns about your water, please write to the DPW Water Division Associate Supervisor, Paul Gargiulo, at DPW, 90 Ingell St. Taunton, MA 02780, in care of the Water Division Office.

Health Information

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems (such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly persons, and infants) should seek advice from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate measures to reduce infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Municipal Water Hotline.

Water Treatment Process

Our surface water treatment involves several critical steps. Water drawn from Elders Pond receives caustic soda pretreatment to increase alkalinity. When needed, oxidants help remove naturally occurring manganese. Carbon dioxide improves coagulation, followed by adding polyaluminum hydrochloride to form settleable particles (floc). The water passes through anthracite coal and sand filters, then UV treatment to reduce chemical disinfectant requirements. Chloramines provide ongoing disinfection through the distribution system, with final pH adjustments and fluoride addition before delivery.

Our groundwater treatment process is similar but doesn't require filtration. We add and mix specific chemicals with water from the Dever Wells before distribution.

Water Sources

Our municipal water comes from six surface sources (the Assawompset Pond Complex including Assawompset, Pocksha, Great Quittacas, Little Quittacas, and Long ponds, plus Elders Pond) and two wells. Surface water sources are located in Freetown, Lakeville, Middleborough, and Rochester. Raw water treatment occurs at the Charles J. Rocheleau Water Filtration Plant in Lakeville, while well water from the Paul A. Dever State School campus is treated at the Myles Standish Industrial Park Storage Tank.

Our system includes five storage facilities with over 25 million gallons capacity and interconnections serving both the Village of North Dighton Water District and Bridgewater Correctional Complex, plus service areas in parts of Berkley, Lakeville, Middleboro, Norton, and Raynham.

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