Upper Cape Regional Water Cooperative

We're proud to present our annual water quality report covering testing conducted between January 1 and December 31, 2016. Throughout the year, we've committed ourselves to delivering municipal water that meets all federal and state standards. We continuously adopt innovative methods to provide the highest-quality municipal water possible.

As new water safety challenges emerge, we remain vigilant in achieving our goals of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while meeting the needs of all our users. Remember, we're always available to address your questions or concerns about your municipal water.

Important Health Information: If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and home plumbing. While we provide high-quality municipal water, we cannot control plumbing materials used in homes. After water sits for several hours, you can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption or cooking.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants may face higher risks. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from healthcare providers.

Water Source Information: Our municipal supply comes entirely from groundwater. J-Well (4096001-01G) on Herbert Road serves as our primary pumping station. We're also connected to the Upper Cape Territorial Water Supply Cooperative, which draws from three wells located in the northeastern corner of Joint Base Cape Cod. On average, we deliver approximately 300,000 gallons of high-quality water daily.

All Otis public water is drawn from the Sagamore Lens of the Cape Cod single-source aquifer, which extends from the Cape Cod Canal eastward to Yarmouth. Learn more about our watershed by visiting the U.S. EPA's Surf Your Watershed website.

Water Treatment Process: Our water undergoes treatment with potassium carbonate, sodium fluoride, and sodium hypochlorite. Water in this region is naturally acidic (typical pH of 5.9), which can damage distribution systems. Potassium carbonate buffers the water to achieve a more neutral pH. At the request of the U.S. Coast Guard (owner of the family housing area), sodium fluoride is added for dental health. Finally, sodium hypochlorite disinfects the water by eliminating harmful bacteria.

Source Water Assessment: The Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) program requires every state to inventory land uses in public water supply recharge areas, assess contamination susceptibility, and publicize results to support improved protection. Our system received a "high" susceptibility rating due to the absence of hydrogeological barriers (such as clay) that could prevent contaminant migration.

Protecting Our Water Supply: As a military facility, Otis ANG Base has potential for fuels, chemicals, and other materials to become contamination sources. When disposing of medications, never flush them down the toilet or drain. Instead, check if your pharmacy accepts returns or contact your local health department about proper disposal methods and drop-off locations.

Stormwater Management: Each area operated by the 102d Intelligence Wing has been evaluated and classified, with Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented at industrial areas to prevent adverse effects on stormwater runoff. These practices include good housekeeping, minimizing exposure, leak prevention, secondary containment structures, runoff management, and employee training.

Cross-Connection Control: Our staff works diligently to protect water quality throughout the treatment and distribution system, but protection is also needed at your home or business through cross-connection control. Cross-connections occur when drinking water comes in contact with potential contamination sources, allowing backward flow (backflow) in distribution lines when pressure changes occur.

1. How is my municipal water treated?

   Upper Cape Regional Water Cooperative treats groundwater with potassium carbonate to neutralize acidity, sodium fluoride for dental health, and sodium hypochlorite for disinfection.

2. Why is there sometimes an unusual taste or odor in my tap water?

   Seasonal changes, treatment adjustments, or temporary system maintenance can affect taste and odor. These variations are typically harmless but can be reported to the water department for investigation.

3. Is bottled water safer than tap water?

   Not necessarily. Municipal water undergoes rigorous testing and regulation, while bottled water standards vary. Upper Cape Regional Water Cooperative's municipal water meets all health standards at a fraction of bottled water's cost.

4. How can I reduce contaminants in my home water?

   Consider a water filtration system certified to address specific contaminants in your area. Point-of-use filters can effectively reduce many common pollutants, while regular maintenance of home plumbing helps prevent additional contamination.

5. What causes water hardness and how does it affect my home?

   Water hardness results from dissolved minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium) picked up as groundwater passes through rock layers. Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and leave spots on dishes and glassware.