Wannacomet Water Company

Our mission is to protect and manage Nantucket's public water supply. For over 139 years, Wannacomet Water Company has safeguarded our island's precious water resources. We deliver high-quality municipal water that surpasses all Federal and Commonwealth standards.

We strive to provide exceptional customer service, educate the community about water conservation, and operate with prudent fiscal management. As Nantucket's public water provider, we continuously monitor water quality, improve aging infrastructure, and expand service areas to ensure safe, reliable water 24/7.

Congress established the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974 to protect public health by regulating public water systems and protecting water sources. A public water system serves piped water to at least 25 people or 15 connections for 60+ days annually. The EPA and state partners administer this program, requiring public notification of violations and annual Consumer Confidence Reports.

This report fulfills federal requirements and summarizes our 2017 Water Quality Data collected from January through December. It informs residents about water quality and our ongoing efforts to maintain it. We're committed to delivering exceptional water through innovative methods.

Water Source Information

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from human or animal activity.

Potential Contaminants According to EPA Guidelines:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or from oil/gas production and mining
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources, urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems

Special Health Information

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants may face increased health risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. EPA and CDC guidelines on reducing infection risks are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water Quality Facts

All municipal water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of 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.

Massachusetts DEP and the EPA establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations set limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP)

The SWAP program, required by the Safe Drinking Water Act, involves inventorying land uses within water supply recharge areas, assessing contamination vulnerability, and publishing results to improve protection. Wannacomet's complete SWAP report can be viewed at the Massachusetts DEP website.

Water Conservation Tips:

• Insulate water heaters and pipes
• Install low-flow fixtures
• Keep cold water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap
• Know your main shutoff valve location and ensure it works properly
• Check and repair irrigation system leaks promptly
• Fix leaky toilets and fixtures (a trickling toilet can waste 50+ gallons daily)
• Choose native plants that require less water for landscaping

1. What is the source of Nantucket's water?
2. How often is municipal water tested for contaminants?
3. What causes water hardness in Nantucket?
4. How can residents report water quality concerns?
5. Are there filtration systems recommended for Nantucket water?