Westfield Water Department

The Westfield Department of Public Works Water Department is dedicated to delivering safe municipal water that meets all state and federal standards. To ensure your tap water is safe for consumption, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems.

Our treatment and testing protocols strictly adhere to EPA and DEP guidelines. Similarly, FDA and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations set comparable safety standards for bottled water products. This water quality report aims to transparently share our performance in fulfilling these responsibilities.

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

All water sources, including tap and bottled varieties, naturally contain small amounts of certain substances. These trace elements don't necessarily indicate health risks. Municipal water originates from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and may pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has completed Source Water Assessments for all Westfield municipal water sources. These reports identify potential contamination risks within water supply protection zones. City groundwater sources were determined highly susceptible to contamination due to insufficient hydrogeologic barriers that could prevent contaminant migration from surface activities.

The overall susceptibility rating for Westfield's water resources is high, primarily due to high-risk land uses including automotive repair shops, airport facilities, railroads, equipment depots, transportation corridors, and illegal dumping sites. Report copies are available at the Department of Public Works, Water Division office at 28 Sackett Street.

WATER SOURCES

Westfield residents receive water from diverse sources. The Granville Reservoir, a surface water source in Granville, Massachusetts, provided approximately 50% of the city's water in 2017. All water from this source undergoes treatment and filtration at our Southwick facility.

The city maintains eight groundwater wells located along East Mountain Road (Wells 7 & 8 currently offline), Holyoke Street (Well 1), Union Street (Well 2), Northwest Road (Wells 5 & 6) and Shaker Street (Wells 3 & 4). All water sources receive treatment to reduce corrosivity, while Wells 3 and 4 undergo additional treatment to remove Ethylene DiBromide (EDB). Occasionally, water may be purchased from Springfield's system, which comes from their Cobble Mountain Reservoir and is treated at the West Parish Filter facility in Westfield.

INTERCONNECTIONS

Westfield's water system connects to Springfield's network at three locations: one on Southwick Road and two on Shaker Street. One Shaker Road connection directly pumps water from Springfield's system to Westfield's, while the other two activate only during low-pressure conditions in Westfield's system.

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Some individuals may be more susceptible to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly individuals, and infants—face higher infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about appropriate precautions. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risks from cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available via the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

PROTECT YOUR WATER

You can help protect water quality by:

• Having septic tanks pumped every two years
• Never disposing hazardous chemicals in drains or storm sewers
• Properly disposing of pet waste
• Using pesticides and fertilizers sparingly according to manufacturer guidelines

For more information about Westfield's water supply system, contact our office at 572-6270 or visit www.cityofwestfield.org.

1. How often is Westfield's water tested? Municipal water undergoes daily testing for bacteria and other contaminants, with comprehensive testing conducted monthly and quarterly according to EPA guidelines.
2. What causes water hardness in Westfield? Water hardness results primarily from dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium that naturally occur in our surface and groundwater sources.
3. Should I be concerned about chlorate levels? While chlorate is a disinfection byproduct that requires monitoring, current levels meet regulatory standards. Those with thyroid conditions may wish to consult healthcare providers.