Water Quality

Our water is tested on a regular basis according to state and federal regulations. We monitor certain water quality parameters on a continuous basis at the source, conduct routine tests in our lab, and send samples out to state certified labs for testing. A water quailty report is published and mailed to our customers every year. Extra copies of the reports are available at the Public Works Building and online.

In order to meet state and federal requirements for public drinking water, our source water receives treatment before it is supplied to our customers. We treat our water for corrosion control and disinfection. The pH of the water is raised with potassium hydroxide to reduce it corrosivity in household plumbing. In addition, fluoride is added to the water to promote strong, healthy teeth. Please follow this link for more information about water treatment.

Manganese levels in our source water have gradually increased over the last 5 to 10 years and creates a black talc-like sediment in the distribution system. The sodium hypochlorite used for disinfection accelerates the accumulation of sediment and makes discolored water occur more frequently. We will add a treatemnt process this winter that will reduce the amount of sediment created. Please follow the following links for more information about the treatment process and specific water quality problems.

Total Coliform Rule Violation - August 2008

Water Quality - Water Quality Public Notices
Thursday, 13 November 2008 14:03
We exceeded the allowed number of positive Total Coliform Bacteria samples during the month of August 2008. We are allowed one positive sample per month and there were 5 positive samples taken that month. The public notice mailed to our customers is available online or view the testing timeline to see when the tests were taken.
Last Updated on Thursday, 13 November 2008 14:06

Perchlorate Testing

Water Quality - Water Quality Public Notices

Tuesday, 23 September 2008 09:55

Residents recently received a postcard notifying them that samples for Perchlorate were not taken during the third quarter of 2007. The samples were taken during November 2007. We are required to test for Perchlorate on an annual basis and were required by the DEP to collect the samples between July 1, 2007 and September 30, 2007. Taking the samples in November 2007 was a violation of the sampling schedule which is why residents received the notice.

Perchlorate was not detected in any of the samples taken during 2007 or in previous years. Perchlorate is manufactured and is found naturally in the environment. Its most commonu uses are for solid rocket propellant and explosives.

Perchlorate is an unregulated contaminant and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of determining if it should be regulated. Please visit the EPA's website for more information about possible sources of contaminaion.

2008 Water Quality Report

Water Quality - Annual Water Quality Reports
Friday, 26 June 2009 06:55
The Topsfield Water Department (PWS ID#3298000) is committed to providing our customers with high quality drinking water that meets or surpasses state or federal standards for quality and safety. To ensure delivery of a quality product, we have made significant investments in treatment facilities, water quality monitoring and the distribution system. We are pleased to report the results of our calendar year 2008 water testing to inform you about your drinking water. Each year, we will be mailing you information about water quality.
Last Updated on Monday, 20 July 2009 08:47
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