LYNNFIELD — As reported since late May and early June of 2020, the Lynnfield Center Water District (LCWD) has been experiencing consistent daily high water consumption, which has at times resulted in low water pressure and potential impacts to fire flow capacity in some areas of the system. Low water pressure is a public health and safety concern and it can also limit local fire protection capabilities. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulates the minimum acceptable water pressure and has been made aware of the concern and has worked diligently with the District in approving emergency plans that have been put in place. We are happy to report that these preventive measures and water restrictions have stabilized our system since early July.
As a proactive approach, LCWD requested emergency use of both its original pump station on Phillips Road and Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water through a mutual aid interconnection with the neighboring Lynnfield Water District (LWD). This emergency use of water from both sources will continue to help alleviate fire protection concerns and help provide water required by the elevated demand.
Why is this notice important? MWRA’s water has different treatment from LCWD’s: Although both safe and meet EPA standards, there are two main differences. First, MWRA uses chloramines (a mild and long-lasting disinfectant combining chlorine and ammonia), while LCWD uses free chlorine. Secondly, MWRA water has a higher pH (approximately 9-9.5) to control corrosion and reduce possible lead at customer’s tap.
What you need to know: Water containing chloramines is no different from chlorinated water for most normal uses and is perfectly safe to drink. Chloramines need to be removed before use in a dialysis machine, and must be removed from water before it is used in aquariums or fish ponds. Please contact LCWD if you have any concerns related to chloramines, especially if you use a dialysis machine, or own fish tanks.
When and How Long will MWRA Water be Used: Use of MWRA water is a proactive approach to help maintain water pressure in the LCWD through the summer months when water use is at its highest. If MWRA water is used, LCWD will notify customers 24 to 72 hours prior to introducing MWRA water using the Town of Lynnfield’s Code Red Alert System. (If you are not registered with this system, please go to the Town of Lynnfield website to do so.) At that time, the MWRA water will be used for a minimum of 7 to 10 days.
Who do I Contact with Questions: For more information, please contact LCWD at 781-334-3901, visit their website at www.LCWD.US, or email lcwd@LCWD.US. LCWD continues to work on long term Capital Improvements Projects to the system aimed at improving the consistency of water quality and supplementing existing supply. A meeting is anticipated to take place in November to present said proposals.
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