Thorndike Water District

THORNDIKE FIRE & WATER DISTRICT 

NOTICE - RATE INCREASE 

As of January 1, 2026  Single Family Residential minimum billing is $60.00 plus $10.00-meter rental fee for a total of $70.00 per quarter

 As of January 1, 2026 Two Family Residential minimum billing is $120.00 plus $10.00-meter rental fee for a total of $130.00 per quarter

As of January 1, 2026  Three Family Residential minimum billing is $180.00 plus $10.00-meter rental fee for a total of $190.00 per quarter

As of January 1, 2026  Four Family Residential minimum billing is $240.00 plus $10.00-meter rental fee for a total of $250.00 per quarter

As of April 1, 2026  late fee is $25.00 flat rate fee for all delinquent accounts.

Thorndike Fire and Water District

P.O. Box 164

4064 Church Street

Thorndike, MA 01079

Office: 413-289-1300   Fax: 413-289-1302

e-mail – thorndikewater@gmail.com

May 28, 2026

 Commissioner’s Monthly Meeting

@12:00PM

Commissioner’s; Ralph Robak, Ruth Curtin, Helena Naglack

Clerk; Stefiny Coimbra

Water Superintendent; Bob Flagg

Guests; Steve Kosmider

Call to order; 12:00PM

Pledge of Allegiance

Water Superintendent’s Report; Attached

Treasurer’s Report; April’s Attached

Old Business

·         Real Estate Transfer fee of $50.00 is being added. Going in affect May 1,2026 to be paid by the seller at closing.

·         Discussion of Fire Department Merger

·         Discussion of raising rates for meter fees for all sizes larger than 5/8.

Motion made by Ralph, 2^nd by Helena

New Business

·         Prepare for Annual Meeting and Elections

- Annual Meeting June 16^, 20206 @ 6:00PM

- Elections from 5:00-7:00PM

·         Establish price for Sprinkler Fee in commercial buildings: $125.00/Quarter

·         Discuss increase in Commercial Water Meter Rentals: Ongoing

·         Increase New Service application from $1000.00 to $1500.00: Increase established

·         Meeting took place at 10:00AM, which is a part of MassDEP’s formal sanitary survey inspection of the water system.

·         Hydrant located on Hill Street is owned by the mills.

·         Bob Flagg will relocate curb stop located on the property of 17 Hobbs street, Thorndike MA 01079, to town property.

Motion made by Ralph, 2^nd by Helena

Communication from the public; None

Meeting adjournment; 12:30PM

Respectfully submitted by Stefiny Coimbra, Clerk

Palmer Water District#1 Tel: 413-283-8411 10 Walnut Street Palmer, Massachusetts 01069 Office Hours: M - Th 9-3, F 9-12 E-mail: businessoffice@palmerwaterdistrict.org Commissioners: Lawrence Jasak, Vice Chairman. Michael Burns, Sr., Secretary Andrea Mastalerz, Chairperson Staff: Matthew Caulfield, Water Operator, Joe Bolduc, Water Operator, Trent Smith, Water Operator, Tristian Colonese, Water Operator, James Ammann, Water Operator Amber Chesnes, Office Manager, Tara Perry, Administrative Assistant Website: www.townofpalmer.com 2025 DRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT The Palmer Fire District # 1 and Palmer Water District # 1, P.W.S. ID # 1227000, presents this Consumer Confidence Report to all Customers in the water supply service area of the District. This report is part of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments and is required by the United States, Environmental Protection Agency and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection. All Public Water Systems in the Commonwealth will be presenting some form of this report to their customers prior to July 1st. PALMER WATER DISTRICT # 1 DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE AREA The Palmer Water District # 1 portion of the Palmer Fire District # 1 and Palmer Water District # 1 is the service area within the Water Distribution System and Fire Hydrant System. The service area in general encompasses the area from the Quaboag River, north to the Massachusetts Turnpike and from Palmer Paving, West to the Turnpike Bridge Overpass at Rt. 181. The District also services Mt. Dumplin Rd. area and the Condominium Complex. There is also an interconnection with the Thorndike Water District at the intersection of Thorndike Street and High Street There are approximately 1450 metered accounts; estimated customer base of 4,700; 29 miles of Distribution System ranging in size from 16" Cast Iron Main to 1" Copper Laterals; and approximately 217 Fire Hydrants. There is a 953,000-gallon Concrete Clearwell which was constructed in 1995 and distributes water to the Downtown sections (Low Pressure System) of the District and is located at the Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Facility. The higher elevations (High Pressure System) in the District are supplied by a 750,000-gallon Steel Water Storage Tank located at the top of Breckenridge St. which was constructed in 1963. PROTECTION FROM CROSS CONNECTIONS CAUSED BY GARDEN HOSE CONNECTIONS AND LAWN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS The Palmer Water District recommends the installation of backflow prevention devices, such as a low-cost Hose Bib Vacuum Breaker, for all inside and outside hose connections. You can purchase these devices at a hardware or plumbing retailer. On lawn and yard irrigation systems, a properly installed Backflow Preventer must be evaluated and installed to meet Plumbing Code and Massachusetts Cross Connection Control Regulations. For additional information on this critical protection step, please see the website. 2000, 2004 & 2007, 2010, 2013 & 2016, 2019, 2022, & 2025 SANITARY SURVEY In March 2025 DEP conducted its most recent inspection of the Palmer Water District # 1. DEP found the district to have Adequate Capacity. There have been violations of the Drinking Water Regulations and there have been management changes. The District has continued to make ongoing improvements to the System since the previous surveys and continues to: ⚫administer its Cross-Connection Program as it deals with Municipal, Industrial and Commercial Accounts. ⚫maintain less than an adequate (or minimum) number of licensed staff to operate Distribution and Treatment Facilities. ⚫make reductions of Unaccountable Water with the continuation of the re-metering of Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Municipal Accounts; and with Leak Detection Survey Work with the District's Detection Equipment. ⚫conduct periodic structural inspections of both the Clearwell and Breckenridge Street Water Tank. ⚫update its Emergency Response Plan ⚫created Emergency Action Plan for Palmer Upper Reservoir Dam ⚫regularly update its Sampling Plan ⚫work on the implementation of the EPA / DEP Groundwater Rule PALMER WATER DISTRICT WATER SOURCES AND TREATMENT The Palmer Water District # 1 has four sources of water; two of which are Ground Water and two of which are Surface Water Supplies. The Galaxy Wellfield # 1 and Gravel Pack Well # 2 (1227-01G & 02G) are the two Ground Water Supplies; these are located off Salem Street. The Upper and Lower Graves Brook Reservoir (1227-01S & 02S) are the two Surface Water Supplies; these are located off Breckenridge Street. The District currently operates two Water Treatment Plants, one at each type of source. The Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Facility operates at the Surface Water Sources. The Granular Activated Carbon Treatment Plant operates at the Ground Water Sources. The Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Facility was placed on line in May 1995. The Facility is a packaged plant and treats the reservoir water with two Micro Floc Up-Flow Clarifiers and Granular Activated Carbon Media Filters. The finished water is treated with Disinfectant (Chlorine) and Corrosion Control (pH adjustment and Tri-Metallic Phosphate Injection). The Facility also removes particulate matter (Turbidity) from the water along with Microbial Contaminants, Organic Contaminants, Taste, and Odor. The Treatment Facility at Graves Brook Reservoir houses the Operation Headquarters for the District. The Business Office is located on Walnut Street next to the Fire Station. The Granular Activated Carbon Treatment Plant was placed on line in 1989, through the Chapter 286 Grants Program. The Plant has two, 20,000-pound Granular Activated Carbon Pressure Vessels, which treat both well supplies for possible Volatile Organic (VOC), Pesticide and Herbicide, MTBE Contamination. The finished water is treated with Disinfectant (Chlorine) and Corrosion Control (pH adjustment and Tri-Metallic Phosphate Injection). The Treatment Plant consistently treats all VOC Contaminants to Non-Detect Levels. The Business Office is located at 10 Walnut Street next to the Fire Station. SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT PROGRAM REPORT The Department of Environmental Protection has prepared a Source Water Assessment Report (SWAP) for the water supply sources serving the Palmer Water District # 1 water system. The SWAP Report notes key issues of Environmental Concerns in the Watershed and Zone A of the Graves Brook Reservoir and Zone I and II of the Well Supply located off Salem Street. The report recommends continued vigilance in these areas to protect the Ground Water Quality of these municipal sources. The report recommends coordination of efforts with other area Water Departments, Boards of Health, and Planning Boards to implement a uniform protection plan for area. Residents can help protect the water supply by properly disposing of household cleaners and pesticides and reporting any suspicious activities to the proper authorities. Reports are now grouped into singular PDFs by region. A full copy of this report is available at https://www.mass.gov/doc/western-region-source-water-assessment-protection-swap-program-reports/download REMEDIATION & PROJECTS & STUDIES IN 2025 The operators continue to update and maintain water operator licenses. District has received $30,000.00 Cybersecurity Grant and has completed the project. The project consists of bolstering the security critical to the protection of the Districts water systems, its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, its internet access, emails, and implement new methods to monitor and maintain cybersecurity. Received confirmation of funding for $100,000.00 Emerging Contaminants Grant for the Graves Brook Reservoir and wellfield to gather information and potential solutions for iron and manganese removal techniques Received confirmation of funding for $57,000.00 Community Compact Cabinet's (CCC) Information Technology Grant Ongoing re-metering of: Industrial, Commercial, Municipal, Instructional, Residential properties Replacement of reservoir elevation transmitters Construction of containment area for phosphate at GAC treatment plant Remediation of filtration of effluent turbidity at Graves Brook Reservoir Continued work on combined filter turbidity effluent monitoring Upgrades to SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) which drinking water supply facilities typically use to monitor, gather, and process real-time data from machines and sensors, control industrial processes remotely or locally, and record events directly in log files Continued work with RCAP on updating Capital Improvement Plan Continued to upgrade cross connection survey plan Continued work on implementing quarterly testing all alarms associated with critical chemicals and log sheets of occurrences Drafting implementation of valve exercising program Staffing changes were implemented and continued to be addressed Reinstituted SCADA radio communication between Thorndike district meter vault and Graves Brook Reservoir treatment plant SCADA system Emergency Response Plan was updated 2025 Water Quality Testing Results Below the Consumer will find the Water Analysis results for your information on substances that were detected in the water during 2025. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection, (DEP) sets forth the sampling schedule. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. All water testing conducted during Calendar Year 2025, there was 1 MCL violation regarding Filter Turbifity. The Palmer Water District # 1 has met all present regulatory testing requirements as set forth by DEP. Contaminant Level 2025 Water Quality Data Violations (Units) Detected HDL MCL MCLG SMCL/ (Yes / NO) Clarity of Treated Water Turbidity (NTU) 0.02-0.53 0.57 TT = 0.30 None There was one Turbidity Sample taken during the year that exceeded the 0.50 NTU MCL Bacteria Monitoring There were no positive bacteria samples found in the distribution system. Inorganic Contaminant Possible Source of Contamination Yes Soil Runoff Perchlorate (ppb) ND ND 2.0 No 10.0 Nitrate (ppm) 0.040.44 0.44 Fireworks, blasting, munitions agents Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage 10.0 No Lead and Copper* Copper (ppın) 0.100 90th Percentile level AL = 1.3 1.30 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems Corrosion of Lcad (ppm 0.0050= 90th Percentile Level AL=.015 0.015 No household plumbing systems Unregulated Contaminants Sodium (ppm) Manganese (ppm) Iron (ppm) 22.5 0.014-0.179 0.021-0.109 22.5 0.179 0.109 20.00 0.05 0.3 Unregulated contaminants are those which EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminate monitoring is to assist EPA in determining their occurrence in drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminate (0.0-60.0 is considered Soft Water, when defined as Calcium Carbonate) Chlorination Chlorine Residual at Treatment (ppm) MRDL MRDLG 4.00 4.00 0.60-2.10 2.1 No Health Effects from Chlorination Some people who use water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating effects to their nose and eyes. Some people who drink water containing chlorine in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort. Caused By: Disinfectant added to water to kill microbes Volatile Organic Compounds No detection of Volatile Organic Compounds Disinfection Byproducts ** Haloacetic Acids (ppb) Total Trihalomethane (ppb) PFAS 4-22.0 22.0 60.00 No Disinfection By Product from Chlorination of Water No Disinfection By Product from Chlorination of Water 12.6-47.3 47.3 60.00 No detection of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Note: * MassDEP has granted Palmer a waiver for reduced PFAS testing through 2025 Twenty homes were sampled in 2024 for lead and copper. Due to low levels, monitoring for lead and copper has been reduced to only once every three years. Samples were taken in 2024 and no violations were found. No Samples exceeded the Action Level. Under the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 2 DBPR), The Palmer Water District #1 in 2008 applied for and received a waver to maintain reduced monitoring, due to historical low values. IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) -The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there should be no known or expected risk to health. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. Highest Detected Level (HDL) - highest detected level Non Detectable Level (N/D) - The level ofthe specific substance that is either non-existent or lower than the detection level (accuracy of the testing apparatus). Action Level (AL) - The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. Parts per Million (ppm) - Parts per Million or Milligrams per Liter (mg/l). A concentration of a substance in the water. Parts per Billion (ppb) - Parts per Billion or Micrograms per Liter (ug/l). A concentration of a substance in the water Parts per Trillion (ppt) - Parts per trillion or pangrams per liter. A concentration of a substance in the water 90th Percentile Level - This value is 90% of the values taken from the 2009 Sampling Round. Suggested Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) - These values do not have a regulated maximum and are only suggestive. Variances and Exceptions - State or EPA permission to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions. Massachusetts Office of Research and Standards Guidelines (ORSG) - This is the concentration of a chemical in drinking water, at or below which, adverse health effects are unlikely to occur after chronic (lifetime) exposure. If exceeded, it serves as an indicator of potential need for further action. SUBSTANCES FOUND IN TAP WATER Sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants - such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants - such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Pesticides and herbicides - which may come from a variety of sources such as agricultural, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants - including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants - which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. Turbidity - which is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. It is monitored because it is a good indicator of water quality. Lead and Copper - if present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Palmer Water District #1 is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations establish limits for contaminates in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contamination. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791.) Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water then the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and some infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on lowering the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE -In January 2025 the Graves Brook Reservoir T'reatment Plant exceeded the: greater than 5% of 0.03 NTU Standard in effluent water quality from its filters. A notice to the public regarding this violation (Enforce Doc: 00016951) was sent out on March 3rd of 2025. The plant was immediately shut down. There was a revision to the Turbidity Standard lowering it from 0.50 NTU to no greater than 5% of 0.30 NTU. During the month of January NTU readings ranged from 0.27-0.53. During the month of February remediation efforts were made on both filters and raw water pump stations, sample lines, chemical injection rates, etc. On February 25th, MassDEP reviewed the Districts remediation in addition to a bacterial test at the end of the filter process and found that the Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Plant resumed operations and during the months of February & March the Turbidity ranged between: 0.06 -0.19 NTU. It is also noted that during the time of the exceedance of the 0.30 standard, there were no positive bacterial samples within the entire Distribution System. Copies of the January 31 2025 Customer Notice is available at the Business Office. - A separate violation occurred regarding the filing of 2024's Annual Statistical Report. An Annual Statistical Report (ASR) is a yearly data submission required by MassDEP that details system operations, water volume, and infrastructure. In May 2025 the Palmer Water District received a notice of noncompliance on the filing of the 2024 Annual Statistical Report. The District has issued their 2025 Annual Statistical Report and is currently working with MassDEP on the resolution of the 2024 ASR submittal being past the deadline date. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CONSENT ORDER In March 2025 sanitary survey inspection report required the District to: 1) Submit an Asset Management Plan (AMP) and Rate Study prepared by a third party in coordination with its its updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The District was also required to complete an initial cross-connection survey of all non-residential accounts. The District failed to meet this requirement. 2) The District continues to work with RCAP to submit an updated AMP for the system. RCAP is the District's technical assistance partner. RCAP (Rural Community Assistance Partnership) serves as a national nonprofit network that provides hands-on support for drinking water systems and community resilience. Install a Turbidimeter to monitor turbidity from an appropriate location as required by Guidelines for Public water Systems Ch. 5.3. Turbidity must be monitored from a location that represents combined filter water only. The District continued to monitor turbidity from a location downstream of chemical addition, failing to comply with this requirement. The District has made progress on the installation of a new Combined Filter Turbidimeter monitored from a location that complies with this requirement and is now in the process of putting the analyzer on line. 3) Provide proper secondary containment around the phosphate chemical storage tanks at both treatment plants, as required by Guidelines for Public Water Systems Chapter 6.1.11. The District failed to comply with this requirement. The District has since installed proper containment walls around the phosphate chemical storage tank and is the final steps of applying an epoxy coating to the containment area. 4) The Districts distribution and treatment system has minimum staffing requirement to effectively maintain and operate the system in accordance with 310 CMR 22.11B. This minimum staffing requirement includes a primary treatment operator holding at least a full Grade 3T license, a secondary treatment operator holding at least a Grade 2T operator-in-training license, a primary distribution operator holding at least a full Grade 2D license, and a secondary distribution operator holding at least a Grade 11) operator-in-training license. Due to personnel leaving the employment of the district due to retirement and resignation, MassDEP has required a new Public Water System Staffing and Comprehensive Operations Plan (Staffing Plan) demonstrating compliance with both primary and secondary operating requirements for both treatment and distribution described in 310 CMR 22. 11B. The District has failed to meet this requirement. The District continues to strive to possess the proper staffing required to operate and maintain the system in accordance to 310 CMR22.11B. Job positions have been posted for the last 12 months, interviews are continued to be held regularly, and new hires are presently being provided training while being on boarded to the system. Palmer Water District #1 has agreed to enter into this Consent Order because they agree that it is in their own and the public's interest to proceed promptly with the actions called for by MassDЕР.

Thorndike Fire and Water District

P.O. Box 164

4064 Church Street

Thorndike, MA 01079

Office: 413-289-1300   Fax: 413-289-1302

e-mail – thorndikewater@gmail.com

June 18, 2026

 Commissioner’s Monthly Meeting

@12:00PM

Commissioner’s; Ralph Robak, Ruth Curtin, Helena Naglack

Clerk; Stefiny Coimbra

Water Superintendent; Bob Flagg

Guests; Steve Kosmider

Call to order; 12:00PM

Pledge of Allegiance

Water Superintendent’s Report; Attached

Treasurer’s Report; April’s Attached

I.                  Old Business

·         Prepare for Annual Meeting and Elections

·         Establish price for Sprinkler Fee in commercial buildings

·         Discuss increase in Commercial Water Meter Rentals

·         Increase New Service application from $1000.00 to $1500.00.

II.               New Business

·         Fire Coverage

Motion made by Ralph, 2^nd by Helena

Communication from the public; None

Meeting adjournment; 12:30PM

Respectfully submitted by Stefiny Coimbra, Clerk

Palmer Water District#1 Tel: 413-283-8411 10 Walnut Street Palmer, Massachusetts 01069 Office Hours: M - Th 9-3, F 9-12 E-mail: businessoffice@palmerwaterdistrict.org Commissioners: Lawrence Jasak, Vice Chairman. Michael Burns, Sr., Secretary Andrea Mastalerz, Chairperson Staff: Matthew Caulfield, Water Operator, Joe Bolduc, Water Operator, Trent Smith, Water Operator, Tristian Colonese, Water Operator, James Ammann, Water Operator Amber Chesnes, Office Manager, Tara Perry, Administrative Assistant Website: www.townofpalmer.com 2025 DRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT The Palmer Fire District # 1 and Palmer Water District # 1, P.W.S. ID # 1227000, presents this Consumer Confidence Report to all Customers in the water supply service area of the District. This report is part of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments and is required by the United States, Environmental Protection Agency and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection. All Public Water Systems in the Commonwealth will be presenting some form of this report to their customers prior to July 1st. PALMER WATER DISTRICT # 1 DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE AREA The Palmer Water District # 1 portion of the Palmer Fire District # 1 and Palmer Water District # 1 is the service area within the Water Distribution System and Fire Hydrant System. The service area in general encompasses the area from the Quaboag River, north to the Massachusetts Turnpike and from Palmer Paving, West to the Turnpike Bridge Overpass at Rt. 181. The District also services Mt. Dumplin Rd. area and the Condominium Complex. There is also an interconnection with the Thorndike Water District at the intersection of Thorndike Street and High Street There are approximately 1450 metered accounts; estimated customer base of 4,700; 29 miles of Distribution System ranging in size from 16" Cast Iron Main to 1" Copper Laterals; and approximately 217 Fire Hydrants. There is a 953,000-gallon Concrete Clearwell which was constructed in 1995 and distributes water to the Downtown sections (Low Pressure System) of the District and is located at the Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Facility. The higher elevations (High Pressure System) in the District are supplied by a 750,000-gallon Steel Water Storage Tank located at the top of Breckenridge St. which was constructed in 1963. PROTECTION FROM CROSS CONNECTIONS CAUSED BY GARDEN HOSE CONNECTIONS AND LAWN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS The Palmer Water District recommends the installation of backflow prevention devices, such as a low-cost Hose Bib Vacuum Breaker, for all inside and outside hose connections. You can purchase these devices at a hardware or plumbing retailer. On lawn and yard irrigation systems, a properly installed Backflow Preventer must be evaluated and installed to meet Plumbing Code and Massachusetts Cross Connection Control Regulations. For additional information on this critical protection step, please see the website. 2000, 2004 & 2007, 2010, 2013 & 2016, 2019, 2022, & 2025 SANITARY SURVEY In March 2025 DEP conducted its most recent inspection of the Palmer Water District # 1. DEP found the district to have Adequate Capacity. There have been violations of the Drinking Water Regulations and there have been management changes. The District has continued to make ongoing improvements to the System since the previous surveys and continues to: ⚫administer its Cross-Connection Program as it deals with Municipal, Industrial and Commercial Accounts. ⚫maintain less than an adequate (or minimum) number of licensed staff to operate Distribution and Treatment Facilities. ⚫make reductions of Unaccountable Water with the continuation of the re-metering of Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Municipal Accounts; and with Leak Detection Survey Work with the District's Detection Equipment. ⚫conduct periodic structural inspections of both the Clear well and Breckenridge Street Water Tank. ⚫update its Emergency Response Plan ⚫created Emergency Action Plan for Palmer Upper Reservoir Dam ⚫regularly update its Sampling Plan ⚫work on the implementation of the EPA / DEP Groundwater Rule PALMER WATER DISTRICT WATER SOURCES AND TREATMENT The Palmer Water District # 1 has four sources of water; two of which are Ground Water and two of which are Surface Water Supplies. The Galaxy Wellfield # 1 and Gravel Pack Well # 2 (1227-01G & 02G) are the two Ground Water Supplies; these are located off Salem Street. The Upper and Lower Graves Brook Reservoir (1227-01S & 02S) are the two Surface Water Supplies; these are located off Breckenridge Street. The District currently operates two Water Treatment Plants, one at each type of source. The Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Facility operates at the Surface Water Sources. The Granular Activated Carbon Treatment Plant operates at the Ground Water Sources. The Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Facility was placed on line in May 1995. The Facility is a packaged plant and treats the reservoir water with two Micro Floc Up-Flow Clarifiers and Granular Activated Carbon Media Filters. The finished water is treated with Disinfectant (Chlorine) and Corrosion Control (pH adjustment and Tri-Metallic Phosphate Injection). The Facility also removes particulate matter (Turbidity) from the water along with Microbial Contaminants, Organic Contaminants, Taste, and Odor. The Treatment Facility at Graves Brook Reservoir houses the Operation Headquarters for the District. The Business Office is located on Walnut Street next to the Fire Station. The Granular Activated Carbon Treatment Plant was placed on line in 1989, through the Chapter 286 Grants Program. The Plant has two, 20,000-pound Granular Activated Carbon Pressure Vessels, which treat both well supplies for possible Volatile Organic (VOC), Pesticide and Herbicide, MTBE Contamination. The finished water is treated with Disinfectant (Chlorine) and Corrosion Control (pH adjustment and Tri-Metallic Phosphate Injection). The Treatment Plant consistently treats all VOC Contaminants to Non-Detect Levels. The Business Office is located at 10 Walnut Street next to the Fire Station. SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT PROGRAM REPORT The Department of Environmental Protection has prepared a Source Water Assessment Report (SWAP) for the water supply sources serving the Palmer Water District # 1 water system. The SWAP Report notes key issues of Environmental Concerns in the Watershed and Zone A of the Graves Brook Reservoir and Zone I and II of the Well Supply located off Salem Street. The report recommends continued vigilance in these areas to protect the Ground Water Quality of these municipal sources. The report recommends coordination of efforts with other area Water Departments, Boards of Health, and Planning Boards to implement a uniform protection plan for area. Residents can help protect the water supply by properly disposing of household cleaners and pesticides and reporting any suspicious activities to the proper authorities. Reports are now grouped into singular PDFs by region. A full copy of this report is available at https://www.mass.gov/doc/western-region-source-water-assessment-protection-swap-program-reports/download REMEDIATION & PROJECTS & STUDIES IN 2025 The operators continue to update and maintain water operator licenses. District has received $30,000.00 Cybersecurity Grant and has completed the project. The project consists of bolstering the security critical to the protection of the Districts water systems, its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, its internet access, emails, and implement new methods to monitor and maintain cybersecurity. Received confirmation of funding for $100,000.00 Emerging Contaminants Grant for the Graves Brook Reservoir and wellfield to gather information and potential solutions for iron and manganese removal techniques Received confirmation of funding for $57,000.00 Community Compact Cabinet's (CCC) Information Technology Grant Ongoing re-metering of: Industrial, Commercial, Municipal, Instructional, Residential properties Replacement of reservoir elevation transmitters Construction of containment area for phosphate at GAC treatment plant Remediation of filtration of effluent turbidity at Graves Brook Reservoir Continued work on combined filter turbidity effluent monitoring Upgrades to SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) which drinking water supply facilities typically use to monitor, gather, and process real-time data from machines and sensors, control industrial processes remotely or locally, and record events directly in log files Continued work with RCAP on updating Capital Improvement Plan Continued to upgrade cross connection survey plan Continued work on implementing quarterly testing all alarms associated with critical chemicals and log sheets of occurrences Drafting implementation of valve exercising program Staffing changes were implemented and continued to be addressed Reinstituted SCADA radio communication between Thorndike district meter vault and Graves Brook Reservoir treatment plant SCADA system Emergency Response Plan was updated 2025 Water Quality Testing Results Below the Consumer will find the Water Analysis results for your information on substances that were detected in the water during 2025. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection, (DEP) sets forth the sampling schedule. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. All water testing conducted during Calendar Year 2025, there was 1 MCL violation regarding Filter Turbidity. The Palmer Water District # 1 has met all present regulatory testing requirements as set forth by DEP. Contaminant Level 2025 Water Quality Data Violations (Units) Detected HDL MCL MCLG SMCL/ (Yes / NO) Clarity of Treated Water Turbidity (NTU) 0.02-0.53 0.57 TT = 0.30 None There was one Turbidity Sample taken during the year that exceeded the 0.50 NTU MCL Bacteria Monitoring There were no positive bacteria samples found in the distribution system. Inorganic Contaminant Possible Source of Contamination Yes Soil Runoff Perchlorate (ppb) ND ND 2.0 No 10.0 Nitrate (ppm) 0.040.44 0.44 Fireworks, blasting, munitions agents Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage 10.0 No Lead and Copper* Copper (ppın) 0.100 90th Percentile level AL = 1.3 1.30 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems Corrosion of Lcad (ppm 0.0050= 90th Percentile Level AL=.015 0.015 No household plumbing systems Unregulated Contaminants Sodium (ppm) Manganese (ppm) Iron (ppm) 22.5 0.014-0.179 0.021-0.109 22.5 0.179 0.109 20.00 0.05 0.3 Unregulated contaminants are those which EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminate monitoring is to assist EPA in determining their occurrence in drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminate (0.0-60.0 is considered Soft Water, when defined as Calcium Carbonate) Chlorination Chlorine Residual at Treatment (ppm) MRDL MRDLG 4.00 4.00 0.60-2.10 2.1 No Health Effects from Chlorination Some people who use water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating effects to their nose and eyes. Some people who drink water containing chlorine in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort. Caused By: Disinfectant added to water to kill microbes Volatile Organic Compounds No detection of Volatile Organic Compounds Disinfection Byproducts ** Haloacetic Acids (ppb) Total Trihalomethane (ppb) PFAS 4-22.0 22.0 60.00 No Disinfection By Product from Chlorination of Water No Disinfection By Product from Chlorination of Water 12.6-47.3 47.3 60.00 No detection of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Note: * MassDEP has granted Palmer a waiver for reduced PFAS testing through 2025 Twenty homes were sampled in 2024 for lead and copper. Due to low levels, monitoring for lead and copper has been reduced to only once every three years. Samples were taken in 2024 and no violations were found. No Samples exceeded the Action Level. Under the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 2 DBPR), The Palmer Water District #1 in 2008 applied for and received a waver to maintain reduced monitoring, due to historical low values. IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) -The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there should be no known or expected risk to health. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. Highest Detected Level (HDL) - highest detected level Non Detectable Level (N/D) - The level ofthe specific substance that is either non-existent or lower than the detection level (accuracy of the testing apparatus). Action Level (AL) - The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. Parts per Million (ppm) - Parts per Million or Milligrams per Liter (mg/l). A concentration of a substance in the water. Parts per Billion (ppb) - Parts per Billion or Micrograms per Liter (ug/l). A concentration of a substance in the water Parts per Trillion (ppt) - Parts per trillion or pangrams per liter. A concentration of a substance in the water 90th Percentile Level - This value is 90% of the values taken from the 2009 Sampling Round. Suggested Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) - These values do not have a regulated maximum and are only suggestive. Variances and Exceptions - State or EPA permission to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions. Massachusetts Office of Research and Standards Guidelines (ORSG) - This is the concentration of a chemical in drinking water, at or below which, adverse health effects are unlikely to occur after chronic (lifetime) exposure. If exceeded, it serves as an indicator of potential need for further action. SUBSTANCES FOUND IN TAP WATER Sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants - such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants - such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Pesticides and herbicides - which may come from a variety of sources such as agricultural, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants - including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants - which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. Turbidity - which is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. It is monitored because it is a good indicator of water quality. Lead and Copper - if present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Palmer Water District #1 is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations establish limits for contaminates in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contamination. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791.) Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water then the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and some infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on lowering the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE -In January 2025 the Graves Brook Reservoir T'reatment Plant exceeded the: greater than 5% of 0.03 NTU Standard in effluent water quality from its filters. A notice to the public regarding this violation (Enforce Doc: 00016951) was sent out on March 3rd of 2025. The plant was immediately shut down. There was a revision to the Turbidity Standard lowering it from 0.50 NTU to no greater than 5% of 0.30 NTU. During the month of January NTU readings ranged from 0.27-0.53. During the month of February remediation efforts were made on both filters and raw water pump stations, sample lines, chemical injection rates, etc. On February 25th, MassDEP reviewed the IDistricts remediation in addition to a bacterial test at the end of the filter process and found that the Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Plant resumed operations and during the months of February & March the Turbidity ranged between: 0.06 -0.19 NTU. It is also noted that during the time of the exceedance of the 0.30 standard, there were no positive bacterial samples within the entire Distribution System. Copies of the January 31 2025 Customer Notice is available at the Business Office. - A separate violation occurred regarding the filing of 2024's Annual Statistical Report. An Annual Statistical Report (ASR) is a yearly data submission required by MassDEP that details system operations, water volume, and infrastructure. In May 2025 the Palmer Water District received a notice of noncompliance on the filing of the 2024 Annual Statistical Report. The District has issued their 2025 Annual Statistical Report and is currently working with MassIDEP on the resolution of the 2024 ASR submittal being past the deadline date. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CONSENT ORDER In March 2025 sanitary survey inspection report required the District to: 1) Submit an Asset Management Plan (AMP) and Rate Study prepared by a third party in coordination with its its updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The District was also required to complete an initial cross-connection survey of all non-residential accounts. The District failed to meet this requirement. 2) The District continues to work with RCAP to submit an updated AMP for the system. RCAP is the District's technical assistance partner. RCAP (Rural Community Assistance Partnership) serves as a national nonprofit network that provides hands-on support for drinking water systems and community resilience. Install a Turbidimeter to monitor turbidity from an appropriate location as required by Guidelines for Public water Systems Ch. 5.3. Turbidity must be monitored from a location that represents combined filter water only. The District continued to monitor turbidity from a location downstream of chemical addition, failing to comply with this requirement. The District has made progress on the installation of a new Combined Filter Turbidimeter monitorced from a location that complies with this requirement and is now in the process of putting the analyzer on line. 3) Provide proper secondary containment around the phosphate chemical storage tanks at both treatment plants, as required by Guidelines for Public Water Systems Chapter 6.1.11. The District failed to comply with this requirement. The District has since installed proper containment walls around the phosphate chemical storage tank and is the final steps of applying an epoxy coating to the containment area. 4) The Districts distribution and treatment system has minimum staffing requirement to effectively maintain and operate the system in accordance with 310 CMR 22.11B. This minimum staffing requirement includes a primary treatment operator holding at least a full Grade 3T license, a secondary treatment operator holding at least a Grade 2T operator-in-training license, a primary distribution operator holding at least a full Grade 2D license, and a secondary distribution operator holding at least a Grade 11) operator-in-training license. Due to personnel leaving the employment of the district due to retirement and resignation, MassDEP has required a new Public Water System Staffing and Comprehensive Operations Plan (Staffing Plan) demonstrating compliance with both primary and secondary operating requirements for both treatment and distribution described in 310 CMR 22. 11B. The District has failed to meet this requirement. The District continues to strive to possess the proper staffing required to operate and maintain the system in accordance to 310 CMR22.11B. Job positions have been posted for the last 12 months, interviews are continued to be held regularly, and new hires are presently being provided training while being on boarded to the system. Palmer Water District #1 has agreed to enter into this Consent Order because they agree that it is in their own and the public's interest to proceed promptly with the actions called for by MassDЕР.