On May 18, 2023, the Plainville Water Department notified the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), that we are in violation of a Tier 2 Non-Compliance Regulation due to an exceedance of the locational running annual average (LRAA) for total trihalomethanes (TTHM) in the public drinking water supply of 80 parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms per liter (ug/L) at one sampling location in the third quarter of 2022 (see the table below).
Although the elevated levels of TTHMs are of concern, this is not an emergency, and an alternative source of water is not necessary. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. Some people who drink water containing TTHM, in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
TTHMs are a group of disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine compounds, which are used to disinfect water, react with other naturally occurring chemicals in the water. They are colorless and will evaporate out into the air. There are four significant TTHM (chloroform, bromoform, bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane) potentially found in disinfected drinking water and their combined concentration is referred to as total TTHM.
Our team consistently monitors the public drinking water supply for all regulated inorganic substances, synthetic organics, volatile organic compounds (vocs), Total Coliform, e.coli bacteria, unregulated (secondary) substances, organic disinfection byproducts, radionuclides, as well as lead and copper. We have been paying close attention to and taking proactive measures to mitigate THMs in the public drinking supply due to an elevated sample result in 2017. We are currently working with BETA Group, Inc., a recognized leader in the engineering field of water projects, to analyze the total organic carbon sampling data and research the cause of the elevated levels of TTHMs.
The Plainville Department of Public Works has begun notifying customers of the exceedance of the MCL and the elevated levels of TTHMs in the public drinking water. Our team has established a water quality hotline 508-695-6871, ext. 6 and email address waterquality@plainville.ma.us to answer consumer questions about the elevated levels of total trihalomethanes. We have also established a webpage https://www.plainville.ma.us/1544/Total-Trihalomethanes-TTHM for more information about the total trihalomethanes.
We are committed to providing clean, safe water. As stewards of this valuable resource, we take our job to protect public health and safety seriously. Our team of water professionals work around the clock to provide reliable, cost-effective, high-quality water service that protects public health, promotes environmental stewardship, maintains customer confidence, and supports economic development and sustainability.