SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission is notifying residents of high levels of haloacetic acids (HAA5) in drinking water samples taken in early September.
On Friday, the Commission said that samples taken in the first week of September showed an exceedance of the maximum contaminant level for HAA5 at seven of the eight sample locations.
Daylight saving time: Does Massachusetts want to stop changing the clocks? Officials are informing residents that the levels of HAA5 detected are not an immediate health hazard to anyone and you can continue to consume or use the water as normal. If levels of HAA5 become a public health emergency, customers would be notified within 24 hours of detection.
What is HAA5
HAA5 forms when chlorine reacts with dissolved natural organic matter found in surface water bodies, likely the Cobble Mountain Reservoir which is the main source of drinking water.
factsheet-haa5 Download New treatment plant coming
The water and sewer commission is building a new West Parish Water Treatment Plant, which is expected to begin construction on October 16th. This plant will help address issues like high levels of HAA5 and is projected to be completed in September 2028.
Efforts to reduce lead in drinking water
In addition, the Commission launched an online map for consumers to track drinking water service lines in an effort to reduce the risk of lead exposure. According to the map, 664 galvanized steel service lines have been replaced since 2021. The Commission says that there are no known lead service lines however, lead can enter drinking water from plumbing that contains lead, such as a lead service line that connects a home/building to the water main in the street, or from plumbing and fixtures inside the home.
To reduce lead exposure, the Commission advises the following:
- Let water run from the tap for about 30 seconds to two minutes until the water gets cold.
- This ensures that the water being used is from the main in the street, rather than the water that has been sitting in the home plumbing.
- Use only cold water for cooking and drinking.
- Do not drink or cook with water from the hot water tap. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly than cold water.
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