February 13, 2009

Walpole Water Department PWS #4307000
Public Notice of Violation

This notification is to inform the water customers of the Town of Walpole that during routine bacterial sampling on Monday, February 9, 2009, four of the distribution system water samples that were collected tested positive for the presence of coliform bacteria. As a result of this, the Walpole Water Department exceeded the maximum contaminant level for total coliform as per Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations 310 CMR 22:00.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of total coliform is a possible health concern. Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves. Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this is a warning of potential problems.The presence of these bacteria in drinking water, generally is a result of a problem with water treatment or the pipes, which distribute the water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any associated headaches and fatigue. These symptoms, however are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water, but also may be caused by a number of factors other than your drinking water. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for total coliforms to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard, no more than 5.0% of the samples collected during a month can contain these bacteria, except that systems such as Walpole that collect fewer than 40 samples/month and have one total coliform-positive sample per month are not violating the standard. Drinking water that meets this standard, is usually not associated with a health risk from disease-causing bacteria and should be considered safe.

The Water Department has resampled the locations in question and these samples were reported to be free of any coliform. Additional repeat samples have been collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis and we are currently awaiting the results. We will continue to monitor this situation and work toward resolution. Any questions regarding this violation should be directed to Rick Mattson, Superintendent of Sewer and Water at (508) 660-7306.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly such as those living in apartment buildings nursing homes, schools and businesses. You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by the Walpole Water Department PWS ID#4307000 02/13/09