Massachusetts Recognizes Public Water Systems
For outstanding performance in 2007, 32 Massachusetts public water systems received a Public Drinking Water Award during National Drinking Water Week.
"There are 1,736 public drinking water systems in the Commonwealth that provide approximately 500 million gallons per day of safe, clean drinking water to our citizens," Commissioner Laurie Burt said. "We recognize those water suppliers who have exceeded the regulatory requirements for compliance and done a spectacular job of delivering the finest drinking water found any where."
The systems were judged on their compliance with state drinking water regulations. The winners had no monitoring enforcements or violations, submitted all required reports on time, adhered to good water management procedures, and have excellent source protection standards.
"This is the sixteenth year the Massachusetts Water Works Association has collaborated with members of the water community to sponsor these awards," said Raymond Jack, president of association. "It's a day to celebrate the professionals who work so hard to make our water fit to drink. Thanks to their efforts, we enjoy the highest standards of water quality of any nation on Earth."
The Southampton Water Department received special recognition for winning the 2007 National Rural Waterworks' Great American Water Taste Test. Two systems were awarded the Systems Taking Action to Reduce Lead award -- Fall River and Medfield -- which recognize the collaborative efforts of public water systems and school systems to eliminate lead sources from the water.
The winning systems include East Northfield Water Company; Cheshire Water Department; Palmer Water District #1; West Brookfield Water Department; Warren Water District; Harvard Forest - Petersham; Harwich Water Department; Centerville Osterville Marstons Mills Water Department - Barnstable; Easton Water Division; Concord Water Department; Halifax Water Department; Lynn Water and Sewer Commission; Mansfield Water Department; Westford Water Department; Reading Water Department; Wilbraham Water Department; Lynnfield Water District; Belmont Water Department; Chelsea Water Department; Lexington Water Department; and North Dighton Fire District.