Town announces drinking water violation

Submitted by the Canton Water Department ~

Despite previous compliant test results, one recent test of our water system disclosed a violation of a drinking water standard. While this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct the situation.

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Prior to May 10, 2011, the average level of dichloromethane in all test results was less than the detection limit of 0.5 micrograms (0.5 ug or 0.0005 milligrams) per liter. On May 10, we received results of testing that exceeded the maximum contaminant level for that substance, which is 5.0 micrograms per liter (5.0 ug/L). A repeat sample collected two days later, on May 12, showed that the contaminant level again was below the detection limit of 0.5 ug/L.

What should I do?

You do not need to use an alternative (e.g. bottled) water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

What does this mean?

This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. However, some people who drink dichloromethane in excess of the MCL over many years could have liver problems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

What happened? What is being done?

Re-sampling was conducted on May 12, and results were expedited and forwarded to the MassDEP. The level again was below detection limits. Because the level was below detection limits both before and after the May 10 test results, it is possible that dichloromethane was below the MCL in Canton’s drinking water at that time also and was introduced inadvertently during the sample collection process. However, to confirm that, quarterly monitoring will be conducted until further notice. A corrective action plan will be submitted to MassDEP to document sample handling procedures and notification protocols. We anticipate resolving the problem within 30 days and will be submitting a corrective action plan to MassDEP within that timeframe.

For more information, please contact Dennis Morton at 781-821-5018 or by mail at Canton Water Department, 801 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021.

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

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