Year: 2013

COTUIT WATER DEPARTMENT          DRINKING WATER VIOLATION                 JULY 2013

Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard.  Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know

what happened and what we did to correct this situation.

From 7/1/13 to 7/31/13 we took twenty-nine (29) samples to test for the presence of coliform bacteria. Three (3) of those samples showed the presence of coliform bacteria.  The standard is that no more than one (1) sample may do so.

What should I do? 

• You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk.  These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.  General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at l (800) 426-4791.

What does this mean?

 This is not an emergency.  If it had been you would have been notified immediately.  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 was a warning of potential problems.

Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the treatment or distribution system (pipes).  Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present.  We did not find any of these bacteria in our subsequent testing.  If we had, we would have notified you immediately. Further testing shows that this

problem has been resolved.

What happened?  What was done?

On 7/8/13 nine (9) samples were taken and one (1) came back positive for total coliform (West Street tank).  On 7/10/13 repeat samples were taken at that location and designated upstream and downstream locations.  The repeat samples came back absent of total coliform. On 7/15/13, eleven (11) samples were taken and one (1) came back positive for total coliform. (Clamshell Cove Rd). On 7/17/13 repeat samples were taken at that location and designated upstream and downstream locations.  The upstream sample came back positive for total coliform.  The Department flushed the area and ran bleeders for forty-eight (48) hours.  On 7/22/13 repeat samples were taken at all three locations.  All came back absent of total coliform.

For more information, please contact Chris Wiseman at 508-428-2687 or at the Cotuit Water Department, located at 4300 Falmouth Road in Cotuit.

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.

This notice is being posted by the Cotuit Water Department,  PWS #4020003,  on August 5, 2013.

COTUIT WATER DEPARTMENT    DRINKING WATER VIOLATION     JUNE 2013

Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard.  Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know

what happened and what we did to correct this situation.

From 6/1/13 to 6/30/13  we took twenty-eight (28) samples to test for the presence of coliform bacteria. Five (5) of those samples showed the presence of coliform bacteria.  The standard  is that no more than one (1) sample may do so.

What should I do?

• You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk.  These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.  General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at l (800) 426-4791.

What does this mean?

 This is not an emergency.  If it had been you would have been notified immediately.  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 was a warning of potential problems.

Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the treatment or distribution system (pipes).  Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present.  We did not find any of these bacteria in our subsequent testing.  If we had, we would have notified you immediately. Further testing shows that this problem has been resolved.

What happened?  What was done?

On 6/17/13 nine (9) samples were taken and two (2) came back positive for total coliform ( Main Street tank & Santuit-Newtown tank).  On 6/19/13 repeat samples were taken at both locations along with designated upstream and downstream locations.  The repeat samples at both tanks and the upstream of the Santuit-Newtown tank came back positive for total coliform. On 6/21/13 the Department had the Main Street and Santuit- Newtown tanks chlorinated.  On 6/24/13 repeat samples were taken at both locations along with designated upstream and downstream locations.  Five (5) samples came

back absent of total coliform and the designated downstream location of the Main Street tank  came back invalid.  On 6/26/13 a repeat sample of that location was taken and came back absent of total coliform.

For more information, please contact Chris Wiseman at 508-428-2687 or at the Cotuit Water Department, located at 4300 Falmouth Road in Cotuit.

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.

This notice is being posted by the Cotuit Water Department, PWS #4020003,  July 18, 2013.

                                                         ATTENTION                          COTUIT RESIDENTS

                                    THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS HAS DECLARED

                                             A  STATE OF WATER SUPPLY CONSERVATION

• Please avoid all outside use between the hours of 8:00 AM  and 6:00 PM.

•  Residents living in homes on the odd numbered sides of   streets are asked to water lawns and gardens on odd  numbered days only.

•  Residents residing on the even numbered sides of streets  are asked to water lawns and gardens on even  numbered days.

• Install rain shutoff devices on automatic irrigation systems. If devices are already installed, check for proper operation.

• Water conservation kits are available at no charge upon request.

PLEASE USE WATER WISELY!

     COTUIT WATER DEPARTMENT      BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS 

                 MEETING DATE: Thursday July 11, 2013 @ 

                 4300 FALMOUTH ROAD ( RTE. 28) COTUIT, MA

A G E N D A

1. MINUTES

2. WARRANTS

3. WATER QUALITY

4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

5. OLD BUSINESS

a.  Open Cape

b.  Security system

c.  West Street tank

6.  NEW BUSINESS

a.  Water conservation declaration

b.  Commissioners meeting location

         5/16/13

The monthly meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners was held at the office at 5 PM with all members present. Superintendent Chris Wiseman, Prudential committee member Amy Kates and Cotuit resident Donald Campbell were also present.

The April minutes were approved.

  The warrants were signed.

 There were no coliform and no MTBE detects in April.

 At 5:30, Dan Vortherms from Open Cape Corporation arrived.  Discussion continued on the fiber optics installation proposal and its relationship with our

updated security system to be installed in the near future.

 The following information was included in the Superintendent’s report:

 PUMPAGE                       

 April Pumpage              2013 –  10,676,000         2012–   16,202,000

 ……………There were no service installations in April.

……………A pre-construction meeting was held with Leo Yuskus,  and an A T & T representative to discuss their antenna modification work.

……………T-Mobile is in disagreement with the engineering

estimates for their antenna modifications. Engineering costs that were used with A T & T’s modifications will be reviewed and used as a guideline for revising T-Mobile’s estimate.

……………A scope of work for the new generator at Station #5 will be arriving in the next couple of days.

……………The water main flushing program and the chlorination process ended on 5/15/13.

……………The West Street tank will be chemically cleaned at the end of the month. A status report will be coming shortly thereafter.

 Discussion was held on the new monitoring well that will be installed at Station #5.  Mr. Kiely requested  a copy of the monthly sampling analysis information on additional well drilling companies and a cost estimate from Horsley & Witten for inspection services for the well installation.

 A copy of the recorded easement for 671 Main Street was reviewed. The transaction was concluded on 4/23/13.

The motions were reviewed for the 5/29/13 District meeting.

 The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 2013.

 The meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm..

Respectfully submitted,

Frederick Kiely, Chairman

 Cc: Prudential Committee

                                                                           COTUIT WATER DEPARTMENT                     

                                                                    BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS 

                                                          MEETING DATE: Thursday June 13, 2013 @ 5 PM

                                                          4300 FALMOUTH ROAD ( RTE. 28) COTUIT, MA

A G E N D A

1. MINUTES

2. WARRANTS

3. WATER QUALITY

4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

5. OLD BUSINESS

a.  Open Cape

b.  Security system

c.  West Street tank

d.  Monitoring wells

4/18/13

The monthly meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners was held at the office at 5 PM with all members present. Superintendent Chris Wiseman, Prudential committee member Amy Kates and Cotuit resident Donald Campbell were also present.

The March minutes were approved.

The warrants were signed.

There was one positive sample for coliform bacteria in March, but repeat samples were clear. MTBE results were “0” for March.

The following information was included in the Superintendent’s report:

PUMPAGE

March Pumpage      2013 – 9,292,000                2012 – 7,311,000

……………One service was replaced on Hull Lane.
……………A T & T’s cellular site modification plans were approved. Engineering expenses incurred from review work on the modification plans were submitted to A T & T for reimbursement.
……………No new information is available concerning the generator installation at Station #5.
……………Pricing information was obtained from the company that performed the boring operation at Oregon Way. More estimates will be obtained for the upcoming boring project that will take place in conjunction with the Town’s road repair project on Main Street near Rushy Marsh pond.

The Open Cape representative cancelled his appointment with the Board this evening, but will attend the May meeting. We have requested reimbursement from Open Cape for legal expenses incurred for reviewing their fiber optics installation proposal.

The town attorney has set a closing date of 4/23/13 for the 671 Main Street project. Mr. Barnicle made a motion that, if
the closing does not take place on 4/23/13, the funds will be returned to the Cotuit Fire District treasurer within 14 days. Mr. Calise seconded the motion and it was so voted.

A brief discussion was held on the proposed security system.A more in-depth discussion will take place at May’s  meeting when the Open Cape  representative will be present to discuss the fiber optics relationship to the security system.

The Board was informed that the interiors of both the Main Street and West Street tanks will be chemically cleaned by Utility Services this Spring. The report that will follow will help the Board with decisions concerning the West Street tank painting project.

The Board reviewed the price estimate from Horsley & Witten for the installation of a new monitoring well near Station #5. The Board requested an additional price estimate from D.A. Scannell Company which also installs monitoring wells.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2013.

The meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm..

Respectfully submitted,

Frederick Kiely, Chairman

Cc: Prudential Committee

FLUSHING NOTICE
MONDAY 20, 2013

THE FLUSHING PROGRAM HAS BEEN COMPLETED . THE CHLORINATION PROCESS THAT AIDED IN THE CLEANSING PROCESS HAS ALSO ENDED.
WE THANK ALL COTUIT RESIDENTS FOR YOUR COOPERATION DURING THIS TIME.

COTUIT WATER DEPARTMENT

COTUIT WATER DEPARTMENT

BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS

MEETING DATE: Thursday May 16, 2013 @ 5 PM

4300 FALMOUTH ROAD ( RTE. 28) COTUIT, MA

A G E N D A

1. MINUTES

2. WARRANTS

3. WATER QUALITY

4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

5. OLD BUSINESS

a. Open Cape – 5:30

b. 671 Main Street

c. Security system

d. West Street tank

e. Monitoring wells