Water Department

PFAS Public Forum Webinar

Click the link below for the recent PFAS forum with presentations from MassDEP, Westford Water Department, Westford Health Department, and Skillings and Sons

PFAS Public Forum Webinar

Country Road 2 Well In Service

The Westford Water Department  recently brought the Country Road 2 well back online in order to help in meeting high summer water demand.   This well has not been in service since August 2021 due to elevated  Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) concentrations.  However, several recent sampling results from this well have yielded PFAS concentrations well below the current Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 20 ppt.   Consequently, the Westford Water Department developed an operational plan in coordination with the MassDEP to operate the well under limited conditions for the summer months.   These conditions include a reduced pumping rate and increased monitoring for PFAS at the well  - in addition to the regular finished water PFAS monitoring.  If PFAS levels are detected in the well greater than 20 ppt it will be immediately removed from service.    With these operating conditions in effect we are confident the Country Road 2 well can be safely operated on an interim basis and remain in compliance with the  MassDEP PFAS drinking water quality standards while long-term treatment for the system as a whole is pursued.   To review the MassDEP approval to operate Country Road 2 well on a limited basis letter:    CLICK HERE

Voluntary Outdoor Water Use Restrictions Start May 1

At this time, we ask our customers to follow the voluntary odd/even watering schedule as follows:

Odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered days between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM

Even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered days  between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM

Why this schedule?  The odd/even watering schedule allows us to keep up with consumer demand by spreading out usage.  Watering between 6 pm and 9 am when evapotranspiration is at the lowest level makes watering more effective and reduces waste.  

Any increase to higher restrictions will be communicated by signage around town, the Town and Water Department websites, the town electronic notification system, and the DPW Facebook page.   

Outdoor water use restrictions only apply to non-essential water use.   Watering of food gardens is not included in these restrictions.   Visit the Water Department website at www.westfordma.gov/water for details on what is considered essential and non-essential outdoor water usage.

The Water Department may issue exemptions for newly planted lawns (not overseeding) during outdoor water use restrictions on a case by case basis.   A written or verbal request must be made to the Water Department in order to receive an exemption from outdoor water use restrictions.   However, no exemptions of outdoor water use restrictions  will  be made during the months of July and August, and no exemptions will be issued during a state-declared drought.    Please plan accordingly,   

 For tips on water conservation click  here.

To visit a presentation on water conservation including water-efficient irrigation click https://westfordwater.wixsite.com/waterconservation

Click on Westford Outdoor Water Use Restrictions for information on the rules for each stage of restrictions and for what is considered essential and non-essential water use.


Water Department Rate Increase

The Board of Water Commissioners has approved new water rates effective July1, 2023.  The new rates are in response to increased operating expenses as well as continued investment in the water system to ensure compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations.  

NEW RATES.   

For more information please visit our water rate presentation:   https://youtu.be/vd_irKXjNaA

Spring Hydrant Flushing Starts April 3

The Westford Water Department will be flushing water mains in starting in Greystone (Russell’s Way neighborhood), Route 40, and Nabnasset, as part of our comprehensive maintenance program beginning the first week of April and continuing until completed (generally May).   Additional areas of town may be added as time allows.  Flushing will be performed between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  This program involves opening fire hydrants and valves to create increased water flows which dislodge and remove naturally occurring sediment in the water mains.  Flushing is critical to maintain water quality and main carrying capacity. 

As a result of the flushing process, residents in the immediate vicinity of the work may experience temporary discoloration of their water and/or low pressure.  This discoloration is harmless, and does not affect the safety of the water.  If you experience discolored water, we advise you wait until flushing is completed for the day then run your cold water until clear (may take up to 20 minutes).   Running your hot water will draw the discoloration into your hot water heater or appliance, which should be avoided.  We recommend not doing laundry during flushing in your area.    

Streets or neighborhoods to be flushed are listed each day at the  Flushing Schedule.   Since weather and length of time necessary to flush each hydrant can vary considerably, we are generally unable to schedule flushing more than a day or two in advance.

If you have concerns regarding the flushing program, please call the Water Department at 978-692-5529. We appreciate your patience while we continuously work to protect our water quality.

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Please visit the Water Department PFAS page for general information on this emerging contaminant, and for sampling results.    Visit the Westford Health Department PFAS page for additional information on private wells.

WBUR article on PFAS

Channel 5 PFAS

UPDATE:  On Tuesday, March 14 the US EPA announced draft PFAS regulations.  Click on FACT SHEET for more information.

These draft regulations include Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for PFOS and PFOA.   An additional 4 PFAS compounds are regulated using a Health Index (HI).   MORE TO FOLLOW.

New Water Conservation Website

We are pleased to announce a new water conservation website created by  Westford Academy student Rohita Krishnakamur.   The website was put together as part of a Girl Scout Gold Award Project, which is designed to address a root cause of a timely and important issue.   For some great information on water conservation please visit the new website:  https://westfordwater.wixsite.com/waterconservation

Have a question or comment for the Water Department?

You can call us at 978-692-5529 or leave an email by clicking on the "Email" link on the upper right hand side of the page. 

Water Department projects link

Information on current Water Department projects can be found by clicking on the 'Water Department Projects' link to the left, and then clicking on the project of interest.

Online Bill Pay Service Provider for Water Bill Payments

 
City Hall Systems is the Online Bill Pay Service Provider for the Westford Water Department.   Some helpful features are described below:
  • Paying out of your checking account by ACH E-Check is free for Water Bill payments.
  • Payment by Debit or Credit Card is subject to credit card company fees based on a percentage of the amount being paid, with a minimum fee of $3. For this reason we strongly recommend using ACH E-Check to avoid all fees.
  • Customers can pay as a guest or they can establish a user account.
  • Customers who establish a user account will gain access to some great features; payment scheduling, payment history inquiry and new to Westford - E-Billing.
  • We are pleased to offer E-Billing to our customers. You may sign up to receive your bill via Email only (E-Billing), or to have your bill delivered via Email and U.S. Mail (E-Notice). Once signed up, you will receive a notice by email each quarter.
If you have any problems, questions or concerns about City Hall Systems, please don't hesitate to contact the Water Department at 978-692-5529.

View additional information on to the bill pay system, by visiting the City Hall Systems website.

Water Bill Calculator


Want to know how your water bill is calculated - or check your water usage? Click on the link below to access our Water Bill Calculator. Simply enter the requested information to calculate your bill and determine your water usage. View the Water Bill Calculator or learn how to read your water meter by viewing the February 2011 Water Department InFLOWmation Newsletter (PDF).
     

Service Line Insurance


Periodically our customers get calls from companies offering water service line insurance. We would like our customers to know that the Westford Water Department does not endorse any service line insurance product or company, and we recommend exercising due diligence before making a decision to purchase insurance. Before considering purchasing service line insurance you may want to check with your home insurance company-as some policies do offer some coverage for service line repairs or replacement.