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1. What is groundwater?

Groundwater comes from rain and snow that soaks into the ground, passing between soil particles, sand, gravel, or rock until it reaches a depth were the ground is filled (saturated) with water. The area that is filled with water is called the saturated zone, and the top of this zone is called the water table. The water table may be very close to the ground surface or may be several hundred feet deep. Groundwater is stored in the ground in materials like gravel, sand, or bedrock. An area that holds lots of water - which can be pumped with a well - is called an aquifer.

2. How does the water get into my house?

Water is pumped from the wells through large underground pipes called mains into the treatment plants. The treated water is pumped to one of 5 storage tanks located at elevated areas in town to create water pressure. From the storage tanks the water flows throughout Westford in underground mains in the street (buried at least 5 feet below the surface to prevent freezing in the winter). Smaller pipes called service lines connect the water main to individual houses, businesses, and schools. The last stop on this trip from the ground is your faucet.

3. Why does Westford restrict outdoor water use from May through October?

As one would expect, water usage increases dramatically (about 50%) in the warmer months, and this can create a strain on the system’s ability to pump enough water to meet everyone’s needs. The State also imposes restrictions on how much water the Water Department can pump on a daily basis. And don’t forget - surrounding towns, which draw water from the same aquifer, are also experiencing increased usage at the same time. To ensure that there is enough water for everybody, and sufficient pressure for fire protection, the Water Department has a system of staged water use restrictions. Without these restrictions, demand would most likely deplete water supplies to a dangerously low level, and the Water Department would be forced to impose a ban on all outdoor water usage.

4. How does the Westford Water Department determine water use restrictions?

Voluntary odd and even outdoor water use restrictions are in effect from May 1 through October 31. Customers are also strongly encouraged to limit sprinkler use to before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. For mandatory restrictions, the Water Department has established daily water usage triggers based on its Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) withdrawal permit (this state permit determines how much water the Department is allowed to pump on a daily basis). The triggers are set to allow enough water to be pumped to satisfy increased demand, but to prevent the Department from violating its state permit. A lower trigger point activates the Level 2 Mandatory Restrictions, and a higher trigger point activates Level 3 Emergency Mandatory Restrictions (outdoor water use ban). For details on allowable outdoor water usage during Level 2 and 3 restrictions, contact us at 978-692-5529 or view the Water Department Rules and Regulations page.

5. Why is my water discolored?

Normally your water should appear clear. However, sometimes there may be coloration to the water, and this can be caused by a few things:
- The water is brown or orange. This is probably iron related, and you may need to drain your hot water heater - or your pipes may need to be flushed. Rusty-colored water is commonly seen after a main break or when hydrants are being flushed, and the water should return to normal shortly after the break is repaired or the flushing stops. The Westford Water Department will post a hydrant flushing notice in the local newspaper and on its website. Notice of a main break will also be posted on the Water Department website.
- A milky appearance to the water may indicate air in the lines and should dissipate with time. To test - collect some water from your tap in a clear glass and let sit for a few minutes. The water should become clear from the bottom up as the tiny air bubbles (which creates the milky appearance) rise to the surface.
- There are black specs in the water - this is probably manganese, and may indicate a need to flush the service line.
- Yellow water requires investigation as the cause of this is varied.

If you ever have questions about your water quality you should contact the Water Department Environmental Compliance Manager at 978-399-2457.

6. How is my water bill determined (residential)?

Westford has a 3-Step water rate system based on volume of water used, and water is billed in increments of 100 cubic feet (ft3) on a quarterly basis. The first step rate is applied to 1 - 2,500 feet3, the second step rate is applied to the next 2,501 - 10,000 feet3, and the third step rate is applied to greater than 10,000 feet3. So, if 4,500 feet3 of water are used for 1 quarter then 2,500 feet are billed at the first step, and the next 2,000 feet3 are billed at the second step:
2,500 feet3 x $4.19/100 feet3 = $104.75
2,000 feet3 x $5.60/100 feet3 = $112
$104.75 + $112 = $216.75
Additionally, there is a quarterly service charge that is applied (in order to cover the cost of maintaining the account) of $16.28. The total bill for the quarter is:
$216.75 + $16.28 = $233.03

Refer to the current water rates posted on the Water Department website for rates for each step. This step billing method is used in order to comply with MassDEP requirements, and encourage water conservation.

7. What is a System Development Charge (SDC) and how is it determined?

This is a charge that reflects the prior investment made by existing customers. The basis for a buy-in method SDC is that new customers will be charged for capacity based on the value of available capacity in the existing system. Essentially, new customers are buying their share of capacity from the existing customers.

The SDC for residential properties are based on number of units (single family detached to multi-unit dwellings). The SDC for commercial properties is based on meter size. Refer to the current Rules and Regulations Appendix 3 for the Schedule of SDCs.

8. How do I connect to Town Water (single family house)?

The first step is to call the Water Department. We need to check the system maps to determine if your property has frontage to a water main for connection. If there is an existing water main, an applicant needs to fill out an application and hire an excavating contractor. The Water Department is not allowed to recommend a contractor, but there are several listed in the local phone book.

It is the responsibility of your contractor to excavate the trench from the connection point to the foundation wall. It is necessary to give the Water Department several days notice prior to commencing the work in order to give your contractor the time to coordinate with our foremen. The Water Department will supply the materials and labor to connect your service line to the water supply, bring it into your home, and set your water meter.

The home owner will need a plumber to do two things: connect the home plumbing to the water meter and disconnect the well. The well can be set up for landscape watering, but it is not allowed to remain connected to the domestic system. The excavation contractor is responsible for back filling the trench and any necessary loaming and seeding.

9. What are the fees to connect to Town water?

- The Application fee is $50
- An estimate of installation charges is $1100
- The System Development Charge is $2450
- A check for $3825 is needed prior to installing the water connection

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1. Is there lead in my water?

Elevated levels of lead in water can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Westford Water Department does test for lead in the water (the most recent results were well below the required limits) and is responsible for providing safe, high-quality drinking water. However, we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.

Additionally, the Water Department’s corrosion control program functions to reduce corrosion of the metal piping water travels through by raising the naturally corrosive pH of area groundwater to a slightly alkaline and non-corrosive level. This program has been effective at reducing lead concentrations in the drinking water.

When your water has been sitting for several hours (such as overnight), you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using the water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at

2. Where does Westford’s drinking water come from?

Groundwater from the Merrimack River Basin aquifer provides the water source for Westford residents, schools, and businesses. About 75% of residents in Westford receive their water from the Westford Water Department, and the remaining 15% are on private wells. The Westford Water Department operates 9 groundwater wells throughout town, and pumps the water to either the Forge Village or Nutting Road treatment plant. Once treated, the water is pumped into the distribution system to one of 5 storage tanks, from where it eventually makes it into your home, business, or school.

3. Is my drinking water clean?

When drinking water is pumped from the ground it has small amounts of impurities in it coming from contact with rock, dirt, vegetation, and the effects of human activity. This is why the Westford Water Department filters and treats all of its water before it is delivered to customers. This treatment helps to ensure that the water delivered to you is healthy and good tasting.

4. Is my drinking water safe?

The Westford Water Department fully complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Department treats all of its water in order to meet state and federal requirements for public drinking water. Water is treated for corrosion control, disinfection, removal of volatile organic compounds, and removal of iron and manganese. In addition, the Westford Water Department regularly tests its water for over one hundred different contaminants. If the level of a contaminant exceeds state or federal health standards then the Department will notify the public and take corrective action immediately.

5. What is in my drinking water?

All drinking water, including bottled water, usually contains small amounts of impurities. Ground water can dissolve naturally occurring minerals, such as nitrate, from the earth’s crust. Ground water can also pick up substances that are a result of human or animal activity, such as coliform bacteria. However, the presence of an impurity does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The Westford Water Department fully complies with all monitoring and reporting requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, and your drinking water meets all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health standards. For more details on the quality of your drinking water, see the Westford Water Department’s most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).