Earlier this week, Norton Water and Sewer Department released the 2011 water report, which revealed that Norton is not in violation of water contamination levels.
All wells in Norton received a high contamination susceptibility threat rank for pesticide and manure storage due to land uses and activities within its recharge area. This rank does not imply poor water quality. Norton Water and Sewar tests indicated no fecal coliform was present in town water.
A release may never occur from the potential source of contamination provided facilities are using best management practices. These practices may include keeping hazardous materials away from the wells, proper stormwater drainage, catch basin maintenance and encouraging farmers to use a natural resources conservation service plan. If those practices are in place, the actual risk may be lower than the threat ranking.
The five active wells are located in an aquifer with a high vulnerability to contamination due to the absence of hydrogeologic barriers that can prevent contaminant migration. Wells #5, #6, and #3 are under investigation as to whether they are under the direct influence of surface water. If the wells are determined to be surface water sources, the water supplier should inventory land uses and investigate source protection options.
The active wells have potassium hydroxide added for corrosion control, and have sodium hypochlorite added as a disinfectant. Wells #3, #4, #5, and #6 are treated to remove iron and manganese.
The Town of Norton’s drinking water supply is groundwater, which comes from the Canoe River Aquifer. The groundwater supply is not exposed to air and is not subject to direct pollution and contamination, unlike a river or reservoir.
There are five active gravel-packed wells located on Pine, Plain and Newland streets. There are also four storage facilities that store a combined amount of 5.85 million gallons of water and approximately 120 miles of water main. Norton was provided with approximately 1.28 million gallons of drinking water each day during 2011.
All testing was performed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011.
