As part of our ongoing efforts to keep residents informed, the Shrewsbury Water Department will release monthly status updates concerning manganese in our drinking water.
The June 9th finished water (treated) manganese level was 0.27 mg/l or 270 ppb. The subsequent July 12th finished water manganese level was 0.34 mg/l or 340 ppb. The primary reason for this increase in overall levels is that one of our primary wells, Home Farm 6-1, continues to increase its manganese levels. With the dry weather conditions, our ground water levels drop deeper; therefore, more manganese becomes drawn into this well source. The manganese level at this one well is 1.2 mg/l or 1200 ppb. This is the critical factor in our continuing discolored water complaints
Water from Home Farm 6-1 is blended with all our other well sources during treatment. But the higher concentrations inhibit our ability to adequately sequester this manganese (using our liquid linear phosphate process). So any disturbances within the water system (such as hydrant flushing, water main breaks or fighting a fire) causes a cloudy or discolored water condition. The Home Farm 6-1 well represents an overall volume of 1,000,000 gpd (gallons per day). We simply cannot remove this much volume at this time of year. Home Farm 6-1 must remain online and we will work to minimize its use.
Our system cleaning and maintenance (as described on the Water Department home page) will continue. However, the process takes several weeks to show results. Additionally, we cannot undertake this process during the peak demand periods in summer.
We thank you for your attention and your patience during this time. Please click on the link provided below for more information.