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Water / Sewer
Important Information about our TTHM & HAA5
Residents of Longmeadow,
I would like to inform you of our test results from the August 1st sampling for Disinfection By-products (TTHM and HAA5). As you may know, we have been in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for quite some time now. You will NOT be receiving a letter in the mail stating that we have had another violation for this quarter. Our numbers have been dropping for the past few quarters, and this past quarter the numbers fell below the MCL, which is due in part to the water quality coming from the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (Commission).
Disinfection byproduct levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the year. Despite the wet summer, conditions in Cobble Mountain Reservoir, the Commission’s main drinking water supply, have remained favorable to lower disinfection byproduct formation.
Changes in precipitation or seasonal patterns can influence future disinfection byproduct levels, and thus future violations remain possible. The Commission’s 1970s plant was not designed with the filtration capability necessary to meet today’s disinfection byproduct standards, which were last updated in 2012. The Commission will continue to optimize its existing drinking water treatment plant to reduce disinfection byproduct formation to the maximum extent feasible. In the addition, the Town of Longmeadow will continue to optimize flushing and other mitigation solutions in its distribution system with the same goal.
As a permanent solution, the Commission is currently nearing 90% design completion on a new drinking water treatment plant. The new West Parish Water Treatment Plant will incorporate new treatment technology to resolve issues with disinfection byproducts. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed in mid-2028.
Mike Spear
Superintendent Water and Sewer Division
The Town of Longmeadow purchases its water from the City of Springfield. The Longmeadow water system begins at the Water Pumping Station located on Forest Glen Road in Longmeadow. From this pumping station, the Town of Longmeadow is serviced by approximately 96 miles of water distribution mains. These water mains deliver water to the town’s 5,600 metered water accounts and supply 16,000 residents.
Sewer Pumping Station
The Longmeadow Sewer Department maintains approximately 90 miles of sewer pipe. The sewage is primarily gravity fed to the Emerson Road Sewer Pumping Station. From the pumping station, the sewage is pumped through a 24-inch pressure main directly to Springfield Bondi’s Island. The sewer plant is protected by an emergency stand-by generator that has the capacity to run the electrical demands for the entire plant.
Blockage Reporting
Although preventative maintenance is done on a regular basis, sewer main blockages can occur. If you suspect a sewer main back-up or have a blocked sewer connection, during normal working hours 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays call 413-567-3400. After normal working hours and on weekends, call the Police Department at 413-567-3311. For more information, review our FAQs.
Check Your Irrigation When Opening for the Season
Homes with clock timer controlled irrigation systems use about 50 percent more water outdoors than homes without irrigation systems. Your system can waste even more if it’s programmed incorrectly, a sprinkler head is pointed in the wrong direction, or you have a leak. Before you ramp up your watering efforts, spruce up your irrigation system by remembering four simple steps: inspect, connect, direct, and select.
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/sprinkler-spruce-up
Infrastructure Maintenance
In an effort to maintain and upgrade the town system, the Public Works Department continually upgrades water and sewer infrastructure with replacement of older water lines, hydrants, and related facilities. The project funds are approved by residents at town meetings. The department also maintains a 1 million-gallon water storage tank located off Academy Drive, which is used to improve pressure to the easterly area of the town.
