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Find answers
to our most frequently asked questions regarding the Dedham-Westwood Water District. If you have trouble finding an answer to your
question, or you have a more detailed inquiry, feel free to contact
us.
Where does our water come from?
The District’s water supply is groundwater. We have eleven wells, six in Westwood and five in Dedham. We also have an emergency connection with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.
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How is our water treated?
The District has two water treatment plants where water from all of its regularly pumped wells is filtered. Chlorine is added for disinfection, fluoride is added for preventing tooth decay, and iron and manganese (naturally occurring minerals found in New England groundwater) are removed. Water is tested in our system about 40 times per month.
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I have received a water bill that is higher than normal. What should I do?
The first thing to do is to request a meter reading to verify that the bill is correct or you can check the meter yourself if you wish. If the reading is correct and no other changes have occurred in the household, you probably have a leak. Most often, higher than normal readings are caused by toilets running due to an incomplete seal in the back of the toilet. This can often be corrected by the homeowner replacing the rubber seal and ball or may require a plumber. Leak detection tablets for toilet leaks are available at the office. Be aware that Water District regulations do not allow for abatements for leaks.
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Why do we have water restrictions?
Our system currently has the capacity to pump about seven million gallons of water per day. Since the average daily use is about 4.25 million, the District has more than adequate supply for most of the year. However, during the summer, demand may meet or exceed the system’s capacity which then must be replenished by rainfall events to maintain well levels. When river flows are low in the Neponset, the system’s newest well must be shut off at times due to restrictions placed on the well’s permit. Also, water is stored in large storage tanks throughout the towns which must be kept as full as possible for health and safety (fire fighting) reasons. Excessive outdoor use during these times can impact the ability to provide these safeguards.
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How is the Water District planning for the future?
Although a consultant’s report indicates adequate supply to meet anticipated growth through 2010, a conservation study and new source study are underway. Existing supplies are being rehabilitated regularly to maintain supply levels. A new two million gallon storage tank was recently completed at Sandy Valley Road for increased storage capacity by replacing two smaller tanks.
The Water District is also pursuing membership in the Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority to purchase additional water when needed.
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I have a leak on my service line. Will the Water District fix it?
The Water District is only responsible for repairs and replacements of water mains in the street, the connection from the main to the shutoff valve
(usually at the property line), and meters and remote reading devices. The customer is responsible for the service line from the
shutoff valve to the home or business, all plumbing on private property, the meter pit if your meter is located outside in the ground, and repairs to frozen meters where adequate protection was not supplied.
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I’m selling my house and moving soon. What should I do?
To arrange for a final water bill, make sure that you schedule a meter reading for at least two days before the closing. The District requires 24 hours notice and you will need to take your final water reading to your sewer department (if you are on sewer) for a final sewer bill.
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