PUBLIC NOTICE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Sudbury Water District
Revised Total Coliform Rule Violation Notice of Noncompliance
What Happened?
During recent routine monitoring (August 2025), our water system tested positive for total coliforms. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution.
When this occurs, we are required to conduct an assessment to identify problems and to correct any problems that are found. We failed to conduct the required assessment in accordance with 310 CMR 22.04(4)(b) and submit the assessment report to MassDEP form within the timeframe set by 310 CMR 22.05(4)(b)3.a.
As our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation.
What Corrective Action Have We Taken?
Repeat bacteriological sampling and analysis established the absence of Total Coliform. The Sudbury Water District has completed and submitted the required assessment report (compliance plan) to MassDEP in accordance with 310 CMR 22.05(4). The assessment concluded that the likely cause of the sanitary defect was improper handling of the sample bottles at the laboratory.
What Does This Mean?
- Total Coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves.
- Their presence can indicate that a pathway exists for contamination to enter the distribution system, which requires investigation.
- This situation is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours.
- No E. coli bacteria were detected at any time.
What Should You Do?
You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. Your water remains safe to drink.
If you have specific health concerns:
- People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, pregnant individuals, and the elderly may be at increased risk.
- Consult your health care provider if you have concerns about drinking this water.
- General guidelines on reducing the risk of infection from microbes in drinking water are available from the EPA at safewater@epa.gov.
Where Can I Get More Information?
- For questions about the Sudbury Water District, drinking water monitoring, or our response to this notice, please contact Vincent J. Roy, Executive Director of the Sudbury Water District at 978‑443‑6602 ext. 103 or email vroy@sudburywater.com.
- For questions about drinking water regulations or health risks related to this contaminant, contact MassDEP Drinking Water Program at 617-292-5770 or email program.director-dwp@mass.gov.
- For health-related questions, you may also contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617‑624‑5757.
Please share this notice with all people who drink this water, particularly those who may not have received it directly (for example, residents of apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).
You may post this notice in a public place or distribute copies by hand or mail.