In 2009, the LRWU produced more than 4.7 billion gallons (4,754,870,000)of drinking water to over 135,000 people and businesses in the communities of Lowell, Dracut, Tyngsboro, and Chelmsford. In 2008 the LRWU was granted State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans to continue water system improvements. This loan will fund further upgrades to the LRWU's treatment facility, as well as water main replacements, water meter replacement, construction of a new water storage tank and several other minor system imporvements.


**Lead and Copper Reduction:**

The annual rounds of lead and copper “tap sampling” were performed for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. In all required compliance testing rounds, the 90th percentile action level for lead (0.015 mg/l) and copper (1.3 mg/l) were not exceeded. On June 24, 2003, The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) therefore approved a reduction in lead and copper monitoring frequency (50 samples) to once every three years. In 2009, the 90th percentile action level for lead and copper were not exceeded, allowing the utility to continue on the reduced monitoring frequency. The next round of lead and copper monitoring will be collected during August 2012.

**Water Source:**

The only water supply for Lowell’s Water Treatment Plant is the surface water from the Merrimack River, which has its source in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Intake Station is situated on the riverbank north of the city and water is pumped one half mile to the treatment plant. The interconnections with the surrounding communities are to supply them with water; they cannot supply water to Lowell. A draft source water assessment program (SWAP) was completed by the Massachusetts DEP. The (SWAP) report is available at the water utility for any parties interested. For more information, contact Operations Superintendent Steven Duchesne @ (978) 970-4242.

**Emergency Planning and Response** – The Utility works with upstream communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire on emergency response planning. The Utility has an emergency management committee and coordinates activities with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) facility in Tewksbury.

**Communication with Other Communities** – The Utility maintains contact with upstream communities, including those in New Hampshire, on a variety of source protection issues.