Oct 1, 2021
The only times most of us think about water in Medfield is either (a) when its use is restricted or, occasionally, (b) when it looks or tastes funny coming out of the tap. The rest of the time, it’s just there – thank goodness.
Medfield is part of both the Charles River Watershed and the Neponset River Watershed. Watersheds are large areas containing aquifers (Latin: aqua=water, fero=carry) that feed into rivers. These two watersheds cover nearly 500 square miles – but the Mississippi River Watershed covers well over 1 million square miles.
Until the late 19th century, most people in Medfield drew water from wells. The Medfield Water Company was established in the 1890s by Edwin V. Mitchell, who wanted to protect his hat factory in case of fire. The water tower was on Brook Street, near Vine Brook. Fire hydrants were installed around the perimeter of the hat factory, and the hoses were long enough to reach all the churches in town.
After Mitchell’s death, in 1920 the town bought the Medfield Water Company for $12,500. Mitchell’s partner, Granville Dailey, donated his shares to the town, and by 1925 the town had installed 3.44 miles of water pipe that served residents and businesses in the center. Today, of course, essentially everyone has town water, which comes from wells at the aquifers near Elm Street, near Route 27 at the Sherborn line, and near Route 109 at the Millis line.
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Does anyone know where our water has been over the geological times? We often take our water for granted and usually don’t think twice about using that water in any way we want to. But during the dry summer months, we’re encouraged to use water only on the odd-even days of the week.
Where does the water come from? What happens after it goes down the drains in our houses?
The Medfield modern wastewater treatment plant employs basic physics and high technology to purify the dirtiest water so it can go back into the environment.
There’s a process that has several steps that begins with collection, screening, and straining. Chemical addition and natural process takes place, along with sediment and clarification, filtration, disinfection, storage, and finally distribution. Medfield’s treatment plant treats contaminants so that the water becomes fit for drinking and other uses.
Odor control is achieved by using chemicals to allows solid material to come to the surface where it can be removed. Aeration is used to release gases. Pumping air through the water helps organic matter to decay. Sludge will settle to the bottom and is removed. Water filters run through sand to reduce bacteria, odors, iron, and other solids. The water can be treated with chlorine to kill bacteria.
Water softeners are typically installed to remove dissolved iron or manganese and other hardness minerals in the water through a chemical process called ion exchange. To remove iron or manganese, a properly sized sediment filter is required. Water testing will lead to the right system design and installation.
Medfield water is sourced from five wells located in Medfield. They are wells numbers, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. These wells draw from underground aquifers in two watershed basins, the Neponset River and the Charles River watersheds. Wells 1 and 2 are located on Route 109 at the Millis town line, Wells 3 and 4 are located at the Neponset Water System Aquifer. The water system also includes two water storage tanks and 80 miles of water main.
Groundwater is the source of all of Medfield’s water supply and not from Poland Springs, where the water is natural spring water. For this reason the town of Medfield takes great measures to maintain our clean water supply set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency, known as the EPA. These measures will help to replenish groundwater by maintaining the integrity of the town’s groundwater. All this operation is provided by the town’s wastewater treatment technicians. This operation and work is definitely not for the squeamish. We can’t admire these people enough, especially when we see and realize that they’re not afraid of getting their hands dirty.
Medfield’s treatment operators offered some suggestions that will help keep the system running at peak.
Always put the fat, oil and grease into a container and dispose of it with your garbage. Place a waste basket close by for solid wastes like disposable diapers, creams, hygiene products, and baby wipes.
Never pour fats, oil, or grease (FOG) down the sink of one’s home. Don’t throw food scraps down the toilet. Don’t use the toilet as a waste basket.
Medfield’s Water Conservation Plan provides general information about Medfield’s water, the number of customers, water usage trends, and a plan in place in the event of a water emergency.
Here’s a link to the latest water quality report.
There are some good ways to conserve our water. We can run a dishwasher only when its full. We can turn off the faucet while brushing our teeth and even take shorter showers. If possible, on your lawn or garden, use gray water – water that has already been used for cooking or laundry.
Water is makes our planet unique. Water is hard to predict and hard to control. Water is precious because not a single living thing could survive. All around us, we are reminded of the never-ending journey of our water.