MWRA wants consumers to know about the high quality of the water they draw from the tap. Over the next few weeks, every household in each of the cities and towns in the MWRA service area will receive the "1999 Report on Your Drinking Water."

This is the second of the annual Consumer Confidence Reports that Congress has mandated in the Safe Drinking Water Act, because consumers have a right to know.

MWRA couldn’t agree more on the importance of water quality information reaching every member of the public. The eight page report from MWRA and local water departments explains where the water comes from, how it is tested and what the results are, and what steps MWRA and local water departments are taking to provide a high quality drinking water. The report was developed in close collaboration with local water and health departments.

"With something people need and use every day, like water, they need to know about the tests showing water is safe. They also want to know about even very small risks. Then they can make their own choices" said MWRA Executive Director Douglas B. MacDonald. "We hope that all consumers will take the time to look at the results in the report" said Mr. MacDonald. The data in the report is based on thousands of tests MWRA constantly performs each month on the water in the reservoirs and in the pipes.

The testing results for MWRA water for 1999 are excellent and the positive changes from many of the improvements made by MWRA to the water supply system are clearly demonstrated. At the same time, the report very carefully describes how people with special health needs should manage their concerns over water, just as they would over food or any other consumables. It also reminds people who live in older houses with lead in the plumbing system that while MWRA treatment has greatly reduced the corrosivity of water, there are precautions they can take to be sure that water at the tap is lead-free. The report provides internet websites and phone numbers for customers to receive additional information on health and water related issues.

"We hope the information contained in this report will reinforce consumers confidence about the MWRA water system and the water delivered from it," MacDonald said. "At less than a penny a gallon, high quality water from the tap in the MWRA service area is a smart buy."

Copies of this report may be obtained by calling your local water department or calling MWRA at (617) 242-5323. You can also see the report on-line at:

1999 Report on Your Drinking Water