Water Q&A

The Massachusetts Water Resource Authority releases a monthly Water Quality Update Report. To view the most current update and prior months online, click here.
Where Does My Water Come From?

Your water comes from Quabbin Reservoir, about 65 miles west of Boston, and Wachusett Reservoir, about 35 miles west of Boston. Water from the Ware River, located between these two reservoirs, can also add to the supply at times. The reservoirs provide about 250 million gallons of high quality water each day.

Rain and snow falling on the watersheds – protected land around the reservoirs – turn into streams that flow to the reservoirs. Water comes in contact with soil, rock, plants, and other material as it follows nature’s path to the reservoirs. While this process helps clean the water, it can also dissolve and carry very small amounts of material into the reservoir.

Quabbin and Wachusett watersheds are protected naturally and by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Over 85% of the watersheds are covered in forest and wetlands.  About 75% of the total watershed land cannot be built on. The natural watershed helps to keep MWRA water clean and clear. To ensure safety, the streams and the reservoirs are tested often and patrolled daily.

What do I do if I think I have a water leak, no water, or in case of an emergency?
Please call the District at (781) 598-4223. If the office is closed, you will find an emergency contact phone number on our outgoing message.
Is my water hard or soft?
Your tap water is considered “soft”, and it, is good for laundry and shampooing. Water is measured by the term “hardness” – which is the amount of dissolved minerals in your water. MWRA water has a hardness of about 12mg/l (or less that 1 grain/gallon by older measures. For comparison, “hard” water would have greater than 75 mg/1 hardness. Therefore, you do not need to add softeners to your dishwasher or for laundry.
My water has a "funny" taste or odor sometimes. Can I drink it?
Yes, you can safely drink, cook with, or bathe in this water. Sometimes algae can cause a “fishy” or “grassy” odor. Algae are normal, harmless plants that appear in the reservoirs at certain times of the year. MWRA treats the reservoirs to control algae.
What if I’m concerned about the color, odor, lead level, etc. of my water?
Lynnfield Water District’s water is sourced from the MWRA.  Information on MWRA’s web site will provide details regarding the water quality concerns.  http://www.mwra.com/04water/html/qual4concerns.htm
How can I pay my bill?

We can accept payments in the office during office hours. For 24/7 access you can pay your bill online by clicking here and selecting the red “Pay Bill Online” button, or through a mail slot in the door.

How frequently will I receive a water bill?
For residential customers, bills are sent out biannually; April and October. For commercial customers, bills are sent out quarterly; January, April, July and October.
What time period does my water bill cover?
For residential customers, bills cover the six month time period prior to the date of the bill. For example, April’s bill covers the water used October through March. For commercial customers, bills cover the three month time period to the date of the bill.
Why is my water bill so high?
Water bills can vary in amount for various reasons: Seasonal use, consumption and possible leaks. If you have concerns that you may have a leak, please call the District at (781) 598.4223.
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About LWD

The LWD is bordered on the north by the Lynnfield Center, on the east by Peabody, on the south by Lynn and Saugus and on the west by Wakefield. In addition, the district also provides water to over 90 percent of all commercial customers in the town of Lynnfield.

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Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Quick Links

Pay Bill Online
Annual Report
Bylaws
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Contact Us

842 Salem Street
Lynnfield, MA 01940

781-598-4223

781-598-8819

lwd@lwdma.us