BEDFORD— Bedford City Utilities has released its 2024 Consumer Confidence Report, detailing the quality of the city’s drinking water and affirming its compliance with state and federal safety standards.
The report, which is mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reveals that all detected contaminants in Bedford’s drinking water were below the maximum levels allowed by the EPA, with no violations reported across the board. The comprehensive analysis includes data on disinfectants, inorganic and synthetic organic contaminants, and radioactive substances.
Disinfection and By-Products
Chlorine, used to control microbial contaminants, was detected at a level of 0.7 parts per million (ppm), well within the acceptable range of 4 ppm set by the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG). Other chlorination by-products such as Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) were measured at 32.2 ppb and 58.2 ppb, respectively—both below the regulatory limits of 60 and 80 ppb.
Inorganic Contaminants
A range of inorganic contaminants, including asbestos, barium, cadmium, chromium, and fluoride, were monitored with no violations recorded. Notably, fluoride was present at a concentration of 0.4 ppm, used as a water additive to promote dental health. Sodium, which is monitored as an optional parameter, was found at 15 ppm.
Nitrate and nitrite levels, often resulting from fertilizer use and septic system runoff, were well within safe thresholds. Nitrate was detected at 0.4 ppm and nitrite at 0.01 ppm.
Radioactive and Synthetic Organic Contaminants
Testing in 2021 showed radium levels remained compliant, with no violations. Additionally, Bedford’s water was tested for several herbicides and pesticides, including 2,4-D, atrazine, glyphosate, and simazine. All levels were well under the EPA’s maximum contaminant levels, indicating effective protection from agricultural runoff.
Lead and Copper Monitoring
Under the Lead and Copper Rule, consumer taps were tested in 2023. Copper was measured at 0.055 ppm, below the action level (AL) of 1.3 ppm, and no samples exceeded the limit. Lead was detected at 1.5 ppb, significantly below the AL of 15 ppb, with no exceedances recorded. Both results suggest minimal corrosion of household plumbing and limited presence from natural deposits.
Commitment to Public Health
Bedford City Utilities emphasized that the city’s drinking water continues to meet or exceed all regulatory standards. The typical sources of detected substances—such as erosion of natural deposits, agricultural runoff, and disinfection by-products—are common in municipal systems and are well-managed through regular monitoring and treatment.
Residents can contact Bedford City Utilities for more information or view the full Consumer Confidence Report online or at the utility office.
