In 2004, the LRWU produced more than 4.7 billion gallons (4,777,065,000) of drinking water to over 135,000 people in the communities of Lowell, Dracut, Tyngsboro, and Chelmsford. In 2003 the LRWU was granted another loan from the State Revolving Fund (SRF). This $14.5 million loan is to construct upgrades to the LRWU’s pumping and distribution system facilities. The project is currently underway and includes the replacement or rehabilitation of aging water mains, replacement of a water storage tank on Wedge St. in the Highlands, creation of a new high pressure zone, replacement of the raw and treated water pumps, and security related improvements to the water system. Construction of the new storage tank and replacement pumps has already begun. The remainder of the work will begin in the spring and summer, and continue through early 2006.

**Lead and Copper Reduction:**

The reduced monitoring annual rounds of lead and copper “tap sampling” were performed for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. In all six 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) hereby approved the reduction in lead and copper monitoring frequency (50 samples) to once every three years. The next round of lead and copper monitoring will be collected during 2006.

**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.