Update on Northampton Water Testing

Northampton Water Customers:

A single count of enterococcus bacteria was found at a secondary source (Well #2) on Thursday, December 22nd. The well was immediately taken off-line. Five confirmation water samples were taken and analyzed on December 23rd.

These laboratory tests indicated negative results, indicating no enterococcus contamination of Well #2.

The USEPA requires public water systems to alert the public whenever testing indicates the possible presence of enterococcus.  Enterococcus is a microbe whose presence in a source indicates it may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. It poses a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.

Throughout the public notification period, the Northampton Water Department provided all water customers with sufficiently chlorinated, safe drinking water from the Mountain St. Water Filtration Plant. Well #2 will remain off-line until January 2012 until further evaluations can be conducted.

For more information click on the title of this post, this link: Drinking Water Notice Update, or call (413) 587-1098.

Happy holidays,
The Northampton Water Dept.

Recycling for Happier Holidays

The residential recycling centers (Glendale Rd & Locust St) will be open a half-day (7am-noon) on Saturday, December 24th (7am-noon) and Saturday, December 31st (7am-noon).  All other hours will remain unchanged. 

Please remember to include the following items in your paper recycling mix:

• corrugated cardboard boxes
• paperboard gift boxes
• greeting cards (except those with foil, metallic inks, or glitter)
• gift wrap and gift bags (without ribbons or bows)
• tissue wrap (except those with foil, metallic inks, or glitter)
• paper shopping bags (any type of handle is okay)
• catalogs and calendars

Thank you and Happy New Year from the DPW.