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BOSTON NORTH
EFI Global, Inc.
155 West Street | Suite 6 | Wilmington, MA 01887 | PHONE 978.688.3736 | FAX 978.688.5494 | FREE 800.659.1202
December 17, 2018
Ms. Lori Kabel
Director of Public Buildings
Town of Watertown
30 Common Street
Watertown, Massachusetts 02472
RE: Lead in Water Report
Hosmer School
1 Concord Street
Watertown, Massachusetts
EFI Project No.: 020.00228
Dear Ms. Kabel:
At your request, EFI Global, Inc. (EFI) conducted lead in water sampling of the potable water sources
(Project Area) of the Hosmer School, located at 1 Concord Street in Watertown, Massachusetts (Site).
EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE
Lead has long been recognized as a harmful environmental pollutant. Lead exposure occurs when lead dust
or fumes are inhaled, or when lead is ingested via contaminated hands, food, water, cigarettes or clothing. At
high levels lead can cause convulsions, coma, and even death. Lower levels of lead can adversely affect the
brain, central nervous system, blood cells, and kidneys.
BACKGROUND AND REGULATORY STANDARDS
Lead is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the authority of the Safe Drinking
Water Act of 1974 (amended 1986). On September 26, 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
announced a final rule that makes several targeted regulatory revisions to the existing National Primary
Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for lead. The revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) are intended
to enhance the implementation of the LCR in the areas of monitoring, treatment, customer awareness, lead
service line replacement; and to improve compliance with the public education requirements of the LCR. The
changes are also intended to ensure drinking water consumers receive meaningful, timely, and useful
information to help them limit their exposure to lead in drinking water. The Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection (MASSDEP) also sets standards and guidelines for contaminant in drinking water
under The Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, 310 CMR 22.00. The EPA and MASSDEP lead action
level is 0.015 milligrams per liter (mg/l).
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EFI Global, Inc. Page 2 December 17, 2018
Lead in Water Report Hosmer School
EFI Project No. 020.00228 1 Concord Street, Watertown, Massachusetts
SURVEY METHODS
EFI conducted sampling of the potable water sources within the school on November 20, 21, and 30, 2018;
and on December 4, 2018.
EFI collected water samples in accordance with procedures outlined by the EPA and MASSDEP. The
sampling procedure calls for running each source (flushing) for one minute with the faucet aerator
disconnected, allowing the water to sit in the pipes undisturbed for at least 8 hours, and subsequently
collecting a sample from the first draw water emerging from the source. The flushing of the faucet lines
was conducted on the evenings of November 19, 20, and 29, 2018; and on the evening of December 3,
2018. Upon completion of flushing, the faucets were shut off, and a sign was posted to prevent personnel
from further use until the water samples were collected the next morning. The water sat undisturbed
during the night and the samples collected the next morning.
Water samples were analyzed using laboratory prep method 3005A, EPA Method 3, and EPA Method
200.8 for lead in drinking water. Upon collection of the samples, the sample containers were packaged in
a cooler on ice and immediately transported to Alpha Analytical, Inc. of Westborough, Massachusetts, an
accredited laboratory, for analysis with a standard 5‐day turnaround time.
RESULTS
The results of the lead concentrations in the water samples did not exceed the EPA and MASSDEP lead action
level of 0.015 milligrams per liter.
The laboratory results of the lead concentrations provided by Alpha are presented in
Attachment C. A table summarizing lead sampling results can be found in Attachment A.
CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
The sampling results were reported by Alpha as below the EPA’s and the MASSDEP action level of 0.015
mg/l for lead; therefore, no further action is recommended.
LIMITATIONS
This report has been prepared to assist the client in evaluating lead in water concerns at the above
referenced site. EFI provided these services consistent with the level and skill ordinarily exercised by
members of the profession currently practicing under similar conditions. This statement is in lieu of other
statements either expressed or implied. This report is intended for the sole use of the client. This report
is not intended to serve as a bidding document nor as a project specification document and actual site
conditions and quantities should be field verified. The scope of services performed in execution of this
evaluation may not be appropriate to satisfy the needs of other users, and use or re‐use of this document,
the findings, conclusions, or recommendations is at the risk of said user. Although a reasonable attempt
has been made to identify indoor air quality issues in the areas inspected, the inspection was limited by
the techniques used and areas inspected. Additionally, other possible building material hazards such as
asbestos and microbial issues were not included as part of this evaluation and may require proper
sampling for identification prior to disturbance.
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EFI Global, Inc. Page 3 December 17, 2018
Lead in Water Report Hosmer School
EFI Project No. 020.00228 1 Concord Street, Watertown, Massachusetts
Additionally, the passage of time may result in a change in the environmental characteristics at this site.
This report does not warrant against future operations or conditions that could affect the
recommendations made. The results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this
report are based only on conditions that were observed during the inspection of the site.
EFI appreciates this opportunity to provide environmental services for Town of Watertown. If you require
additional information or have questions regarding the contents of this report, please contact either of
the undersigned at (978) 688‐3736.
Sincerely,
EFI Global, Inc.
Christopher Eustis John Vaz
Assistant Project Manager Project Manager
Attachments: Attachment A – Lead in Water Results
Attachment B – Photographs
Attachment C – Laboratory Results