Q: Sometimes my water tastes or smells like chlorine. Is my water safe to drink?
A: Test results show that Lynn's drinking water is in full compliance with all standards established by the federal and state agencies that regulate public water supplies Chlorine is a necessary chemical used to disinfect Lynn’s drinking water. Some people are more sensitive to the smell of chlorine than others. To eliminate the taste and odor, fill a container with tap water and place it in the refrigerator until chilled.

Q: What causes my water to become discolored or cloudy once in a while?
A: Water is piped under pressure throughout the distribution system. Occasionally air can become trapped in the water mains or more likely in the household plumbing causing the water to turn cloudy. This is only a temporary condition and will clear up in a short time. Some rust from older water mains may cause red, brown or yellow water when the pipes are disturbed. You may see this condition at your tap during water main breaks, hydrant flushing, valve repair/operation, or hydrant use. Wait until the water clears before doing laundry to prevent staining of clothes. If the discolored water persists call the Water Emergency Department at 781-596-2406.

Q: Should I be concerned about Lead in my water?
A: Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. Although Lynn’s reservoir water is virtually lead free, it is possible that lead levels in your home may be higher than other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing. If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have water tested. Flush (run) your tap water for 30 seconds to two minutes before using tap water to reduce the lead level content. Do not use hot water from the faucet for drinking or making baby formula or other food for infants. Hot water dissolves more lead and copper from plumbing than cold water. Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hot Line at 1-800-426-4791.

Q: Why are watersheds so important?
A: Protected watersheds help safeguard and even purify water as it flows across and/or through land into reservoirs. Accordingly, the protection of this land assures that the quality of Lynn’s water will remain safe and pure for our consumers.

Q: What is “MTBE” and is it in my drinking water?
A: “MTBE” is Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether, a gasoline additive that has been found in some water sources, primarily groundwater supplies. During 1999-2000, tests for “MTBE” revealed that it was not present in Lynn’s drinking water.