Winchester to Switch to MWRA For 2.5 Months

WINCHESTER, MA—Due to a reservoir construction project, Winchester will rely on Massachusetts Water Resource Authority water supply for about two-and-a-half months.

The town announced Thursday that the switch from the Winchester middle-low system to MWRA will take place from Mar. 1 to May 15. In the announcement, the town highlighted two main differences between MWRA water and town water. Ria Convery of MWRA told Patch that residents shouldn’t expect much of a difference.

“Winchester’s water is partially supplied by the MWRA all the time,” Convery told Patch.”Around 50%, so those residents won’t notice anything at all. Those that don’t always get our water shouldn’t see too much of a difference either”

Convery also told Patch that this is the first time that Winchester has had to completely switch over to MWRA water.

According to the Town announcement, MWRA water contains chloramines—which the notice defines as a mild and long-lasting disinfectant combining chlorine and ammonia—while Winchester water uses free chlorine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking water with safe amounts of chloramine do not cause harmful health effects and provides protection against waterborne disease outbreaks.

However, chloramine is toxic to fish and cannot be removed by letting water sit out for a few days. The CDC recommends asking your local pet store about removing disinfectants from your water.

In addition, the Town announcement recommends that dialysis equipment users should consult with their physician as there may be an impact to equipment. The hospital and local clinics have been notified of this change.

Patch attempted to contact MWRA, but they were not immediately available for comment.