5/28/2025
WT Staff
 Knowledge of an environmental crime? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email info@wtny.us
May 28, 2025 234 pm EDT
SDWA Legal
Historic Civil Enforcement: Fiscal Year 1996; Case ID# 01-1996-0042 (Massachussetts)
Town of Cheshire assessed $1.3 million for filtration of public water supply
The Town of Cheshire draws raw water from manifolded groundwater wells on Pump Station Rd. A certified operator monitors the drinking water facility, where water is treated for hardness. The facility is inspected by state Department of Environmental Protection, most recently October 2024. Potable water is distributed to 565 homes and businesses in the Town.
According to the recently released 2024 Consumer Confidence Report, the susceptibility index for Cheshire groundwater is rated high for contamination. In spite of high susceptibility for contamination, the 2024 Consumer Confidence Report states that disinfection is not required, due to the high quality of the water. In June 2024, sampling twice turned up positive for presence of total coliform, presumed from human and animal fecal waste.
Back in 1996, the Town of Cheshire sourced raw drinking water from an unnamed surface water body. An administrative order from the EPA required the Town install and operate a filtration system, as required under National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The defendant failed to install filtration equipment in violation of the order. Further, the defendant failed to to monitor and report the water quality, another requirement for all licensed public drinking water facilities. The Cheshire water supply was found to exceed turbidity limits for potable water.
Federal Fine: $18,500; Local Penalty: $0; Total Compliance Action Cost: $1,300,000
See last week's CrimeBox, "Million dollar mistake: hazardous waste does not belong in a saltwater well
", here.
SDWA CrimeBox briefs are compiled from EPA Criminal Enforcement records.
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