Presentations

WORCESTER — Two local students presented an original academic research project at Assumption College’s 22nd Annual Undergraduate Symposium including:

David Gazzola of Putnam,  a member of the class of 2017, presented his research project “Osmoregulation and Salinity Tolerance in the Mosquito Species Aedes albopictus”. Rachael Hickey of Woodstock, a member of the class of 2016, presented her research project “Impact of Personality Characteristics on Task Performance”. Hickey worked with  co-investigators, Gianna Caruso ’16, Amanda Cavicchi ’16, and Sarah Henderson ’16.

 

 

 

Legal Notice

Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority

2015 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT

PWS #CT1160011

Continuing Our Commitment

     Once again the Town of Putnam is pleased to present the annual water quality report for 2015. Federal and State regulations require that public water systems publish a yearly water quality report. We feel it is important that you know where your water comes from as well as how it is treated and what substances may be in it. 

     The Water Department started several Major Capital Improvement Projects in 2015.  Phase 1 of the Pipe Replacement / Relining Project was 90% completed and Phase 2 was started.  The Richmond Hill Water Storage Tank and Biological Filtration Projects are scheduled to begin during the Fall of 2016.  When these projects are completed,  the water quality in these sections of the distribution system will improve. 

       For more information about this annual report, or for any questions relating to your drinking water, please call  Gerard M. Beausoleil, Director of Public Works @ 860-963-6819 or the Water Treatment Plant @ 860-963-6823

Community Participation

If you have concerns about your drinking water or water supply, you are invited to attend the WPCA monthly meetings. For dates and times of committee meetings please call our main office at, 963-6819 or visit the Town of Putnam website @ www.putnamct.us  

Where Does My Water Come From?

We currently have three (3) stable sources of water.  Our main source of supply comes from Roseland Lake (Little River Watershed), which converges into the Little River.  Our second source of supply is from our Park Street Well Field which consists of ten production wells,  six (6) which are shallow sand and gravel wells and four (4) deep bedrock wells.  Our third source is via an Interconnection with the CT Water Company, Crystal Division, located in Killingly.       

How is My Water Treated?

The water treated from the surface water supply, consist of a series of steps. First water is drawn from the River and sent to a chamber for pre-disinfection with chlorine dioxide and chlorine. This allows for oxidation of iron and manganese and total organic carbon levels that are present in the raw water. The water then goes to a mixing tank where poly aluminum chloride is added. The addition of these substances cause small particles to adhere to one another (called “floc”) and makes them heavy enough to settle. The water then goes to a filtering unit where the smaller floc particles are removed, turbidity disappears and clean water emerges. Chlorine is added again as a precaution against any bacteria that may still be present. We carefully monitor the amount of chlorine, adding the lowest quantity necessary to protect the safety of your water without compromising taste. Finally, the pH of the water is adjusted with Potassium Hydroxide and an Ortho Polyphosphate (corrosion inhibitor) is added to protect the pipes. The water is then pumped to two one million gallon storage tanks and then into your home.

The wells are treated at the well field with a corrosion inhibitor, pH adjustment and chlorine.  The treatment process at both the Surface Water Treatment Plant and the Well Field are continuously monitored by instrumentation and State Certified Water Treatment Operators to ensure safe clean water is being produced and pumped to your homes. 

Substances That Might Be in Drinking Water

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Department of Public Health and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate the water poses a health risk.

The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it can acquire naturally occurring minerals, in some cases, radioactive material; and substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity. Substances that may be present in water include:

Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agriculture livestock operations, or wildlife.

Inorganic Contaminants, such as road salt and metals, which can be naturally occurring or may result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.

Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also, come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

 Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Table Definitions

AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment, or other requirements, which a water system must follow.

MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s are set as close to the MCLG as feasible using the best available technology. Secondary MCL’s (SMCL) are set to protect the odor, taste and appearance of drinking water.

MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

NA: Not applicable     ND: Not detected    NS: No standard 

NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit): Measurement of the clarity, or turbidity, of water

PCi/L (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.

ppb (parts per billion): One part substance per billion parts water (or micrograms per liter)

ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter)

TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Turbidity:  A measurement of how cloudy the water is. We monitor this because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.

90th Percentile: Out of every 10 homes sampled, 9 were at or below this level

During the past year we have taken hundreds of water samples in order to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic contaminants. The table on the last pages show only those contaminants that were detected in the water. Although the substances listed here are under the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), we feel it is important that you know exactly what was detected and how much of the substance was present in the water. The state requires us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentration of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included; along with the year in which the samples were taken.

Violation Notes:

 During the entire 2015 sampling period we had zero compliance violations. 

Please see the table on the end of this report for the substances that were detected in your drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Why is my water brown sometimes?

Typical causes of discolored water include fire in the area, a water-main break, hydrant maintenance, or water main flushing.

Why does my water look cloudy or milky?

 Air becomes trapped in the lines. This trapped air becomes suspended in the water, giving it a milky appearance.

When I run the water, it smells.

 Most of the time it is not the water, but rather, food particles that are left in the drain overnight. When the water is run, the odor is forced out. Putting a small amount of bleach in the drain overnight, periodically, will remove the odors.

Is Tap Water Safe for Everyone?

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromized persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants may be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline. (800-426-4791)

SWAP

The Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP), established under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, requires every state to: inventory land uses within the recharge areas of all public water supply sources; asses the susceptibility of drinking water sources to contamination from these land uses; and publicize the results to provide support for improved protection.

Little River Diversion Source Water Assessment

The Overall Susceptibility Rating: HIGH

This rating indicated susceptibility to potential sources of contamination that may be in the source  

 water area and does not necessarily imply poor water quality.

Strengths: There are no point source pollution discharge points present in the watershed area. 

  Potential Risk Factors: 

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE

This source carries a high risk factor, as it is environmentally sensitive. The reservoir is able to support excessive growth of algae and plankton.

Potential contaminant sources are present in the watershed and homeowners should be encouraged to adopt residential best management practices that minimize the use of hazardous wastes or generation of waste in the watershed.

Potential Risk Factors

This source carries a moderate risk factor as major state and interstate roadways are present in the watershed, there are known contaminant release points present in the watershed. There should be monitoring for road salt and herbicides as well as addressing the potential for hazardous spills from vehicular accidents.

More than 50% of land for this source water is underdeveloped, which could present a risk if inappropriately developed.

Source Protection Needs

This source carries a high rating as less than 1% of the land is owned by the public water system and less than 5% exists as open space. It is advisable to increase ownership or control of watershed area whenever land becomes available for purchase. It is also recommended to establish local watershed protection regulations to protect public drinking water sources.

Park St Well Field

The Overall Susceptibility Rating:  MODERATE

This source carries the same recommendations as that of the Little River Diversion.

For the complete report on the Internet please go to: State of Connecticut Department of Public Health-Drinking Water Division- Source Water Assessment Report- Town of Putnam, CT PWS # CT1160011

Special Warning about the health effects of Lead & Copper:

Although all of our test results indicate we were well below the action levels for Lead and Copper we are required  to inform our customer of the possible health effects.

Lead – Major Sources in Drinking Water:  Corrosion of household plumbing systems including piping and fixtures; erosion of natural deposits in the environment.

Health Effects Statement:  Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities.  Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

Copper – Major Sources in Drinking Water:  Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives.

Health Effects Statement:  Copper is an essential nutrient,  but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress.  Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage.  People with Wilson’s Disease should consult their personal doctor.

Additional information on Lead and Copper is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water Conservation:

The Putnam Water Company and the Town of Putnam continues the partnership with the EPA on a water conservation project called the Water Sense Program.  The Town of Putnam and WPCA hired a consultant to conduct a Water Conservation Audit on all town owned buildings to determined where water usage could be reduced.  Please contact the WPCA Office at the Town Hall for more details.  A summary report on the water conservation program is available upon request.  We encourage all water users on the Putnam Water System to participate in this very important program. 

Source Water Protection Plan:

The Town of Putnam has adopted a Source Water Protection Plan that includes a number of action items to protect our Aquifer Protection Area containing the Park Road Well Field.  The Putnam Zoning Commission is the responsible town agency for implementation of the Plan.  This includes installation and monitoring of sentinel wells, public education of the various uses in the Aquifer Protection Area, including the Providence & Worcester Railroad, industries, Algonquin Pipeline Co., residences and emergency response personnel; inspection and maintenance program for storm water sewers, and elimination, as much as practicable, of roadway stormwater discharges.  This Plan will be continually reviewed and updated as required by changing circumstances within the Aquifer Protection Area.  The Putnam WPCA is committed to protect and preserve this vital source of water. 

June 23, 2016

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to the LSU Tigers of Putnam Minor League Softball.  The young girls worked hard all season and were rewarded by winning this summer’s league championship.  RPC sends along congratulations. 

Woodstock Academy officially concluded with the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2016 on Sunday, June  19.  Prior to graduation the Academy feted the students with a number of awards ceremonies.

Cahan Quinn was recognized as the school’s Male Athlete of the Year.  His counterpart was Mikayla Jones, who was recognized as the Female Athlete of the Year.

Quinn, who will be attending Norwich University in the fall, was recently notified by the football coaching staff that he’ll be a member of the Cadets football team as a freshman.  He’s been a member of the Woodstock Academy football team for four years where he starred at his inside linebacker position.  He’s expected to get a look at the same spot at Norwich University.

As an athlete Quinn was selected as the captain of the Centaurs football and wrestling teams.  He was also a member of the school’s varsity lacrosse team during his junior and senior years.  He was recently honored by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as a scholar athlete.  The All-Eastern Connecticut Conference 2nd team selection at linebacker was the recipient of the American Legion Post #13 of Putnam 2016 scholarship.

In the classroom Quinn carries a 3.3 GPA while taking AP/ACP courses.

Another Woodstock senior, Kara Heilemann, was recently honored by the Putnam Rotary Club.  Heilemann, who is the valedictorian of the Class of 2016, was recognized in a luncheon ceremony at the Inn at Woodstock Hill.  She’s headed to UConn in September.

Heilemann is a member of the Centaurs track and field team, where she excels in the discus.  She was ranked the top female discus athlete at the CIAC Track and Field State Open that was held at Willow Brook Park in New Britain on June 6.  She qualified as #1 with a throw of 121 feet, 1 inch.  Unfortunately she was hampered by a shoulder injury limiting her performance at State Open where she finished in fourth place.

All-State Baseball Honors…

Despite some very good baseball that was played in our area this past spring only one individual was selected by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association for the All-State baseball team.

David Carpenter, who was the mainstay of the Plainfield Panthers mound staff, was chosen for the Class M team.  Carpenter was the defensive glue for the Panthers when not on the mound and was also the team’s leading hitter.  He hails from a long line of Carpenter’s who have graced Plainfield athletics over the years.  His father is Paul Carpenter, who along with his brothers Bill and Alan, were the backbone of Plainfield teams in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Helping A Killingly Athlete…

The Killingly High School scholastic and athletic family is rallying behind one of its athletes who is battling cancer in the form of lymphoma.  Football coach Chad Neal along with basketball coach Jim Crabtree and golf coach Kevin Marcoux are joining forces to assist football and basketball standout Vasileios Politis and his family as “VP” battles lymphoma.

A Comedy Fund-raiser titled “Victory For VP” Benefit for Vasileios Politis is scheduled for Friday, July 8 at the Danielson Elks Lodge #1706 on 13 Center Street.  Festivities kickoff at 7 p.m. and the comedy performance begins at 8 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and include snacks, raffles and 50/50 drawing.

Comedy headliner Scott Higgins and two other top comedians have graciously donated the show for the cause.  “We’re excited about a fun evening out for a great young man,” said Neal.

Tickets may be purchased by contacting Neal at 860.377.4101 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Marcoux at 860.428.3922 or Crabtree at 860.377.2880.

A Glimpse of the Past…

When the TriTown American Legion Baseball team opened its season against Cumberland, R.I., June 8 the players from both team witnessed a legend throwing out the first pitch of the season.

Brian Murphy, who was an integral member of the TriTown team in the early 1970s,  graced the diamond at Tourtellotte Memorial High School for the pre-game opening ceremony.  Murphy, who remains in great physical condition, threw a strike to TriTown catcher Jacob Guertin, who responded by giving Murphy an autographed souvenir baseball for his appearance.

As a young man Murphy was an All-State pitcher in 1975 at Tourtellotte.  In 2010 he was inducted into the Tigers Athletic Hall of Fame.  He moved on to a four-year career at Eastern Connecticut State University where he earned All-New England and All-American honors.  He was the Warriors Most Valuable Player in 1979.  He was elected to the ECSU Hall of Fame in 2010.

Murphy was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1979 and spent two all star seasons in the New York minor league system.  Following his baseball career he forged a successful career in corrections, becoming the Connecticut and Rhode Island Commissioner of Corrections.

Former Killingly Hoopster 

Wins Championship…

Shane Gibson, who was unstoppable as a basketball player at Killingly and then went on to a stellar career at NCAA Division I Sacred Heart University, garnered more basketball honors recently.

Gibson, who is playing professionally in the National Basketball League for the Halifax Hurricanes, helped to lead his team to the championship over the London Lightning.  The Hurricanes won the seven-game series four games to three.  Gibson contributed 11 points in the team’s 125-117 victory in the seventh and final game, which was played in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The former Redman and SHU standout was the Hurricanes’ second leading scorer this season.  He averaged 16.3 points per game over the team’s 50 game schedule.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t go to yours.”  Yogi Berra

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

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