The Norwell Water Department provides water to the community from ten groundwater wells. The South Street Well Field, consisting of Wells 1 and 6, is located off of South Street near the Third Herring Brook. This water is filtered at the South Street Treatment Plant due to high levels of iron, manganese, and organic color. If not removed these constituents would stain laundry and plumbing fixtures; cause discoloration of the water; and possibly cause the water to take on unpleasant odors and tastes. The South Street Treatment Plant went on line in July 1996. Additional
treatment conducted at South Street includes the addition of chlorine as a disinfectant to prevent waterborne disease and the addition of potassium hydroxide for pH adjustment. The groundwater in Norwell is naturally corrosive (i.e. it has a pH of less than 7.0). Therefore, untreated water has a tendency to corrode and dissolve metal piping. This not only damages the internal plumbing of your home but can also add harmful metals, such as lead and copper to your water. By adding potassium hydroxide we are able to raise the raw water pH to a non-corrosive level.
The Grove Street Well Field is located off of Grove Street approximately one-half mile east of the intersection of Grove and Washington Streets. This well field consists of Wells 2, 3, 5, and 10. Treatment at Grove Street consists of pH adjustment with potassium hydroxide and disinfection with sodium hypochlorite. Treatment at Grove Street began in January 1997.
The Washington Street Well Field, consisting of Wells 4, 7, and 8, is located off of Washington Street north of Hall Drive. Treatment at Washington Street consists of pH adjustment with potassium hydroxide and disinfection with sodium hypochlorite. Treatment at Washington Street began in April 1997.
The remaining well in the system (Well 9) is a low-yield source located off of Bowker Street. It is used infrequently due to its limited production capacity and elevated levels of iron. Water from this well is disinfected with sodium hypochlorite prior to entering the distribution system.
The Department maintains two 500,000-gallon steel water storage tanks; one located at Paradise Drive the other at Judges Hill Drive. A 1,000,000-gallon steel storage tank is located in the Assinippi Industrial Park off of Philips Drive. This tank and its associated Booster Pumping Station are designed to provide additional water and pressure to the distribution system.
| 
