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Conservation Commission

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1. What is the Conservation Commission and what does it do?

The Attleboro Conservation Commission is composed of 7 volunteer members, appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Municipal Council. The commission was established to promote and protect Attleboro's diverse natural resources, and provide review for projects proposed within or near wetlands.

The Conservation Commission is the permitting authority specifically charged with protecting and promoting Attleboro's natural resources. The primary activity of the Commission is the administration of the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c.131, §40), the Attleboro Wetlands Protection Ordinance (§18-01 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Attleboro) and the Stormwater Management Ordinance (§19 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Attleboro). The Commission also engages in open space planning, and the active management of over 700 acres of city owned conservation land.

2. What is the Wetlands Protection Act?

The purpose of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act is the protection of Massachusetts wetlands by preventing pollution, reducing the effects of potential flooding, preventing storm damage, protecting groundwater supplies, maintaining habitats for plants and wildlife, and protecting public and private water supplies. The Act gives local communities and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) the authority to determine which Resource Areas within its jurisdiction are protected, to regulate work in these areas, and to enforce regulations.

The performance standards, detailed in the Wetlands Protection Act regulations (310 CMR 10), state that there may be no alteration of wetland resource wetland areas without prior approval of the Conservation Commission or DEP. Limited alterations of up to 5,000 square feet may be permitted under the Act, at the permitting authority's discretion, provided that the interests of the Act are adequately protected. Vernal pools are provided protection under the Act if they lie within a regulated wetland resource area. These resource areas are given special protection and no adverse effects on wildlife habitat characteristics are permitted.

In order to be protected under the Act, vernal pools must have been certified through the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program or identified by a preponderance of the evidence presented at a public hearing. In order to obtain a permit (known as the “Order of Conditions”) allowing work to occur in proximity to such areas, the applicant must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Massachusetts Department Environmental Protection that is subject to approval by the Conservation Commission. The issuance of the permit allows work to proceed; however, the case is not closed until the applicant applies for and obtains a Certificate of Completion (COC), which verifies that they have complied with all of the conditions required by the permit.

3. What resource areas are protected under the act?

Protected wetland resource areas include rivers, streams, brooks, ponds, lakes, vegetated wetlands, banks, floodplains, and vernal pools. The riverfront area is an area which extends 200 feet from the banks of rivers and most brooks, streams and the ponds through which these features flow. The regulations also provide a buffer zone which extends 100 feet from the edge of most wetlands.

Rivers, streams, brooks, ponds, reservoirs, wetlands, and the underground aquifers in Attleboro are all part of the system that provide water for use by residents. In addition, wetland areas provide habitat and food for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife and act as conduits for the movement of water from one area to another. Wetlands serve as temporary storage areas for water, filtering out pollution, providing containment for floodwaters and allowing the filtered water to be recharged to groundwater.

It is illegal for anyone in Attleboro to dredge, fill, modify or alter any of these resource areas without first filing for and receiving a permit from the Conservation Commission or the Department of Environmental Protection. Anyone who may want to work within 100 feet of a wetland or within 200 feet of a brook, stream or river and who plans to build, grade, clear, apply herbicides or do any work which could alter the resource area must contact the Conservation Commission before doing so. In order to determine whether the provisions of the Wetlands Protection Act apply to a particular land area, a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) may be applied for. In response, the Commission will issue the Determination of Applicability (DOA), which will inform the applicant whether or not he must apply for further permits to work on the land in question.

4. How do I determine if there is a resource area on my property?

Officially, the Conservation Commission determines their jurisdiction based on site surveys. Either the conservation agent or a consulting firm walks the wetlands, marking on plans the locations and boundaries of features. Whether there are any restrictions on activities/development due to the existence of endangered species habitat on a property must be determined by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP).

It is the responsibility of the property owner/interested party to have the property in question surveyed and the delineation confirmed by the Conservation Commission; a process that requires applying for an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD). This process will include ruling out conservation restrictions imposed by the NHESP. The Order of Resource Area Delineation (ORAD), the form the Commission produces in response to an ANRAD, will lock in the location of all the resource features defined for a period of 3 years. To get a general feel for the proximity of wetlands to a particular land area, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service maintains the National Wetlands Inventory mapping tool. To determine the existence of vernal pools or view FEMA floodplains, the “MassGIS Oliver” mapping system may be utilized. Alternatively, you can contact our office for guidance.

5. What is protected by the Local Wetlands Protection Ordinance?

The Attleboro Wetlands Protection Ordinance provides protections in addition to those provided by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and includes areas that may not be protected by the Act. Specifically the ordinance protects: any vegetated freshwater wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, bogs and more. Vernal pools and lands within 100 feet of the pool boundaries are protected, regardless of whether they have been certified by the National Heritage Species Program or whether the pool is located within a state protected resource area.

The ordinance protects all of the interests identified in the state Act, in addition to erosion and sediment control, water quality, rare species habitat, agriculture, aquaculture and recreation values. A 25 foot wetland protection zone around all wetland resource areas is provided protection under the ordinance. This 25 foot Wetland Protection Zone is designated as a wetland resource area, as these lands are presumed to be significant to the protection of adjacent wetland resources. In order to work within these limits, permission must be obtained through the issuance of a Local Wetlands Permit (LWP) by the Conservation Commission.

6. What is overseen by the Stormwater Management Ordinance?

The Attleboro Stormwater Management Ordinance protects, maintains and enhances the public health, safety, environment, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse effects of storm water runoff, as well as address illicit connections and discharges to the municipal storm drain system. Its goals include protecting the integrity and health of water resources, preventing pollutants from entering the City’s drainage system, establishing standards for runoff quantity and quality, as well as long-term operations and maintenance of storm water systems.

The ordinance also strongly encourages the use of “Low Impact Design” (LID) through the reduction of impervious cover and preservation of open space and natural areas, to the maximum extent practicable. Projects and/or activities within the jurisdiction of the Storm water Management Ordinance must obtain a Storm water Management Permit (SMP) from the Conservation Commission prior to the commencement of work on site.

7. When should you consult the Conservation Commission?

Anytime you plan to work within the 100-foot buffer zone of a resource area, 125-foot buffer zone of a vernal pool or within the 200-foot riverfront area, you should first consult with the Conservation Commission. Permits will be necessary if the proposed activity is determined to have a likelihood of impacting wetland resource areas, a fact which may be determined by the filing of a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA). In response to this filing, the Commission generates a Determination of Applicability (DOA), stating whether the work may proceed, any recommended conditions for that work or if further permitting is required.

In addition, both new and redevelopment of sites may require a storm water permit, with the notable exceptions of single family homes, development of the lesser of 2,500 square feet or 25% of the property area, redevelopment of less than 2,500 square feet, normal maintenance/improvement of land for agricultural use (see The Wetlands Protection Act for definitions of “agricultural use”), and emergency repairs to existing buildings, roads, drainage systems or storm water management facilities that may pose a hazard to public health and safety.

When in doubt, our Conservation Agent or Assistant Conservation Agent will be happy to consult with you and answer your questions. For detailed information, please contact the office.

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General

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1. Where can I park in Downtown Attleboro?

If you are visiting one of our many downtown merchants, the City provides many free, but time-limited, on-street parking spaces. City-owned parking lots and the city’s parking garage are designated on the city's downtown parking map (PDF).

2. I received a parking ticket. What are my options?

Once a parking ticket has been issued, there are 2 options available, you can pay it or appeal it.

The issue of an appeal is whether or not the cited rule was violated. Therefore, an appeal is warranted if you believe that the ticket was issued in error or that you did not commit the violation described in the ticket. You may also appeal the ticket if you believe it was issued correctly and you committed the violation described, but you believe that there were mitigating circumstances involved. Please keep in mind, however, that it is no defense to “not mean” to violate a rule, to “see others” violate it, to “not realize” it was violated, or to have “violated it in the past without penalty.”

To appeal a ticket, you will need to complete the City's parking appeal form (PDF).

3. Who do I call for a billing problem?

For a billing problem, contact the Water Department.

4. How can I dispose of my leaves?

We have a Compost Center that is open to residents from April to November. A sticker will be given with a license and registration. We also have curbside collection for yard waste 2 times a year. For more information contact the Recycling and Refuse Department.

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Parking

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1. I received a parking ticket. What are my options?

Once a parking ticket has been issued, there are 2 options available, you can pay it or appeal it.

The issue of an appeal is whether or not the cited rule was violated. Therefore, an appeal is warranted if you believe that the ticket was issued in error or that you did not commit the violation described in the ticket. You may also appeal the ticket if you believe it was issued correctly and you committed the violation described, but you believe that there were mitigating circumstances involved. Please keep in mind, however, that it is no defense to “not mean” to violate a rule, to “see others” violate it, to “not realize” it was violated, or to have “violated it in the past without penalty.”

To appeal a ticket, you will need to complete the City's parking appeal form (PDF).

2. I appealed a violation in writing and was denied. How do I request a hearing date?

You may contact the Parking Clerk’s Office at 508-223-2222, ext. 3160 within 10 days of the date of the denial letter. You must bring any new additional evidence not provided with the written appeal to the scheduled hearing date. You may also contact the office via email.

3. I am marked at the Registry of Motor Vehicles for non-renewal of my driver's license and registration because of outstanding parking tickets. What do I need to do to clear the marks?

When you are “marked” at the Registry of Motor Vehicles for non-renewal you must pay all outstanding parking tickets with the City of Attleboro in order to receive a Registry Release Form. If payment is made by check, you will not receive a Registry Release Form until the check is cleared, which could take up to 3 weeks. No Registry Release Forms will be given unless all outstanding tickets are paid in full. Payments can be made in person by cash, money order or credit card, by mail via money order only, or online.

4. I have already paid my ticket. Why am I being charged for it again?

If you believe you have paid a ticket that you are being billed for, you must contact the Parking Clerk’s Office. The Parking Clerk’s Office will request that you submit proof of payment, a receipt or if payment was made by check, a copy of the front and back of the cancelled check. Credit will be given to the account once the research is done and the proof of payment is verified. View contact information for the Parking Office.

5. Where can I find the City of Attleboro parking ordinances?

The City of Attleboro Parking Ordinances can be found by viewing chapter 10 of the revised ordinances (PDF).

6. Where can I park in Downtown Attleboro?

If you are visiting one of our many downtown merchants, the City provides many free, but time-limited, on-street parking spaces. City-owned parking lots and the city’s parking garage are designated on the city's downtown parking map (PDF).

7. Can I purchase a monthly pass to park in any of the city-owned parking lots?

Yes. Monthly Parking Hang Tags are available for the following city-owned parking lots:

- Bank street parking lot

- Municipal parking garage

- Sanford street (YMCA) parking lot

These Parking Lots are highlighted in blue on the city’s monthly pass downtown parking map. 

Passes are fifty dollars ($50.00) per month effective from July 1, 2022 and thereafter. 

Effective March 1, 2022, the following discounts shall be available:

 -All passes (quantities of 1-9) shall receive a 10% discount if paid quarterly in advance 

-10-19 Monthly or Quarterly Passes shall receive a 15% discount if paid in advance 

-20-29 Monthly or Quarterly Passes shall receive a 25% discount if paid in advance 

-30 more Monthly or Quarterly Passes shall receive a 33 1/3% discount if paid in advance.

 -Monthly passes purchased after the 15th of said month shall receive a 50% discount, applied after any applicable bulk discount. No other partial proration will be permitted. There will be no prorated fee for quarterly passes. 

Parking Hang Tags for these Parking Lots can be purchased through the

City Clerk’s Office at City Hall.

8. What are the rules and regulations for the monthly parking pass?

The Parking Hang Tag must be displayed from the rear view mirror with the permit location and valid dates clearly visible for parking enforcement purposes. Remember, if you can’t see the dates on the hang tag from outside your vehicle, then neither can we. Use of the parking hang tag will only be valid during the time period designated by the printed dates on the hang tag. Failure to properly display the parking hang tag may result in the receipt of a parking citation.

Parking hang tags purchased in advance, but for the following time period, may not be displayed until the date for which the permit is valid. Please do not display multiple permit hang tags at any time. Parking Hang Tags are not transferable between customers.

The City of Attleboro is not responsible for damage to or theft of your vehicle or the contents of the vehicle. The City of Attleboro will not be responsible for any personal injury occurring at city operated parking locations.

Parking Hang Tags for the Bank Street Parking Lot, the Sanford Street Parking Garage and the Sanford Street/YMCA Parking Lot can be purchased through the City Clerk’s Office.

9. If I have a handicap placard, can I park anywhere?

A handicap placard allows you to park in a handicap designated space. You may also park in any other public parking space, although other City of Attleboro parking ordinances may apply.

10. Where do I obtain an application for a handicap placard?

You may apply for a handicap placard at any Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Please contact the RMV directly at 1-800-858-3926 for more information.

11. Where do I find the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 20A?

Massachusetts General Laws can be found online.

12. Why did I get a ticket when there wasn’t even a “no parking” sign?

The City of Attleboro has numerous traffic and parking rules and regulations that are described in Chapter 10 of the City’s Ordinances. A great many of these ordinances are considered to be common sense or courtesy. They are things that most drivers learn early in their driving careers. Sometimes, in our hectic lives we forget some of these things. These are things that are ticket-able offenses, even if there is no reminder present, such as a sign.

The following is a list of the most common infractions issued throughout the City:
- 12 inches+ away from curb
- Blocking an alley
- Blocking driveway
- Obstructing traffic
- Parked in a crosswalk
- Parked in an intersection
- Parking in a handicap space without a permit
- Parking on a sidewalk
- Too close to a stop sign

For more information, read Chapter 10 of the City's Ordinances.

13. I was only there for a few minutes over the allowable time limit. Why did I get a ticket?

The object of time-limited parking is to help provide the customers of our many downtown merchants with access to the most convenient parking possible. Time-limited parking in the downtown protects the interests of the business and retail community by ensuring that parking is regularly available and turned over. Keeping these free parking spaces available is, therefore, very important to the success of our downtown.

The term “harboring” is when a car occupies an on street parking space for longer than the legal allowance. Harboring poses a problem in business districts by preventing turnover of parking spaces, which would allow new users access to the district. When these free parking spots are taken by all-day commuters, etc., our downtown merchants risk losing potential customers. Parking enforcement is used to discourage harboring.

Other parking practices that are harmful to the downtown businesses include “car shuffling” and “double parking”. The practice of “car shuffling” by merchants and/or employees who work in the downtown is also harmful to the success of the downtown. Car shuffling is the constant moving of a vehicle to another time limited parking space before the current parking space time limit is up; moving the vehicle back to the same space after driving around the block; or a vehicle has been parked for longer than the total time limit allows. However, every space occupied by a car belonging to a merchant or one of their employees means one less space for the shopping and buying public.

Most parking spaces are clearly marked out with lines. The practice of “double parking” refers to cars which take up multiple parking spaces. When a vehicle takes up 2 spaces, it disrupts the order of a parking lot or street, and takes away an opportunity for another shopper to park. Since other cars will follow suit to be more space efficient, the problem can have a domino effect on the street or across a parking lot.

14. Even if I am otherwise parked legally, can I still receive a parking ticket for having an expired registration plate sticker or an expired inspection sticker?

Yes. Pursuant to City Ordinance 10-5.1, “Parking of an unregistered motor vehicle or a motor vehicle without a valid inspection sticker on the public streets, or within any municipally owned parking area, will be in violation of the City of Attleboro and subject to a parking fine.”

15. My car was parked on the sidewalk, will I receive a parking ticket?

Yes. Pursuant to City Ordinance 10-05.1, vehicles may not park on sidewalks. The sidewalk allows pedestrians to safely traverse the area without having to walk in traffic. When vehicles park on the sidewalk, it limits the movement of children, adults, and persons with disabilities forcing them to enter the street.

16. Is there enough parking in the downtown area?

Yes. Between free, time-limited on-street parking, garage parking and paid off-street parking there are over 926 public parking spaces in the downtown. That number does not even include any of the many parking spaces made available to customers of privately owned businesses.

17. Where should downtown employees park?

If parking is not provided by a business, an employee should obtain a monthly pass for parking in city-owned parking lots. These parking lots are highlighted in blue on the city’s monthly pass downtown parking map. Parking hang tags for these parking lots can be purchased through the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall.

18. I need to appear at the Attleboro District Court. Where should I park?

Whether you are a plaintiff, defendant, witness, juror or attorney, it is somewhat difficult to predict how long your visit to the Attleboro District Court will take. The safest way to avoid a $15 overtime ticket is to utilize one of the city’s $0.40 per hour pay lots located at the North Main Street Parking Lot and Sanford Street Parking Lot. Both of these lots are only a short walk to the Court House.

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Recycling & Rubbish

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1. What should I do with my couch and toilet?

For disposal of bulk items such as couches and toilets, please call Waste Management at (800) 972-4545. There is a $29 fee per item. For any items that are metal or electronic, please call 508-822-1579 to schedule an appointment.

2. The trash company did not pick up my cardboard boxes, why not?

In order for cardboard to be taken for recycling, it has to be flattened, no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet and placed in your recycling tote. It can also be brought to our cardboard drop off at the Recycling Center.

3. Where is Attleboro's landfill?

Attleboro's landfill closed 25 years ago. All of our trash is hauled out of town to a Mass-Department of Environmental Protection approved site.

4. My green recycling tote is missing a wheel or is damaged, what should I do?

Please call the Attleboro Health Department at 508-223-2222, ext. 3245 to schedule a repair.

5. What items can be placed in my green recycling tote?

Metal (Food and beverage cans - must empty and rinse)

Plastic (Bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs - must empty and replace cap)

Glass (Bottles and jars - must empty and rinse)

Paper and Cardboard (Mixed paper, newspaper, magazines, boxes - empty and flatten)

   NO PLASTIC BAGS OR STYROFOAM. NO FOOD OR LIQUID. NO CLOTHING OR LINENS. NO TANGLERS (hoses, wires, chains, or electronics)   

   Items should be placed loosely in toter not bagged or confined.

6. I have an old tire. How can I dispose of it?

Tires can be disposed during the Recycling Center's normal business hours. Prices to dispose are as follows: Car/small trucks $5 per tire. Tires over 19.5 inches - $7.50 per tire. Tires over 22.5 inches - $20.00 per tire.

7. I have collected old paint cans over the years, how can I dispose of them?

Oil paint products may only be dropped off at the Recycling Center during Household Hazardous Waste collection events. The events will be held August 26, 2023, May 4, 2024, and October 19, 2024 from 9am-1pm. NO LATEX PAINT WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Latex paints can be thrown in the trash provided there is no free liquid. Leave tops off to dry out or mix the paint with speedi-dry or kitty litter until there is no free liquid. After completely dry, this can go in to the trash. If this does not fit in your blue cart, double bag it and place in a City trash bag.

8. Do you have a special day to dispose of poisonous chemicals?

The City hosts two household hazardous waste days per calender year. This is for pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals and other hazardous chemicals and is generally once during the summer each year. 

Recycling and Refuse Department.

9. My trash was not picked up today, and it was in a 45 gallon trash barrel. What happened?

Each unit must utilize the City issued trash carts. Any trash that is not in the City issued trash cart or City trash bags will not be serviced.

10. For metal pick up, can I put out more than 1 item?

Appliances, televisions, computers, scrap metal and all electronics are picked up weekly with an appointment. Please call 508-822-1579 to make an appointment. All televisions require a sticker from the Recycling and Refuse Department. There is a limit of 1 television per fiscal year. After 1, there is a $25 fee per television. Stickers are available at

City Hall.

11. Do I have to buy the white and blue “City of Attleboro” trash bags for all of my trash?

You can utilize any type of trash bag inside your City issued trash cart. Any additional trash that is not in your City issued cart would have to be put in the city bag for service.

12. Where can I purchase the city trash bags?

You can buy city trash bags at:

- A & J Seabra

- CVS in Attleboro and South Attleboro

- Emory Convenience

- Market Basket

- Shaws in North Attleboro

- Stop and Shop in Attleboro and South Attleboro

- Walgreens

-Willow Tree

13. When there is a holiday is trash delayed a day?

Depending on the holiday, rubbish collection will be delayed a day. You can check the Sun Chronicle or the Collection on Holidays page.

14. Where can I get more information on the Attleboro trash program?

For more information, you can contact the Recycling and Refuse Department.

15. What should I do with my mattress and box spring?

As of November 1, 2022, mattress and box springs will be banned from the landfill. Acceptable mattress (dry and no bed bugs) can be recycled at the City's recycling center during normal business hour for $25/piece. Residents may contract directly with a private company for curbside pick-up and recycling of mattresses and box springs. Below is the contact information for one such private company. HandUp Mattress Recycling offers mattress pickup services in Attleboro. The City has no contractual or other relationship with HandUp or any other company, and neither endorses or warrants the services provided by any such company. This contract information is provided as a courtesy to our residents. Residents can directly contact HandUp to make an appointment for the curbside pickup of a mattress and/or box spring by going directly to their website - www.handupmattress.com or by calling 774-271-8744.

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Water Department

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1. Who do I call for a water billing problem?

For billing issues, please contact the main office at the Water Department from 8AM to 4PM Monday through Friday.

contact the Water Department.

2. Why is my water bill increasing?

A water bill can increase for many reasons, including new members to the household, or members that are home more often than they used to be, new appliances, new outdoor use, such as irrigation systems or pools, or changes in the seasons, as more water is used in summer than in winter.  An increase in your bill, if otherwise unexplained likely indicates a leak at the property.

3. How can I determine if I have a water leak?

You may be able to determine on your own if you have a leak. Follow the procedure on this page.

4. Is my water safe to drink?

The water in Attleboro is of very high quality. It must meet the strict requirements of both the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as well as the United States EPA. Daily, weekly, and other periodic testing of the water is performed to ensure that its high quality is maintained. If, in the rare event, a problem were to arise, the City is under obligation to notify the public as to what, if any, action they should take.

5. Is there bacteria in the water?

Bacteria are naturally present everywhere in the environment, including raw water sources. As part of the treatment process, all water treatment plants disinfect the water prior to distribution. In Attleboro, we use sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant. The residual chlorine concentration is maintained at a level sufficient to keep all harmful bacteria out of the system.

To ensure that the disinfection process is effective throughout all parts of the City, we test the water weekly from between 15 to 18 sample points, including the most remote parts of the City. We check for the presence of coliform. The coliform serve as an indicator of the presence of other more harmful bacteria. Should coliform be detected, steps would be taken immediately to identify the source and remedy the situation, usually with further disinfection.

While the detection of coliform in Attleboro's drinking water is a rare occurrence, should more than 5% of samples drawn in any given month indicate their presence, the public would be notified as to what steps should be taken. Most often, the situation would require that the water be boiled before consumption.

6. Should I have my water tested?

The water in the distribution system is monitored for quality all the time. If a resident is receiving high quality water from the distribution system, but feels that their household plumbing may be having an adverse effect on their in-home water quality, they may contact a commercial lab.

7. Is lead a problem in my water?

When lead is found in drinking water, it most often is there from corrosion of household plumbing. On a periodic basis, the City conducts a survey of 30 households in Attleboro and tests their tap water for both lead and copper. The most recent survey was conducted in the summer of 2021. The results of the last survey indicate that the Attleboro Water Department is in compliance with State and Federal regulations.”

If you are concerned that your home may have plumbing components containing lead, there are ways to minimize your risk of exposure. If your water has been sitting in the pipes for a number of hours, always let the water run for at least one minute before drawing it for consumption. Alternatively, run the water until it is noticeably colder than when you started to be sure it is fresh.

Also, never use hot tap water for cooking. Always use fresh cold water and heat it as needed. Hot water from the tap may contain more lead.

8. How much sodium is in my water?

The concentration of sodium in the water varies depending on the season and on the amount of salt that has been used on roadways neighboring the watershed areas. The sodium is analyzed monthly at each of the City's 2 facilities. The latest 3-year average sodium concentration for the West Street facility is 65 milligrams per liter. The average for the Wading River facility is 55 milligrams per liter.

9. Is my water hard or soft?

The water in Attleboro falls in the soft end of the water hardness scale. Additional softening of the water by the homeowner is not considered necessary. The average hardness of the water provided to residents is 40-45 milligrams per liter, or 2.3-2.6 grains per gallon. On the hardness scale, 0-75 milligrams per liter is soft, 75-150 milligrams per liter is medium to hard, and over 150 milligrams per liter is very hard.

10. What chemicals are added to the water?

All chemicals used at the water treatment facility are approved for use in drinking water. At the treatment plant, suspended and dissolved material is removed by coagulation, flocculation, and settling using polyaluminum chloride.

After filtering, the water is treated with sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH. Polyphosphate is added to sequester metals and help reduce corrosion of household plumbing. Sodium hypochlorite is added to destroy pathogens, and fluorosilicic acid is added for dental hygiene.

11. Why is fluoride added to the water?

Fluoride is a form of fluorine, one of the most abundant elements on earth. Because of its ability to reduce or prevent dental caries, water systems in the United States began adding fluoride to the drinking water in 1946. Wherever this treatment practice is in place, a significant reduction in the incidence of tooth decay can be expected. Worldwide, the Centers for Disease Control considers the implementation of water fluoridation to prevent dental caries as one of the major achievements of the 20th century.

There have been many claims made over the years that adding fluoride to drinking water has an adverse effect on human health. The American Dental Association asserts that none of these claims have ever been substantiated. They further conclude that "After 60 years of research and practical experience, the preponderance of scientific evidence indicates that fluoridation of community water supplies is both safe and effective."

Their position is further supported by a report prepared by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, commissioned by the EPA. The report concluded that the currently allowed levels of fluoride in drinking water do not pose a risk for health problems such as cancer, kidney failure or bone disease.

12. What can I do to conserve water?

Drinking Water

• If you drink tap water, keep a bottle or pitcher of water in the refrigerator so you will always have a supply of cold water for drinking.
• Use leftover drinking water for watering houseplants.
• In restaurants, have the wait staff provide you with drinking water only if you want it.

Food Preparation

• Use a soft brush to clean fruits and vegetables more quickly. Running the water while cleaning produce can waste up to 5 gallons of water.
• When thawing frozen meats, plan ahead and thaw them in the refrigerator rather than thawing in warm water soaks. This will be safer and healthier, too.
  

Garbage Disposal

• Most garbage disposals require you to run cold water the entire time you are using them.
• To save water, have all the garbage ready at the sink before you start running the disposal.
  

Cleaning Dishes

• Wipe dinner plates instead of rinsing them before placing them in the dishwasher.
• Run the dishwasher only with a full load and on the shortest cycle needed.

Personal Hygiene

• When brushing your teeth or shaving, only run the water when you need to rinse. Allowing the water to run while brushing your teeth or shaving can waste up to 5 gallons of water.
• If you take a bath, do not overfill the tub. A full tub may hold over 50 gallons of water. When you first run the bath water, don't let the initial cold water run down the drain. Stopper the tub and save all the water. It will be warmed up by the hot water that follows.
• Take shorter showers. The average shower uses 15 - 20 gallons of water.
• Insulate hot water pipes to reduce the amount of time you need to run the water to allow it to heat up before getting in the shower.
• Do not use the toilet to flush items that could more properly go into the trash instead.
  
  

 

Household Water Leaks

• Check all the household faucets for leaks, especially outside faucets and garden hose connections. Make repairs when necessary. A leak no matter how small can add up. A slow drip can waste 75 gallons a week. A steady drip can waste 200 gallons a week. A stream can waste 1000 gallons a week.
• Check the toilet for leaks by adding a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If the dye gets into the toilet without having flushed, there is a toilet leak. Also, listen for the sound of water running out of the tank. Sometimes it's hard to see water leaking into the toilet but you might hear it. A leaky toilet can waste 60 gallons a day or more.

Laundry

• Try to wash full loads only. If this isn’t possible, change the setting for the load size to a smaller load.
• High efficiency washers can use up to 30 gallons per load and older washers can use as much as 50 gallons per load.

Lawn & Garden

• Water lawns and gardens in the morning. This will reduce evaporation and allow the moisture to sink into the soil before the heat of the day.
• Water gradually and lightly to prevent wasted runoff.
• Turn off automatic sprinklers during times of wet weather to prevent needless waste and over-watering.
• Water small gardens by hand with a hose or watering can.
• When planning a garden, incorporate native plant species or plant species that don't require as much water. Mulch heavily wherever practical to prevent moisture loss.
• In dry periods, allow the grass to grow a little higher. This will save water and protect your lawn from burning.
  

Pools

• Fill your pool earlier in the season when demand for water is not as great.
• When filling your pool, keep an eye that you do not overflow it.
• When emptying kiddie pools, use the water for watering plants, shrubs and gardens.
  
  

Car Washing     

• Wash your car in the shade and on the grass if possible. This will use less water and water your lawn at the same time.
• Do not leave the hose running while washing your car. A running hose can waste 25 gallons per minute or more.

view our water saving tips page.

13. What is the typical water pressure in Attleboro?

Typical pressure in the system can range from 60 to 120 psi.

14. I am experiencing water at my home of lower quality than expected. What do I do?

There are several reasons that your water may not be as clear as usual. It can be due to a main break, fire, system maintenance, paving, street sweeping, or hydrant flushing in your area. If you would like to receive notifications of such issues, please sign up here: https://www.cityofattleboro.us/list.aspx?Mode=Subscribe#alertCenter.

If the lower quality is not explained by any of the above, take the following steps:

Low pressure: If there is a water filter installed in your home, change the filter. Check the property for running water or leaks. If you find none, please contact the Water Department by telephone 24 hours a day.

Cloudy Water: Pour a glass of water from the tap and let it set. If the cloudiness dissipates, it is due to entrapped air, which is a result of the seasonal change in temperature of the water.

Taste or odor:

Is the taste or odor of chlorine?

1.  If so, this is a result of the disinfection process and is not harmful. Fill a pitcher of water and leave it in the fridge for drinking. The chlorine will dissipate overnight.

Is the taste or odor throughout the whole house or just one sink?

1. If it is at one sink only, and there is a filter installed, change the filter.
2. If it is at one sink only, and there is no filter, clean the faucet aerator and the sink drain.
3. If it is throughout the whole house, and there is a whole-house filter installed, change the filter.

Is the odor in the hot water, cold water, or both? You may need to run the cold water for several minutes to determine this. If it in the hot water only, the hot water temperature in the house is likely set too low, or the tank needs flushing and maintenance.

Discoloration:

Is the discoloration throughout the whole house or just one sink?

1. If it is at one sink only, and there is a filter installed, change the filter.
2. If it is at one sink only, and there is no filter, clean the faucet aerator.
3. If it is throughout the whole house, and there is a whole-house filter installed, change the filter.

Is the discoloration in the hot water, cold water, or both? You may need to run the cold water for several minutes to determine this. If it in the hot water only, the hot water temperature in the house is likely set too high, or the tank needs flushing and maintenance.