Project Inception

The Dedham Water Project began when research on a separate project surfaced this graph showing salt accumulation increasing at the Whitelodge  well field to unhealthy levels through time.  Of note was how the accumulation trends flattened in the window defined by the "Add-Lane" project.  The flattening of the accumulation trends during this period suggested that humans had impact and could control the amount of salt being accumulated in the well field.  If demonstrated to be controlled then why could the issue not be addressed?

Further research lead to inquiring about the salt accumulation at the well field at a public meeting of the Dedham Westwood Water District (DWWD).   During the conversation it was explained that the accelerated salt accumulation in the wells was the result of the state expanding the nearby highway and hence introducing more road salt during winter maintenance.  Having familiarity with the layout of the well field in the context of the highway expansion this did not make sense as the highway is down gradient from 4 of the 5 wells in the Whitelodge well field.  Accepting such a premise would suggest that water flows up hill.   When such was brought up at the public meeting the conversation was taken off line, and the Dedham Water Project began.

For more information  on the salt accumulation  in the Whitleodge well field and how it impacts the drinking water of Dedham & Westwood go to:  Local Threats:  University Ave