Applicability
There are circumstances that require public water systems to provide language translations when posting your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), Public Education (PE), and Public Notice (PN) announcements.
For applicable regulations see 310 CMR 22.16A(8)(c) for CCR, 310 CMR 22.16(5)(c)2 for PN, 310 CMR 22.07G(7)(e) for PE
- If your system serves a community with 10%, or greater than 1000 people (whichever is fewer), of non-English speaking consumers, your CCR/PE/PN must contain a statement in the appropriate language(s) regarding the importance of the report. Suggested text:
This report contains important information about your drinking water. Have someone translate it for you or speak with someone who understands it.
The text above is available in multiple languages in the Language Translation Requirements for Specific MA Cities and Towns below.
- If 25% or more of the population served by your system speak one particular language, the entire report must be translated into that specific language and be available immediately for any who request it.
See the section below Language Translation Requirements for Specific MA Cities and Towns below that lists the cities and towns to which this requirement applies plus a table with links to translation statements.
Please note that you must deliver a copy of the translated CCR/PE/PN along with your English version to MassDEP by the deadline specified in the regulations. The translated version must be readily available in your files; when a request is made for one, it can be sent out immediately.
The table demographics below are taken from of the 2010 US Census. The US Census is taken every 10 years. The table will be updated when the 2020 US Census numbers are available.
Language Translation Requirements for Specific MA Cities and Towns
Full CCR/PE/PN Translations
Based on the 2010 U.S. Census the cities of Chelsea and Lawrence must translate their Consumer Confidence Reports, Public Notices, and Public Education notices into Spanish since they have at least 25% Spanish-speaking people.
Translation Statement Only
The cities and towns listed in the following chart must provide the statement below in their CCR, PN, and PE translated into the languages identified for each applicable community:
"This report contains important information about your drinking water. Have someone translate it for you or speak with someone who understands it."
To download the translation, right-click on the translation and select "save target as" or "save link as".
Note, these demographics are from the 2010 U.S. Census. After the 2020 U.S. Census is tabulated and disseminated this table will be updated with that information.
Note, translations are used with permission from the Washington State Department of Health. MassDEP makes no claim on the validity or correctness of these translations. More translations are available from the Washington State Department of Health Translations for Public Notification page.