Why are there blue/green stains on my fixtures?

These stains are caused by copper.  Copper can be naturally present in the ground water, and copper can leach into the water from copper pipes.  Initially, copper pipes may leach a small amount of copper in the first year of use, after which concentrations will decrease.  The Water District adds potassium hydroxide to its water to maintain a neutral pH of a stable 7.5 District wide and thus is not corrosive.  There can be specific reason in your house that can cause the staining and it is best to have District staff investigate the reasons.  Please feel free to contact the Environmental Compliance Manager, Todd Melanson at (978) 256-2381 or by email.