Linear Retail Stow, owner and operator of the shopping center on Great Road in Stow, has been fined $6,000 for violations of drinking water regulations that occurred at its Public Water System that serves the shopping center.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed a $6,000 penalty against Linear Retail Stow after Linear notified the state agency that a malfunction in the water treatment system had resulted in a chemical overfeed of sodium carbonate, an approved drinking water treatment chemical, into the drinking water serving. The over-feed resulted in an elevated pH level, creating uncertainty about the fitness of the drinking water supply.

MassDEP immediately issued a "Do Not Use" order. The shopping center was closed until the source of the problem was corrected, the water supply lines flushed, and MassDEP determined that the pH levels in all the businesses being served by the water source were within the acceptable range.

Through a consent order, the owners have agreed to a number of upgrades to the water system and the alarm systems that monitor chemical usage for the treatment added to the water.

MassDEP has also agreed to suspend $3,000 of the assessed penalty as long as there are no further violations over the next year.

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.