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WATER SYSTEM UPDATE 9/21/16

Posted on: September 21, 2016 - 4:47pm

The Drought Management Crisis Team met on Tuesday, September 20th.

Forecast

A trace of rain fell on Sunday, followed by a little more than a quarter of an inch on Monday.  Surrounding communities received much more rain than we did in Scituate.  Cooler weather is expected this weekend with a possibility of light rain overnight on Friday.  No significant rainfall is anticipated in the next two weeks.

Water Supply

  • The Water Department has not drawn any water from the Reservoir since late August.All water production has been from the Town’s five wells. The Reservoir level remains unchanged at -82 inches equating to 21.4% full.

  • The Water Department reports that ground water levels have dropped slightly, making it more difficult for the well pumps to operate efficiently.To ease this situation, they have reduced the pressure in the water system by a small amount.This should not be noticeable to residents, but it helps the well pumps.

  • There is a plan and procedure in place for getting water tanker trucks from the Forest Service and MEMA in the event of a fire emergency.

  • The Cohasset Water Commission has agreed to provide water to Scituate in the event our Reservoir drops to 15% full.The Board of Selectmen voted last night to authorize the purchase of water from Cohasset if it becomes necessary.

Water Usage

  • Through the continued efforts of residents and businesses, average water usage dropped to 1,061,000 gallons per day last week.This level of usage is a little below our typical wintertime consumption.Conservation by our residents and businesses remains the single biggest factor that will enable us all to get through this extraordinary period of drought.

  • Helpful water saving tips sent in by fellow residents are posted on the Town’s website. Send yours to conservewater@scituatema.gov  The next edition of the Water Conservation video on SCTV channels 8 and 8 discusses how to reduce water usage in the bathroom.  The link is at the bottom of this update.

  • Violations: In the past week water ban violations fines were issued to residents on Gilson, Gannett, and Kent.

  • The Fire Chief warns that the drought has created much drier conditions and increased danger of fires.

Future Resiliency

  • Expansion of the Reservoir:  The Town has applied for a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection grant to complete the 60% design and permitting to raise the level of water in the Reservoir by 18”.  There will be a Warrant Article at the October Special Town Meeting to provide matching funds for this next step in the project.  

  • Additional Well:  The Water Department has decided to pursue development of the Dolan Well property off of Country Way near Hollett.

Outreach and Education

  • The NSRWA and the School Department are developing a program on water conservation and how students can help.

  • The Transfer Station is buying 25 rain barrels to sell to the public on a first-come-first-served basis.Details will be forthcoming.

Link to Water Conservation video #3

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwAAhkGQ3Q5sUndXbk8xV3VzSlE/view

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