WATER SYSTEM UPDATE & ***BROWN WATER ALERT**

WATER SYSTEM UPDATE

&

****BROWN WATER ALERT *****

JULY 2, 2014

Did you know that the Town of Scituate’s population increases from 18,000 to 30,000 residents during the summer months?  This expansion in population translates into increased water usage and demands upon our water distribution system. The Fourth of July observance is when this typically peaks. This year, along with high temperatures and the repairs currently being made to the system, brown water is anticipated over the July 4th weekend observance and at other times during the summer. Please take appropriate precautions.

While the Town makes every effort to notify residents in advance of brown water, there are many occasions when we do not know when it will appear. Private contractors and utilities working in town can also result in occurrences of brown water.

We are now in the process of replacing the oldest cast iron pipes. This will improve water quality throughout Town and should mitigate brown water impacts.  This is an ongoing project over the next three years to replace over 23 miles of old cast iron pipes. Three contracts have been awarded already resulting in almost seven miles of line replacement. The work has been on Front Street, Lighthouse Point, Glades, and a small section of Woodland Road.

If you are concerned about brown water,  an allowance of potable water is available at the Water Department Monday-Friday.  Water will also be available for the Fourth of July Observance Friday, July 4th until Monday July 7th   ONLY at the Police Station and Fire Headquarters.

Finally, if you encounter brown water take these three steps:

  1.  Run your outside water spigot for 15 minutes to clear your line. In general, running the water for 15 minutes will clear the line. The spigot is the best place to clear the line, not your bathtub or sink.
  2. If the water does not clear you should shut the water off and wait about one hour and run the water for an addition 15 minutes.
  3. Repeat until the water clears.  

We understand brown water is a significant problem and is inconvenient and frustrating to deal with. Unfortunately, until we replace all the cast iron pipes it will continue for the immediate future. We are working as quickly as we can. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.