A MESSAGE FROM THE DPW WATER DIVISION

The Department of Public Works (DPW) would like to thank the residents for their cooperation with the emergency water ban.  This past Wednesday we pumped 2.657 million gallons of water to satisfy the water demand.  This is equal to the highest day pumped in the last 4 years and it is unprecedented to see such demand this early in the season.  Typical average water use is 1.25 million gallons per day.  As you know due to a mechanical failure well 19 is out of service.  A contractor is currently removing the 40 hp motor, 60 feet of column, and the pump to bring back to their shop for cleaning and inspection.  This pump was last replaced three years ago and is routinely maintained.  This is an unexpected failure.  We currently have sufficient water supply to meet both the needs of fire protection and domestic supply for drinking water, bathing, and cooking but not enough for lawns, boats, and car washing.  The Water department will be staffing and operating the Surface Water Treatment Plan on a 24 hour a day schedule until well 19 is operational to ensure we meet demands for water consumption and fire protection.  We will be providing updates as we learn more about this situation.  Again, we would like to thank the residents of Scituate for their continued cooperation during this difficult time.