
December 05, 2020
Mt. Nebo Water Tower Maintenance Project Complete
The project on the Mt. Nebo Water Tower is complete and the tank is being refilled. This process may disturb some debris, resulting in discolored water in homes…… Read on
December 05, 2020
The project on the Mt. Nebo Water Tower is complete and the tank is being refilled. This process may disturb some debris, resulting in discolored water in homes…… Read on
Posted in Water & Sewer
An alert from the Town of Medfield DPW –
** Updated October 14, 2020 **
Following the state’s declaration of a Level 3 drought for the Charles River watershed, the Town of Medfield is now subject to a mandatory prohibition on all nonessential water use. This restriction goes into effect immediately and remains in effect until further notice. This state-mandated restriction prohibits all nonessential outdoor water use. The state’s announcement of the new restrictions can be found at this link.
In addition, since Monday, September 28, 2020, the Town has been working on a long-planned maintenance project on the Mt. Nebo Water Tower that will take approximately two months to complete. The Mt. Nebo Water Tower has been drained and taken temporarily offline. The Town’s contractor is making repairs to and painting the outside of the water tower as well as making repairs to the interior of the tank. This project will extend the life of the water tower. The Town currently has only one water tower in operation (the Medfield State Hospital Water Tower).
The Medfield Board of Water and Sewage and the Medfield Water Department will continue to monitor the weather, water demand, and the Town’s infrastructure throughout the Mt. Nebo project.
Thank you to all residents for your continued diligence in helping to conserve our water resources.
A Tier 5 water restriction prohibits nonessential outdoor water use.
Examples of nonessential outdoor water use that are now prohibited include:
This water restriction was put into place due to the state’s Level 3 drought declaration for the Charles River watershed.
The Town’s Water Rules and Regulations include additional information on water restrictions and can be found at this link. MassDEP maintains a list of all communities with water restrictions in place.
Water uses not subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:
Thank you for adhering to this new water restriction and working together to reduce our water consumption.
Questions about the water restriction can be directed to Director of Public Works Maurice Goulet at 508-906-3004 or mgoulet@medfield.net.
Posted in DPW, State, Water & Sewer
Posted on: October 2, 2020
The Town’s contractor, Inspec Coatings, will be working on the Mt. Nebo Water Tower on Saturday, October 3, 2020 and Sunday, October 4, 2020. Since the Mt. Nebo Water Tower will be offline for the duration of the project, the Town has accepted Inspec Coatings request to work on Saturday and Sunday. The sooner the project is complete, the sooner the Mt. Nebo Water Tower can be returned to service.
Posted in DPW, Water & Sewer
Posted on: August 16, 2020
On Friday, August 14, 2020, following a drought declaration declared by the Commonwealth, the Board of Water and Sewer has announced that Medfield is now subject to a Tier 4 Water Restriction. This restriction goes into effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
A Tier 4 water restriction prohibits nonessential water use.
Examples of nonessential outdoor water use that are now prohibited:
Example of acceptable outdoor water use that is not affected:
Please note that allowed use is not permitted between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm when evaporation and evapotranspiration are highest.
This water restriction was put into place due to the drought declaration which triggered Restrictions based on Water Management Act Permit. In addition, daily water usage has continued to increase, despite the Tier 3 water restriction that limited water use to every other day. The Town’s water pumps are running significantly more hours per day than is typical, increasing the risk of mechanical issues. In addition, water levels in the Town’s storage tanks have declined.
The Town’s Water Rules and Regulations include additional information on water restrictions and can be found at this link. MassDEP maintains a list of all communities with water restrictions in place.
Water uses not subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:
Thank you for adhering to this new water restriction and working together to reduce our water consumption.
Questions about the water restriction can be directed to Director of Public Works Maurice Goulet at 508-906-3002 or mgoulet@medfield.net.
Posted in Water & Sewer
HAND WATERING ONLY RESTRICTIONS COMING: Town required by state to “Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 2 restriction calls for limiting outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m.“
From: Massachusetts Water Works Association <jpederson@masswaterworks.org>
Date: Thu, Aug 13, 2020 at 4:45 PM
Subject: Drought Declaration
To: <mgoulet@medfield.net>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 13, 2020
Significant Drought Conditions Declared Across Massachusetts
Above Normal Temperatures, Below Normal Rainfall Lead to Level 2 Drought Throughout Commonwealth
BOSTON — Due to above normal temperatures throughout July and early August and more than three months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared a Level 2 – Significant Drought in all seven regions of the Commonwealth – the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions. At a Level 2 – Significant Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, conditions are becoming significantly dry and warrant detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, emphasis on water conservation, more stringent watering restrictions, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities.
“The combination of three months of limited rainfall and well above normal temperatures through July and early August have led to very dry conditions in every region of Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “All levels of government are coordinating to address these critical drought conditions, and it is essential that residents and businesses across the Commonwealth take extra care to conserve water both indoors and outdoors and be mindful of the increased risk of wildlife when using any fire or smoking materials.”
“Because the Commonwealth continues to experience drought conditions across the state, the public is urged to continue conserving water in order to reduce the demand on water supplies,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Samantha Phillips. “Dry conditions increase the threat of brush and wildland fires, so we urge residents to exercise caution when using charcoal grills, matches, and other open flames during outdoor activities and to call 911 immediately if there is a fire to prevent the fire from spreading.”
The declaration was informed by recommendations and discussions from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force (DMTF), composed of state and federal officials and other entities, and will remain in effect until water levels return to normal in the affected regions.
Temperatures remain well above normal, as the Commonwealth recorded the second hottest July on record last month. Rainfall was scattered across the state with only a few areas receiving above normal precipitation; most areas were in a deficit by 1 to 3 inches. Meanwhile, temperatures throughout the first two weeks of August are 2 to 4 degrees above normal throughout Massachusetts, with warmer than normal temperatures predicted in the coming weeks and months. While most regions of the Commonwealth are experiencing a classic long-term drought, the Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions are experiencing conditions akin to a ‘flash drought’ which is a rapid onset drought with decreased precipitation, above normal temperatures, and incoming radiation resulting in abnormally high evapotranspiration all combining to increase fire danger and decrease crop moisture levels.
Additionally, wildland fire risk continues across the state. Extended drought conditions have rendered grasses, shrubs and forest fuels very dry across most of the state, and extremely dry in areas of the Southeast, resulting in increased wildfire risk and added challenges for firefighting agencies. Long term precipitation deficits have also led to extremely dry soil conditions, which results in fires burning deep into the ground, and taking multiple days to extinguish. These conditions exhaust local resources and increase risk to firefighter safety. Fire officials remind the public to be very aware of this situation, and to be careful with all open burning and disposal of combustible materials.
The state continues to intensely monitor and assess the drought situation, and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts. Task Force officials also noted that the state’s streamflow saw overall improvement in July because of scattered rainfall. However, within the first two weeks of August, conditions seem to have worsened, with well below normal streamflow observed in most regions. The state asks residents in every region across the Commonwealth to be very mindful of the amount of water they are using, to be proactive in reducing or eliminating outdoor water use, to reduce indoor water use, and to address plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Limiting nonessential outdoor watering is one of the most effective ways to minimize the impacts of drought on water supply and the environment, and ensure there is enough water for fire protection. All these steps will help reduce water use to ensure essential needs such as drinking water and fire protection are being met, and habitats have enough water to recover.
For Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought
Residents and Businesses:
Immediate Steps for Communities:
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) continues to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies, as well as assisting towns on how to request a declaration of drought emergency.
“Water suppliers should continue to work with their customers and educate them on strategies to manage demand during this time period,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “It is essential that regions across Massachusetts embrace conservation practices to avoid added stress on drinking water resources and other water-dependent habitats.”
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan.
The declaration of a Level 2 – Significant Drought requires the Drought Management Task Force to meet on a regular basis to more closely assess conditions across the state, coordinate dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare any responses that may be needed in the future. The Task Force will meet on a monthly basis or more frequently as conditions warrant; the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 1:00 pm and will be held virtually via Zoom.
Last year, EEA completed a two-year process and updated the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan to better assess drought conditions across the state and maximize the state’s ability to prepare for and respond to a drought. The Plan also provides guidance to communities on drought preparedness and outlines response actions that can be taken at the local level.
For further information on water conservation and what residents and communities can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page.
Posted in Water & Sewer
On Monday, June 22, 2020, the Board of Selectmen, following a recommendation from the Board of Water and Sewerage, announced that Medfield is now subject to a Tier 3 Water Restriction. This restriction goes into effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
A Tier 3 water restriction limits nonessential water use to once per week. Even numbered houses are allowed nonessential water use on Mondays. Odd numbered houses are allowed nonessential water use on Thursdays.
Examples of nonessential outdoor water uses that are limited to once per week include but are not limited to:
Example of an acceptable outdoor water use that is not affected:
Please note that allowed uses, or nonessential water use on the assigned day, is not permitted between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, when evaporation and evapotranspiration are highest.
This water restriction was put into place due to the extended dry spell. In addition, daily water usage has continued to increase, despite the Tier 2 water restriction that limited water use to every other day. The Town’s water pumps are running significantly more hours per day than is typical, increasing the risk of mechanical issues. In addition, water levels in the Town’s storage tanks have declined.
The Town’s Water Rules and Regulations include additional information on water restrictions and can be found at this link. MassDEP maintains a list of all communities with water restrictions in place.
Water uses not subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:
Thank you for adhering to this new water restriction and working together to reduce our water consumption.
Questions about the water restriction can be directed to Director of Public Works Maurice Goulet at 508-906-3002 or mgoulet@medfield.net.
Posted in Water & Sewer
The emailed information below was forwarded by Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler this afternoon. When I went following the links to find out what the declaration of drought meant, I found this map, which seems to indicate that the two days of watering per week we are now allowed is on target.
After a review of hydrologic conditions in Massachusetts, the Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) has recommended a Level 2 drought designation for all regions except the Southeast and the Cape & Islands. View the details and presentations from USGS, DCR, DEP, DER, MWRA, and NWS here.
For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page, the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s drought management page, and the MassDEP Water Conservation page.
The Drought Management Task Force, chaired by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, consists of officials from state and federal agencies and professional organizations with responsibility for areas likely to be affected by drought conditions. For more information, visit their website.
Posted in Water & Sewer
On Monday, June 22, 2020, the Board of Selectmen, following a recommendation from the Board of Water and Sewerage, announced that Medfield is now subject to a Tier 3 Water Restriction. This restriction goes into effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
A Tier 3 water restriction limits nonessential water use to once per week. Even numbered houses are allowed nonessential water use on Mondays. Odd numbered houses are allowed nonessential water use on Thursdays.
Examples of nonessential outdoor water uses that are limited to once per week include but are not limited to:
Example of an acceptable outdoor water use that is not affected:
Please note that allowed uses, or nonessential water use on the assigned day, is not permitted between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, when evaporation and evapotranspiration are highest.
This water restriction was put into place due to the extended dry spell. In addition, daily water usage has continued to increase, despite the Tier 2 water restriction that limited water use to every other day. The Town’s water pumps are running significantly more hours per day than is typical, increasing the risk of mechanical issues. In addition, water levels in the Town’s storage tanks have declined.
The Town’s Water Rules and Regulations include additional information on water restrictions and can be found at this link. MassDEP maintains a list of all communities with water restrictions in place.
Water uses not subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:
Thank you for adhering to this new water restriction and working together to reduce our water consumption.
Questions about the water restriction can be directed to Director of Public Works Maurice Goulet at 508-906-3002 or mgoulet@medfield.net.
Posted in Selectmen matters, Water & Sewer
From: Nicholas Milano <nmilano@medfield.net>
Date: Mon, Jun 22, 2020 at 12:21 PM
Subject: Water Restriction
To: Kristine Trierweiler <ktrierweiler@medfield.net>
The Board of Water and Sewerage just voted to request the BOS to approve a Tier 3 water restriction, which would limit nonessential outdoor water use to one day per week.
Per the by-laws, the Water and Sewer makes the recommendation, but BOS has to approve it.
They would like it to go into effect immediately and until further notice. They also asked about communicating it out and would like us to use the Reverse 911 system.
This restriction is due to increasing usage (usage has increased each day over the past week) and the extended dry spell.
Typical, daily use is 1.5 to 1.75 million gallons per day. We are at around 2.2 million gallons per day and climbing. Even since sending out notices about the odd/even usage restrictions, the total daily usage has continued to climb.
The pumps are running 20 hours a day. Typically they would run 14-16 hours a day.
In addition, we have a risk of not maintaining enough water in the storage tanks for fire suppression.
Thanks,
Nick
—
Nicholas J. Milano
Assistant Town Administrator
Town of Medfield
459 Main Street
Medfield, MA 02052
o: 508-906-3009
Posted in Selectmen matters, Water & Sewer