Posted onMay 6, 2022|Comments Off on Well #6 repair causes water use restrictions – nonessential outdoor water use prohibited
Water Conservation Restrictions
Current Water Conservation Status: Tier 4 – All nonessential outdoor water use is prohibited, effective May 5, 2022
Due to an emergency equipment repair at Well #6, we have had to take the well offline. As a result, the Department of Public Works has declared an immediate Tier 4 water restriction: nonessential outdoor water use, except by handheld hose, is prohibited.
We anticipate completing the repairs within 2 to 4 weeks and will continue to provide updates. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the Water Department at 508-906-3004 or by email to mgoulet@medfield.net
The Town has five active water wells: Wells 1 and 2, located along the Charles River off Route 109 Wells 3 and 4, located off Elm Street, behind the Wheelock School. The Town is currently building a new water treatment plant to treat manganese at Wells 3 and 4. The project also includes establishing a new Well 3A to replace the existing Well 3 which is failing. Well 6, located off Route 27 near the Sherborn Town Line. Well 6 is the Town’s highest producing well
In 2021, Well 6 pumped approximately 53% of the Town’s total water supply. In 2020, it pumped approximately 55% of the total.
Information about Water Restrictions: When elevated restrictions are in place, nonessential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions include: Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems; Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement. The following uses may be allowed when mandatory restrictions are in place: Irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings during the months of May and September; Irrigation of public parks and recreational fields by means of automatic sprinklers outside the hours of 9am to 5pm; Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose.
Water uses not subject to mandatory restrictions are those required: For health or safety reasons; By regulation; For the production of food and fiber; For the maintenance of livestock; To meet the core functions of a business (for example, irrigation by plant nurseries as necessary to maintain stock).
Comments Off on Well #6 repair causes water use restrictions – nonessential outdoor water use prohibited
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
Comments Off on Refilling of water tower may cause your water to be discolored
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:
Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants via handheld hoses.
Uses that are not required for health or safety reasons
Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
Washing of vehicles other than by means of a commercial car wash, except as necessary for operator safety
Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement
This water restriction was put into place due to the state’s Level 3 drought declaration for the Charles River watershed.
Posted onOctober 2, 2020|Comments Off on Weekend work on Mt Nebo water tower
Public Works
Posted on: October 2, 2020
Mt. Nebo Work Saturday, 10/3, and Sunday, 10/4
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.
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Posted onAugust 17, 2020|Comments Off on Watering now hand held only
Public Works
Posted on: August 16, 2020
Water Restriction Elevated to Tier 4
Nonessential water use prohibited
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:
Uses that are not required for health or safety reasons
Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
Washing of vehicles other than by means of a commercial car wash, except as necessary for operator safety
Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement
Example of acceptable outdoor water use that is not affected:
Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants via handheld hoses only
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.
Posted onAugust 14, 2020|Comments Off on Drought declared by state = hand watering only
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.“
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:
Minimize overall water use;
Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m.one day a week.
Immediate Steps for Communities:
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.
Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; operation of non-recirculating fountains; filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, and backyard informal rinks.
Implement drought surcharge or seasonal water rates.
Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.
Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:
Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
Develop a local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.
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.
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Posted onJune 26, 2020|Comments Off on watering restrictions – one day a week
Public Works
Posted on: June 26, 2020
Water Restriction Elevated to Tier 3
Nonessential water use limited to once a week
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:
Uses that are not required for health or safety reasons
Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
Washing of vehicles other than by means of a commercial car wash, except as necessary for operator safety
Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement
Example of an acceptable outdoor water use that is not affected:
Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants via hand held hoses only
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.
Posted onJune 26, 2020|Comments Off on Drought declared
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.
DROUGHT
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 onJune 22, 2020|Comments Off on Watering ban details
Public Works
Posted on: June 16, 2020
Water Restriction Elevated to Tier 3
Nonessential water use limited to once a week
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:
Uses that are not required for health or safety reasons
Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
Washing of vehicles other than by means of a commercial car wash, except as necessary for operator safety
Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement
Example of an acceptable outdoor water use that is not affected:
Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants via hand held hoses only
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.
I started this blog to share the interesting and useful information that I saw while doing my job as a Medfield select board member. I thought that my fellow Medfield residents would also find that information interesting and useful as well. This blog is my effort to assist in creating a system to push the information out from the Town House to residents. Let me know if you have any thoughts on how it can be done better.
For information on my other job as an attorney (personal injury, civil litigation, estate planning and administration, and real estate), please feel free to contact me at 617-969-1500 or Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com.