On June 19, 2024, the Weir River Water System experienced a significant change in water usage that affected the flow from the water treatment plant. This change in hydraulics stirred up sediment at the bottom of pipes and sent sediment and discolored water into the system. This event primarily affected those areas served by the Turkey Hill storage tank.
We are currently working with our operations team to monitor and remediate the situation as quickly as possible, including strategically bleeding hydrants. If your water remains discolored after Friday, June 21st, please contact WRWS customer service at 877-253-6665 or by email at wrcs@veolia.com.
We are also working to implement procedures so that this situation will not recur. When the Town of Hingham acquired the water system in 2020, we inherited an aging system that had not been sufficiently maintained. As we implement improvements to the system, we strive to deliver water that is safe and that satisfies our customers. Water affected by sediment falls short of our performance standards.
Over the next several weeks, WRWS will be reviewing and modifying our annual flushing program to ensure we are maximizing its effectiveness. This program is designed to scour and remove sediment from the pipes that builds up over time and is the primary cause for discoloration.
We recognize that discolored water is disconcerting. Please note that the Weir River Water System tests the distribution system weekly for total coliform bacteria in accordance with MassDEP requirements for safe drinking water. Our most recent samples were taken on Wednesday, June 19th; results will be posted later this afternoon on the WRWS website.
Please be mindful that there are ongoing construction and repair projects in various neighborhoods of Hingham and Hull, with crews using hydrants, that may result in discolored water. Alerts will be posted on the WRWS website and sent by email or phone to those who have subscribed to our alert system.
We will continue to update the WRWS website as information becomes available. Please ensure that you’re registered to receive WRWS alerts through your billing account. If you currently receive WRWS telephone alerts, please add our customer service number (877-253-6665) as a contact in your cell phone so that the call doesn’t register as spam.
Finally, in light of the current heat wave, we are asking all customers to restrict outside watering activities, including car washing, recreational sprinkler use, automatic irrigations systems, and filling pools. In addition, please restrict use of dishwashers and washing machines to evening hours. Updates to this policy will be posted on the WRWS website.