Frequently Asked Questions
The Weir River Water System is aware of and tracking the affected areas. Please do not contact Hingham or Hull emergency management teams about this issue. Please continue to reach out to WRWS at wrcs@veolia.com, operations@weirriverwater.com.
How are we addressing the issue?
WRWS crews worked to strategically flush hydrants and remove the bulk of the discolored water from the water mains. The situation has improved throughout most of the service area.
Is the water suitable for use?
Our water was tested as recently as Wednesday and it passes MassDEP's Drinking Water Standards. WRWS tests the distribution system weekly for total coliform bacteria in accordance with MassDEP requirements for safe drinking water. Our most recent samples taken on June 19th were all absent of total coliform bacteria. Source water from the tanks has been monitored throughout the operation, as it has replaced the discolored water flushed from the distribution system. Additional test will be executed on Monday, June 24.
Although MassDEP has not identified a safety issue, we understand residents' concerns about using water if it continues to be discolored.
Please note that we do not recommend that people use discolored water for baby formula due to the potential for increased manganese. Manganese levels in water coming from the treatment plant are well below MassDEP standards, but the tinted water color that people are seeing in their home service is mostly due to the mineral sediment (iron and manganese) in water mains that was stirred up by recent events. If your water continues to be discolored, we recommend taking the steps identified below.