FM #589 - The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P2 of 3

FM #589 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 589 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is the second of three in the series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water Dept. 

Part 2 - approx. 38 minutes

• Permit process 20 years, midway through this one

• Overall water usage per capita for Franklin is among the best in the state (~45-49gpp vs ~65gpp)

• Unaccounted for water and meter standards, Franklin is a model community for this

• Infiltration annual testing uses a “stethoscope for the road”

• Town owns from the water main to the curb stop (water service shut off from street); Town also owns the meter

• Meter read via radio today, may eventually get to an automatic send to a data collector; used to take 2 guys a month to read, now it takes one only a week to read the meters

• WaterSmart system data based upon readings monthly; billing readings are monthly

• Rebates available for high efficiency water use appliances

• Annual Water report - highlights by section

• Reference to working without the incredible asset of Dave Allard, now retired; 4 hours of a brain dump didn’t catch it all but he still answers the phone when they call

• Key items explained, testing process, negligible results are shown for 20 or so items, another 100+ are tested with no findings, PFAS testing added per state DEP regs

• Difference between water testing done by Town vs. Water bottles available in retail (FDA vs. DEP/EPA regulations)

• Thanks to the 61 residents for participating in the lead and copper special testing required (lead goose necks)

• WaterSmart website, Individual usage can be monitored, Leak detection service

The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a148dcea-1db5-49f2-b11c-e302009de27f

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Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/welcome-watersmart-program

Consumer Confidence Report for 2020 us what we walked through during the conversation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/franklin_ma_ccr_2020_web_final.pdf

Consumer Confidence Reports -> archive   = https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #589 The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P2 of 3

FM #588 - The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P1 of 3

FM #588 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 588 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water Dept. 

Part 1 - approx. 30 minutes

• A brief on Doug and Jake’s Franklin ‘story’

• New treatment plant, now operational, treating Wells 3 and 6; Well 6 is really a well field (of six separate wells)

• Difference between registration and permitted amount to draw

• Overall well status and supply (well summary on water report)

• Water conservation measures are a ‘forever’ thing right? (per the permit from DEP)

• Town wells draw from 40-50 feet where most private wells can draw from a 300-500 foot depth; if you have a private well, please put out a sign if you use it for irrigation

• Finances on water rate and sewer rate calculations, aside from private wells and septic systems, it is usage based billing

• Fire Dept working very closely with them on hydrant maintenance and water pressure opportunity areas to work towards an increase in the ISO certification for the Fire department; hydrant signage being added to help especially when out communities respond to help

• E-coli hit on well 2A, notification only discussed; test result was from the ‘raw’ side of the water, not the ‘treated side’ of the supply; “the ground is just a big old filter, and when you get 6-8 inches of rain the ground just can't handle it”

• The process worked, the testing and system ensures good water is being delivered all the time

• PFAS testing currently State funded; testing at parts per trillion, not million as with most other; PFAS is pervasive; Testers can’t use Teflon pans or Tupperware before taking test sample (to avoid contamination of the sample)

The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.

Audio File -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a7deabf6-08b9-41d8-820c-8bee1aa437db

---------------------

Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/welcome-watersmart-program

Consumer Confidence Reports -> archive   = https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

Consumer Confidence Report for 2020 us what we walked through during the conversation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/franklin_ma_ccr_2020_web_final.pdf

-----------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #588 The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P1 of 3

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Charles River Pollution Control District

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHARLES RIVER POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT

During Fiscal Year 2020, the Charles River Pollution Control District’s (District) regional advanced wastewater treatment facility received and treated approximately 1,730 million gallons (4.74 million gallons per day) of raw wastewater, including 9.2 million gallons of septage from the District’s member and customer towns before discharge to the Charles River.

As part of the District’s infiltration and inflow program, the District will be inspecting the Mine Brook Interceptor Subsystem. The District will be inspecting 99 manholes, and performing closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) and multi-sensor inspections of 28,400 linear feet of pipe for signs of infiltration and inflow. This work is to be completed during FY 2021.

In late 2015, the District entered into a Power Purchase Agreement to receive net-metering credits from a solar array in Carver, Massachusetts. The array has been online since December 2015 and to-date the District has received over $350,000 in net-metering credits.

The District’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget is 1.9% lower than the previous years’ budget. The District’s FY 2021 budget for operations and maintenance is $3,743,860, while the capital projects budget is $2,217,930. Franklin’s share of the operation and maintenance and capital projects budgets are estimated to be $2,186,750 and $1,286,440, respectively.

more information on the District please check out our website at https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/.

submitted
Douglas M. Downing, Chairman (Medway) 

David Formato, Vice Chairman (Franklin) 

Mark Cataldo, Clerk (Franklin)
Michael Callahan (Medway) 

Richard Johnson (Franklin)

CRPCD Officers:
Elizabeth Taglieri, P.E., Executive Director 
John D. Foster, Treasurer
Barbara Maffeo, Executive Secretary 

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Charles River Pollution Control District

Drought Status for MA - Franklin in "Mild Drought"

.@MassEEA announced updated drought conditions, showing improvement in some areas & decline in others. 

The Western, Southeast, & Cape Cod regions are at "Mild Drought" levels, with all other regions at "Normal Conditions." 

For more info & how to help, see https://mass.gov/guides/drought

Shared from Twitter:https://twitter.com/MassEcoRestore/status/1403366612120522756

Drought Status for MA - Franklin in "Mild Drought"

Earth Day conversation starters for Franklin

Via Cobi Frongillo: 

"Some thoughts on this Earth Day to get our brain's turning on opportunities for local advocacy..."

Shared from Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GreaterFranklin350Mass/permalink/4217769938274226/

What's currently being done?

Possible next steps

Please help us include non-english speaking residents on this project!

Dear Friend,

We want to thank you for your involvement in the Charles River Watershed Association's project: Building Resilience in the Charles River Watershed. After hosting our initial webinar and several smaller community meetings we are happy to announce that we have some multilingual materials available! Please help us share this survey with any groups that may not have been able to participate due to language barriers.

Building Resilience in the Charles River Watershed

The Charles River Watershed Association has created a flood monitoring tool that will show flooding scenarios in the Charles River Watershed depending on different time periods, rainfall increases, and potential green infrastructure solutions. Members of the Watershed area can use the tool to predict and implement the best ways to respond to flooding due to our changing climate. 

If you would like to learn more about the project, watch the video linked below, Or refer to the attached informational flyer. Please take time to fill out this survey and share it with fellow watershed residents. Data that will be used to determine what flooding scenarios and nature-based solutions will be tested with the tool.

 Closed captioning on the video, the attached document, and the survey can be found in LANGUAGES.

Feedback Survey 

• Learn more about the project by watching this video (https://youtu.be/VlaV2256bKg)

• CC available in multiple languages

Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW)or CREW, is a 501c3 non-profit devoted to building up grassroots resilience in communities by engaging networks of local leaders through education, service, and planning. We have teamed up with the Charles River Watershed Association to help spread the word about this important project.

Thanks so much for your time,

Hola,

Me llamo Anna, y soy una pasante por CREW (Communities Responding to Extreme Weather). Estamos trabajando con CRWA (Charles River Watershed Association) en un proyecto para monitor la inundación en la Cuenca de Río Charles. 

Para el proyecto, queremos respuestas e información de los residentes de la cuenca del Río Charles. Favor de tomar unos minutos para completar ESTA ENCUESTA. También, pedimos que comparta la encuesta y el volante de información con su comunidad. Su voz y opinión son muy importantes! 

Gracias por su tiempo,

Anna

Encuesta

Volante de Información

Olá,

Esperamos que este e-mail encontre você bem. Por favor, desculpe o google tradutor. Comunidades que respondem a condições climáticas extremas ou EQUIPE. está trabalhando com a CRWA (Charles River Watershed Association) em um projeto de monitoramento de enchentes na Bacia do Rio Charles.

Para o projeto, queremos respostas e informações dos moradores da bacia do rio Charles. Reserve alguns minutos para concluir ESTA PESQUISA. Além disso, pedimos que você compartilhe a pesquisa e o folheto informativo com sua comunidade. Sua voz e opinião são muito importantes!

Obrigado pelo seu tempo,

Inquérito português

 

Folheto Informativo

你好，

我们希望这封电子邮件对您有帮助。请原谅Google翻译。响应极端天气或CREW的社区。正在与查尔斯河流域协会（CRWA）一起在查尔斯河流域进行洪水监控项目。

对于该项目，我们需要查尔斯河流域居民的答案和信息。请花几分钟完成此调查。另外，我们要求您与社区共享调查和信息单张。您的声音和意见非常重要！

中文调查

 

信息传单

 

谢谢你的时间，

--

Ethan Parker McDonough

He/Him/His

Special Project Coordinator at C.R.E.W

University of New Hampshire

ethan@climatecrew.org

(207)475-2428

Video link = https://youtu.be/VlaV2256bKg

MAEnergy Environment: Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region (yes, includes Franklin, MA!)

"With precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater below normal as the state enters the spring season, today @EEASecretary Theoharides declared drought conditions in most regions, including a Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region."

For more info: https://t.co/BvdLCSCxYl 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/3A72wsX8PP

MAEnergy Environment: Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region (yes, includes Franklin, MA!)

Attention Franklin: Want to know how much water you use?

"Want to know how much water you use or see and pay your bill online? 

 

Sign up for WaterSmart today at: https://franklinma.watersmart.com/index.php/welcome"

 

 

Shared from the DPW Facebook page ->

https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/482305529803221/

Attention Franklin: Want to know how much water you use?

Boston Globe: "As climate change makes more droughts likely, state plans to issue controversial new policy that may increase water restrictions"

 

"By the end of last summer, the dark waters of the Ipswich River no longer made it to the sea.

With the region gripped in historic drought, and millions of gallons of water siphoned away without restriction, the river ran dry. Millions of fish, insects, and other creatures died, and water actually flowed backward in some tributaries, sucked up by municipal wells.

With climate change expected to increase the frequency of droughts, state officials are preparing sweeping new restrictions to prevent future shortages in what would be among the most significant changes to water management in Massachusetts in decades and result in many municipalities, big businesses, and other major water users no longer being exempt from water restrictions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/18/metro/climate-change-makes-more-droughts-likely-state-plans-issue-controversial-new-policy-that-may-increase-water-restrictions/

 

Drought Management Plan 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hWlQUaZSVogHzausB8zZKMWIWhPFSb7_/view?usp=sharing

Water Management Act - Permit Renewal

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JhjzrEhq7LDIGi3DOJ1Ik3GUIPTXdB9K/view?usp=sharing

new policy that may increase water restrictions

MEMA: Be mindful of the water use

MEMA (@MassEMA) tweeted  on Tue, Mar 16, 2021:

State officials ask the public to be mindful of the amount of water they are using, residents are asked to reduce indoor water use, address leaks ASAP, and for larger buildings and businesses to conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation.

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MassEMA/status/1371850240370806794

MEMA:  Be mindful of the water use

Legal Notice: Bylaw Amendment 21-866, Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Articles I, II, and III

Legal Notice: Bylaw Amendment 21-865, Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article I

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-02-01_web_legal_ad_bylaw_amendment_21-865_stormwater_management_article_1_-_general_provisions_1.pdf

 

Legal Notice: Bylaw Amendment 21-866, Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article II

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-02-01_web_legal_ad_bylaw_amendment_21-866_stormwater_management_article_2_-_soil_erosion_and_sediment_control_1.pdf

 

Legal Notice: Bylaw Amendment 21-866, Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article III

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-02-01_web_legal_ad_bylaw_amendment_21-867_stormwater_management_article_3_-_post_construction_stormwater_management_1.pdf

 

Legal Notice: Bylaw Amendment 21-866, Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Articles I, II, and III

 

Do you drink bottled water?

"For years, the debate has raged on: which is better, bottled water, or tap?

Despite its ever-growing popularity in the US, bottled water is atrocious for the environment. To quote Harvard University’s Office for Sustainability, “The entire life cycle of bottled water uses fossil fuels, contributes to global warming, and causes pollution.”

Although water bottles are recyclable, Americans throw away about 80% of the bottles they use – and, by some estimates, Americans use 1,500 plastic bottles of water every second. Plastic bottles contribute immensely to global environmental crises, in part due to the fact that they disintegrate into microplastics, the presence of which are so ubiquitous researchers recently discovered them in the placentas of unborn babies. Bottled water takes 2,000 times the energy to produce and ship than its tap equivalent. The extraction and manufacturing processes used by bottled water corporations can also have negative environmental and economic effects, and amount to the privatization and commodification of a limited and invaluable resource to which all should have a universal right."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jan/28/do-you-drink-bottled-water-read-this

Some good news (finally): The water ban is now lifted

The Drought Task Force met on Monday and recommended that all regions be at a Level 1 - mild drought.  Here is today's press release from EEA:

Drought Conditions Continue to Improve Across the Commonwealth
Level 1 – Mild Drought Declared in All Regions of Massachusetts 

BOSTON — Following increased amounts of rainfall through the month of November, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared that drought conditions continue to improve or hold steady across the Commonwealth, with all seven regions of the state currently in a Level 1-Mild Drought. In the Southeast and Cape Cod Regions, conditions moved to a Level 1-Mild Drought after experiencing Level 2-Significant Drought conditions last month. In the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeastern, and Islands regions, conditions remained at a Level 1-Mild Drought, unchanged from last month’s declaration. Additionally, conditions improved in the Nashua River basin, which is now experiencing Level 1-Mild Drought conditions in line with the Central Region. A Level 1-Mild Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities.  

“As drought conditions continue to improve or remain steady across the Commonwealth, it is important that residents continue to conserve water as state agencies and municipalities continue to respond to the impacts of this prolonged drought,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Limiting indoor water use is a great way for residents to help their communities minimize the strain on local water resources as we work our way back to normal conditions.” 

The declaration was informed by recommendations and discussions from the December 7, 2020 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. 

The month of November brought increased rain in most regions of the state, with exceptions in the Cape and parts of Western Massachusetts. Rainfall totals ranged from 2 to 5 inches across most of the Commonwealth, with lower totals on the Cape and the northern area of the Connecticut River Valley. Heavy downpours on the last day of November and into December are expected to trickle through the hydrological system and reflect on the other drought indices in the coming weeks. 

The state continues to intensely monitor and assess the drought situation, and any associated environmental, municipal and agricultural impacts. Task Force officials also noted that streamflow improved across the state, with a normal range observed across all regions. Groundwater levels continued to be mixed across the state with improvement in the Western and Central regions. However, Eastern Massachusetts continues to experience below normal levels of groundwater. In the Cape Cod region, groundwater levels remain above normal, but continue to decline.
 

For Region in Level 1 - Mild Drought
Residents and Businesses: 

Minimize overall water use; 

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. 

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. 

“With water demand down and conditions improving, now is the time when we should all plan to use water more efficiently moving forward,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “That includes the decisions that residents and businesses make as they plan their landscaping choices for next year, along with the considerations people make in purchasing water-using appliances. Efficient water use is appropriate all the time and not just during periods of drought.”  

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 1 – Mild Drought requires the Drought Management Task Force to continue to meet on a regular basis to more closely assess conditions across the state, accelerate outreach efforts on water conservation, coordinate dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare any responses that may be needed in the future.

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

 

Shared from the Franklin DPW page on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3711009818983461/

Spring Pond along Washington St