Notice of Intent - Fisher Street Wells 2, 2A and 2B - Conservation |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, April 19, 2024
Notice of Intent - Fisher Street Wells 2, 2A and 2B - Conservation
Friday, March 29, 2024
Invitation for Bids (IFB) - Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility
IFB - Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility
The Town of Franklin, Massachusetts requests bids for construction of the Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility project.
Sealed Bids for the General Contract for construction of the Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility will be received by the Chief Procurement Officer, Municipal Building, Room 206, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts until 10:00AM, Wednesday May, 8, 2024 and at that time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.
Sealed Bids for the filed SubContracts designated herein will be received at the office of the Chief
Procurement Officer, Municipal Building, Room 206, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts until 10:00 AM, Wednesday April 10, 2024 and at that time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-well-77a-pfas-treatment-facility
Invitation for Bids (IFB) - Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility |
Monday, December 25, 2023
Call for Water
When thirsty, your body signals a call for water
A turn of the faucet, or a flush of the toilet, starts a call for water
The signal may require a long walk, to the well, or stream,
To return with a full yellow container to answer the call for water
The faucet at the sink will start the flow through the pipes
in the house, the street, pump, or water tower to answer the call for water
When the hot water faucet is turned, the water flows under pressure,
with a diversion through heating coils, to answer the call for water
When the toilet is flushed, the water flows carrying the refuse liquid
and, or solid, before refilling the device in the call for water
The refuse, liquid and solid, moves through gravity flow pipes
to get processed before returning to the stream to answer the call for water
II
Science tells us human males are about 60% water, females about 55%,
which shows why we need to respond to the call for water
The earth's surface is about 70% water but 97% of that is salt water
requiring treatment before answering the call for water
We have to take care of the 3% fresh water, use it as needed,
conserve it to help with the call for water
Science can help determine a good economic process
for conversion of salt water to better answer the call for water
We need to foster those scientific efforts, and trust the science,
as it evolves to provide a solution to the call for water
There are those among us near and far, who need shorter walks,
or better access, to answer the call for water
So Sherlock, are you all wet yet? Or will you help Frank,
and Lynn when they initiate their call for water?
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originally shared at quietpoet.com/
https://www.quietpoet.com/2023/12/call-for-water.html
During 2021, I was able to record a three-part series on the Franklin water system. My conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent has aged well. Some of the numbers may change but the overall process we review doesn't change much.
The three-part audio series can be found here ->
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-588-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-589-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-590-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
three-part series on the Franklin water system |
During 2023, I was able to record a three-part series on the sewer side of the business. Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent, joined me again as we talked about the flushing side of the side handling our waste water.
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer.html
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_0306615856.html
Construction of the Beaver Street Interceptor. The houses in background are West Central Street, Panther Way area. |
Thursday, November 24, 2022
DRINKING WATER NOTICE - November 23, 2022
Attention Water Customers - Please see the public notice below:
This is NOT a boil water notice. During routine sampling, the sample from our Well 2 Raw (UNTREATED) water contained E.coli. The treated (disinfected) water from Well 2 and all other samples collected through the distribution system did not have E. Coli. The well has been offline since November 18, 2022 for maintenance and will remain offline.
This is not an emergency, you do NOT need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time, but we are required to notify you. Please see the notice below for more information.
----------------------
DRINKING WATER NOTICE To all users of the Franklin Water Department Located in Franklin, Massachusetts. This is an important notice – please translate it for anyone who does not understand English.We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants to ensure the safety of the water supply. On November 21, 2022 our water system was notified that a water sample collected on November 15, 2022 from Well #2 tested positive for E.coli, which is a fecal indicator. Fecal indicators are used to detect ground water sources that may be susceptible to fecal contamination which may contain harmful viruses or bacteria. This well was taken off-line for maintenance on November 18, 2022.
The water delivered to your taps through the distribution system is disinfected with chlorine to kill viruses and bacteria, including E.coli. It is important to note that samples collected on November 15, 2022 in the distribution system did NOT detect any fecal contaminants.
This source is one of thirteen active wells that supplies drinking water to our system. In accordance with the federal Ground Water Rule (GWR) requirements, we are notifying you of the situation and conducting additional sampling to evaluate the extent of potential fecal contamination and will take further actions as necessary.
What should you do? What does this mean?
This is NOT an emergency, you do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time.- The USEPA requires us to provide you with this notice and the following information on fecal indicators: "Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems." These symptoms can also be caused by issues unrelated to drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, or, if you have specific health concerns, you may want to discuss such concerns with your doctor. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/safe-drinking-water-hotline
- Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and Businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
The well will remain offline for further evaluation. Our system is undergoing repeat testing and evaluation to determine if the current level of treatment is adequate or if additional corrective actions are necessary to reduce the risk of potential fecal contamination in our drinking water supply. We are in contact with MassDEP during this process who will evaluate the effectiveness of the steps taken and determine if any further action is required. If necessary, you will be notified again if you need to take any corrective actions. This notice does not affect persons using private drinking water wells.
where all the wells are located in Franklin |
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Drinking Water Week - get info on the Town of Franklin Water Dept
Whether it’s to cool off after a workout or clean fruits and veggies for a snack, your drinking water is there when you need it. And the Franklin Water Department is working hard around the clock to make that happen.
For this year's Drinking Water Week, visit the Franklin Water Departments website for helpful information on the water system - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division
Drinking Water Week - get info on the Town of Franklin Water Dept |
Sunday, September 5, 2021
"united in their commitment to preserve and protect the natural water resources"
The MassDEP’s proposed changes to the Water Resources Management Program regulations (310 CMR 36.00) are promulgated under the Water Management Act (M.G.L. Ch. 21G), which regulates water withdrawals through registrations and permits to ensure an appropriate balance among competing water needs and the preservation of natural resources.
The proposed regulatory changes would add a new condition to registrations that would restrict nonessential outdoor water use during times of drought declared by the secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Nonessential outdoor water use includes lawn watering, filling swimming pools, washing cars by means of a hose, and washing down buildings, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks.
three part podcast series with the Franklin Water Dept |
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
FM #590 - The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P3 of 3
FM #590 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 590 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 third of three in the series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water Dept.
Part 3 - approx. 28 minutes
Water treatment process flow on last page of “Consumer Confidence Report” CCR
CCR only shows what was found when tested
Programed with multiple fail safes, if deviation occurs outside of range, it shuts down
Safe in that it is also closed, no internet access to system controls
All of the water system is managed by four guys; Licenses required, continuing education required annually, training provided/supported by Town
Water enterprise account, Usage based services, quarterly billing per usage
Capital projects funded from ratepayers
Work to prepare for water and sewer line replacements as part of rebuilding the roads
Retained balance of $1M as a practice for “in case”
Increase reliability of SCADA system by switching to fiber from radio wave
Good to know; the water sewer world of infrastructure is a thing for consideration - job security and regular challenges; the industry is facing 60% of the workforce retiring in the next 10 years
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/3e921c80-30d7-4f9b-bd36-a8becc68be90
-----------
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 #590 - The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 P3 of 3 |
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
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
-----------
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
-----------
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 |
Monday, August 23, 2021
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 |