Showing posts with label water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Community Services and Facilities

Introduction

The Community Facilities and Services Chapter describes the existing services and facilities in town, including public schools, public safety and emergency services, library services, wastewater management, public water supply, stormwater, senior center, and town-owned buildings. The Chapter also discusses trends, opportunities, and challenges identified by community members and town staff.
Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Community Services and Facilities

The following municipal services and facilities are reviewed in this chapter:
● Drinking Water
● Wastewater
● Stormwater
● Solid Waste & Recycling
● Police and Public Safety
● Fire and Emergency Services
● Public Education
● Public Library
● Senior Center
● Other Town Buildings and Facilities (Occupied and Vacant)

Access to adequate services and facilities is necessary for the health, well-being, and safety of the Franklin community. Residents rely every day on the town’s solid waste, drinking water, and wastewater systems. Adequate public safety and emergency services are essential to community well-being and quality of life. The public education system is critical to attract families to Franklin and raise an informed, civically engaged next generation, and town-owned buildings provide an entry point for civic engagement and house day-to-day municipal operations. The enhancement and maintenance of these services and facilities is critically important to support residents and businesses in their everyday needs.

Existing Conditions and Trends

TOWN BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

The town maintains a range of public facilities such as schools, the public library, parks, recreational centers, and administrative buildings to serve the needs of its residents. The buildings owned and managed by the town (not including public schools) are listed in Table 9.1. The condition and functionality of these facilities vary based on factors like maintenance efforts, funding allocations, and community initiatives.

TOWN HALL

Franklin’s main municipal building, the Town Hall, houses the departments of Town administrator, Board of Assessors, Building & Inspections, Comptroller, Conservation, Facilities, Health, Human Resources, Planning & Community Development, Purchasing, Information Technology (IT), Town Clerk, and the Treasurer/Collector. As of 2023, the Town Hall is undergoing a mechanical renovation to improve the building’s sustainability after replacing the building’s windows with ultraviolet protection previously. The Town Hall is planning to go through an entire internal modernization within the next several years.

The concern for the Town Hall currently is a spatial concern. Departments like IT have seen an increase in staffing and space needs and may require additional space beyond what is possible in the current Town Hall structure.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The Franklin Department of Public Works (DPW) serves as a cornerstone of infrastructure maintenance, community development, and environmental stewardship in Franklin. DPW oversees nine departments, Administration, Engineering, Highway, Grounds, Water, Sewer,
 
Stormwater and Solid Waste & Recycling, which are committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents. All divisions are responsible for a wide range of essential services that keep the town running smoothly.

Road maintenance and repair are at the forefront of the DPW's responsibilities under the Highway Division. The department oversees road resurfacing, pothole repair, signage installation, and other road-related projects to ensure safe and efficient transportation for residents and visitors.

Solid waste management and recycling programs are another vital aspect of the DPW's operations. The department coordinates the collection and disposal of waste and recyclables, promoting responsible waste disposal practices and environmental sustainability within the community.

Additionally, the DPW manages water and sewer infrastructure. This includes maintaining water supply systems, ensuring water quality, and addressing sewer system maintenance and repair needs. These efforts contribute to the overall health and well-being of Franklin's residents. Stormwater management is another critical area of focus for the DPW. The department implements strategies to control stormwater runoff, prevent flooding, and protect local water bodies from pollution, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment.

Beyond these core functions, the DPW is involved in park maintenance, tree management, and landscape beautification projects that enhance the town's aesthetics and recreational spaces. The department's contributions to these areas significantly impact the community's overall quality of life.

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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format

Complete 2025 Master Plan report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)


Monday, August 10, 2026

You're Invited: Open House for Franklin's New Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility - August 20

The Town of Franklin's Water and Sewer Division of the DPW invites residents to tour the new Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility during a community Open House on Thursday, August 20, from 5 to 7 PM, located at 21 Elizabeth Avenue.
You're Invited: Open House for Franklin's New Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility - August 20

The new facility was built to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water and is designed to produce up to 580,000 gallons of treated drinking water per day while meeting Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) drinking water standards. The project also included upgrades to the site's existing treatment buildings, helping ensure Franklin continues to provide safe, reliable drinking water to the community.

During the Open House, visitors will have the opportunity to:
  • Tour the new treatment facility.
  • Learn how PFAS treatment works using granular activated carbon (GAC).
  • Meet members of Franklin's Public Works and Water Operations team.
  • Discover how the Town is investing in the long-term reliability and quality of Franklin's drinking water supply.
The event is free and open to the public. Whether you're interested in learning more about Franklin's water system or seeing the new facility firsthand, all are welcome to attend.


Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Town of Franklin announces: "Scheduled Water Shut-Off on Wednesday, July 8, 2026"

Town of Franklin announces: "Scheduled Water Shut-Off on Wednesday, July 8, 2026"
Please spread the word!

Water shut-off tomorrow in the affected areas listed below. Thank you for your patience and please plan accordingly.

  • Pine Street
  • Stanwood Drive
  • Sunken Meadow Road
  • John Edwards Circle



Franklin Fire Department shares swimming safety tips

"Stay safe in and around the water this summer!
Franklin Fire Department shares swimming safety tips

Whether you’re cooling off at a pool, lake, beach, or backyard, taking a few simple precautions can help prevent water-related emergencies.

The Franklin Fire Department encourages everyone to review these important swimming safety tips before heading out. Remember, drowning can happen quickly and quietly, and constant supervision is the best way to keep children safe around water.

Have fun. Be prepared. Stay safe this summer! "


Wednesday, May 20, 2026

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Water Dept (Enterprise Account)

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

Use the highest levels of science, innovation, conservation and customer service to safely deliver, and bill accordingly over seven hundred million gallons of potable water to the residents, businesses and industries of Franklin.

Core Functions

● Wells/water facilities (23 sites)
○ Maintain chemical levels to State & Federal standards, daily pumping records, daily water testing, weekly water sampling and testing by certified lab, and monthly records reported to MassDEP. Maintain pumps, electric motors, telemetry, chemical feed systems, standby power supplies, buildings, security fencing, roadways and grounds.
● Water Meters (~10,000 accounts)
○ All residential, commercial and industrial water meters read quarterly. Maintain meters, water meter calibration, water meter replacement program,
final read inspections for homes over 20 years old, records for water meter installation, meter history and maintenance cards.
● Emergency twenty-four hour, seven days a week response/ customer service.
● Cross-Connection Control Program
○ Operate and maintain a cross-connection control program that oversees the testing and inspection of over 700 backflow protection devices.
● Water Distribution System Maintenance
○ Maintain and repair all of the Town's water mains, water service lines to and including the curb stop valves, and public hydrants. Perform annual hydrant flushing, valve exercising and annual leak detection to provide the Town with adequate flows and pressures for fire protection and domestic uses. Keep unaccountable water at a low percentage.
● Support Supplies & Equipment
○ Ensure the department has trucks, equipment, and a proper inventory of supplies for day-to-day operations and emergencies after hours.
● This department provides both technical and physical assistance to internal and external customers for public and private projects including plan review and permitting, and provides excellent customer service.

Staffing

The salary costs for the Director, Managers and Administrative Staff are shared between the DPW General Fund and the various Enterprise funds.

The Water Enterprise fund pays for 17.94 FTEs (the breakdown):

● Management & Administration: 3.69
● Engineering/GIS Staff: 2.20
● Administrative Support: 1.05
● Water Division Laborers: 11.0

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Increased Mass DEP and EPA regulatory activities; particularly as they affect municipal water, PFAS, iron and manganese levels, lead and copper testing, water service line inventory and water management act conservation requirements.
● Lead in organizing municipalities to coordinate involvement in response to unwarranted, detrimental, and non-funded DEP policy making.
● Continue to secure water for the Town’s future, by restoring capacity in existing wells (treatment plant, well redevelopment, water treatment etc.).
● Strengthen existing 'Water Smart' development standards to ensure sustainable water conservation and more effective localized groundwater recharge.
● Cultivate community-wide water conservation through education and enforcement. This strategy remains central to the Town’s recognized success in maintaining low residential per capita consumption.
● Sustain the Town’s robust leak detection initiatives to limit water loss and ensure our unaccounted-for water percentage remains industry-leading at less than 10%.
● Continued proactive meter replacement plan for accurate water billing. In addition, continue to invest in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to improve operational efficiencies and sustainability by effectively monitoring water usage and system efficiency, detecting malfunctions and recognizing irregularities.
● As part of our commitment to transparency and efficiency, 70% of the Town has been transitioned to hourly water reading collection. We encourage all residents to utilize the Franklin Water Department Consumer Water Portal to monitor usage, set custom consumption alerts, and proactively detect potential leaks. Activate your My360 account today to take control of your water budget and support Town-wide conservation.
● Capital Improvement Concerns that will likely affect water rates:
○ The Town currently utilizes two existing, riveted steel tanks at the Hillside distribution storage facility, Hillside Tank No. 1 was originally constructed in 1888 and Hillside Tank No. 2 in 1928. In 2022 the Town elected to pursue replacement of the two existing riveted steel tanks with one new welded steel tank with combined capacity of 1.7 million gallons. The new tank will be equipped with a mixing system. The design of the project has been advanced to 95% and will be shelved until the funding is available (estimated at $10.5 million).
○ The prior 5-year Water Main Replacement program is now complete. The next 5-year plan focuses on replacement of older Cast Iron (CI) and Asbestos Cement (AC) water mains. In addition, these proposed projects will aid the Town in replacing galvanized water services that are potentially connected with Lead Goosenecks. These water services are required to be replaced by 2037 per the EPA's Lead & Copper Rule Improvement (LCRI) regulations. The replacement of water mains in the areas of Park Road, Maple Street, Partridge Street., Meadow Parkway, and Pheasant Hill Road are being considered among others.
○ The Pleasant Street Tank, Forge Hill Tank, and Bald Hill Tank all require rehabilitation. Specifically, we are looking at reconfiguring the existing low
service area (Pleasant Street) system to eliminate "in series” pumping and remove the existing tank. At the Bald Hill and Forge Hill Tanks, rehabilitation includes cleaning and repairing the interior and exterior concrete structure; replacing the interior overflow pipe assemblies; and repairing the shell manholes which show extensive corrosion. These projects will reduce annual energy costs and eliminate the need for future tank painting, pump replacement, and other structural/architectural improvements associated with the existing Pleasant Street infrastructure. The needed maintenance will also provide resiliency to the existing infrastructure for continued operation now and in the future. The projected total cost for all 3 projects is approximately $11.5 million.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● The FY27 budget was prepared as a “level service budget” to continue with residents' expected services. Exceptions include the following:
○ Account 517050 - Professional Licenses - Decreased $2,000 to align with the 5 year average.
○ Account 517195 - OPEB - Required increase in contribution
○ Account 521010 - Electricity - Increased $46,000 to account for inflation and align with 5 year average
○ Account 530700 - Architects and Engineers - Increase $10,000 to comply with Federal and State requirement to update Emergency Response Plan
○ Account 530950 - Consulting Services - Increase $10,000 to have consultant and lawyer assist with Water Management Act Renewal
○ Account 542010 - Office Supplies - Decreased $2,000 to align with the 5 year average.
○ Account 542080 - Office Equipment - Decreased $1,500 to align with the 5 year average.
○ Account 554010 - Construction Material - Decreased $5,000 to align with the 5 year average.
○ Account 554035- Chemicals - Increased $13,000 to account for inflation and operation of Well 7 in 2026/2027
● The FY27 personal services budget does reflect step raises and other contractual requirements for union employees as well as cola increases for non union staff. In addition, the budget includes a small increase for overtime.
 
FY27 Requested Budget Summary

Enterprise funds are accounted for separately from the General Operating Budget and are designed to be self-supporting through user fees and charges. As such, their revenues and expenditures do not impact the Town’s Operating Budget, as all costs are recovered within the enterprise fund rather than supported by general taxation.

The FY27 Water Department budget is a level-service request designed to maintain the high standards of safety, reliability, and conservation that Franklin residents expect. Approval of this budget ensures the continued delivery of over 700 million gallons of potable water while meeting increasingly stringent MassDEP and EPA regulations regarding PFAS, manganese, and lead. 

Furthermore, these funds support critical infrastructure modernizations, such as the AMI meter system and leak detection programs that keep our water loss rates among the lowest in the State. A reduction in this requested budget would directly impact the community by delaying vital well capacity restoration and infrastructure repairs, potentially increasing long-term emergency maintenance costs and hindering our ability to proactively detect leaks and deliver safe drinking water, meeting all Federal and State Standards, to the residents of Franklin.

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (5/11) Through Tuesday (5/12), 7 AM to 4 PM

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation of the water service into the building.  The work will be contained within one lane on Beaver Street.  During this time there will be a lane closure on Beaver Street between 7am and 4pm. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.


Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.




Teaser: Franklin TV and Franklin Matters took the opportunity to get inside of the Pump Station to take a tour and record the video so you will all be able to see what cost approximately $8M of the overall $33M project. The video will take time to edit so stay tuned for an informative inside view.


Saturday, April 25, 2026

3rd budget hearing covers Public Works & Public Safety (audio)

FM #1727 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1727 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on Public Works & Public Safety, the 3rd of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.



Quick recap:

  • Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first

  • Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW up next, 

  • Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back

  • Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.

  • Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered

  • Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it. Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year

  • So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more “around a table” rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.


Let’s listen in


Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1727-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-3-04-08-26/


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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  

https://www.youtube.com/live/x8Hb_pCl64A?&t=164 


Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221 


My full set of notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D-RumOpcYkE7SZ_czpSZzW5TKdS9SE3B/view?usp=drive_link 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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!

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


Saturday, April 4, 2026

Hydrant Flushing Begins the Week of April 13, 2026 for Franklin, MA

The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division begins its spring hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 13, 2026. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. 

Hydrant Flushing Begins the Week of April 13, 2026 for Franklin, MA
Hydrant Flushing Begins the Week
of April 13, 2026 for Franklin, MA
Flushing will take place Monday–Thursday, 3 PM – 7 PM and Saturdays, 7 AM – Noon. Additional flushing may occur during the day, as required. Hydrant flushing is expected to take 4 to 6 weeks, depending on weather and staff availability.

Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption. Visit https://www.franklinma.gov/635/Water-Quality to find out what you should do if you have discolored water.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the DPW office at 508-553-5500.




Road construction alert for Saturday: King St & Constitution Blvd

ROAD WORK Saturday
Please be aware the Franklin Water Department will perform planned water main repairs at the intersection of King St. and Constitution Blvd. on Saturday, 4/4, beginning at 4 AM. There will be NO road closures or detours for this work. Expect slowdowns due to lane closures in the area.
Please plan accordingly and we appreciate your understanding while we make these necessary repairs.



Saturday, January 24, 2026

Consider a "water system operator" role for a promising working future (video)

Consider a "water system operator" role for a promising working future (video)
Consider a "water system operator" role
for a promising working future (video)
With half of #MA water system operators over age 50, now is a great time to start a career in public drinking water. 

Water utilities have a strong tradition of mentoring, with experienced water system operators sharing their knowledge daily, on the job, with newer colleagues. 

To learn more about careers in the water

#DrinkingWater #Careers #MWWA #NationalMentoringMonth




Shared from Franklin DPW -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16n4QXNnX7/


Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Department of Public Works | Infrastructure & Costs

The Franklin Dept of Public Works (DPW) is scheduled to present on their operations which cover a bunch of our infrastructure.

The presentation PDF can be previewed here

or viewed here


Department of Public Works | Infrastructure & Costs
Department of Public Works | Infrastructure & Costs



Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 21 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101


Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:
 
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday


8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Town of Franklin water restrictions due to drought lifted by State

Attention Franklin Water Customers!

This message confirms that there are currently no water use restrictions in Franklin.

On November 14, 2025, the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary removed all Drought declarations for Franklin and the Southeastern Region.
removed all Drought declarations for Franklin and the Southeastern Region
removed all Drought declarations for
Franklin and the Southeastern Region

Please note that standard MassDEP-required water conservation restrictions will be reinstated on June 1, 2026, unless a drought or other water related emergencies are declared sooner.

We appreciate your cooperation in protecting our community's water resources during the recent drought. Since Franklin's water is sourced from 100%  groundwater in Town, every drop is important.

For year-round water-saving tips, please refer to these resources:

– Town of Franklin Department of Public 

#drought2025 #keepfranklinflowing #franklinma


You can listen to my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent, and learn about the updates to Franklin’s sewer and water projects. Among the topics covered are the drought status and overall water supply capacity for the Town of Franklin. ->

Friday, October 31, 2025

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, October 31, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 


9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.



11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience



Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Have you seen the Town of Franklin annual water quality report ???

The annual report should have arrived via regular postal mail. If you missed it, you can find a PDF copy for this year and prior years on the Town of Franklin Water & Sewer Division page


Prior year archive of reports ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=45


The image below (from the report) depicts the water process from the well to the tap

Have you seen the Town of Franklin annual water quality report ???
Have you seen the Town of Franklin annual water quality report ???

For additional insights and explanations, you can listen to the 3-part podcast series with Water Superintendent Doug Martin and Asst Superintendent Jake Standly as we covered the process from the well to the tap.  For ease of finding the series, it is also posted on the Water & Sewer home page ->

PS - we also did a 3-part series on the sewer system from the flush to water treatment also found on the same page.

Thursday, August 14, 2025

HYDRANT FLUSHING ALERT! on 8/14/25 & 8/15/25 for East Central Street, Jordan, and Mill Street


13 Magnolia Dr
182013
Dear Neighbor,
 
HYDRANT FLUSHING ALERT! - 8/14/25 & 8/15/25

Due to an increase in discolored water complaints from the East Central Street, Jordan, and Mill Street we will be flushing hydrants in those areas on Thursday 8/14/25 and Friday 8/15/25 between the hours of 8am and 2pm

If you experience discolored water please flush with cold water only, until it clears up. For more information on discolored water please visit our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/635/Water-Quality

Thank you for your patience during this time.
 
Thanks for caring about your water use,
Doug Martin
Franklin Water & Sewer Department

hydrant flushing in action on Cottage St
hydrant flushing in action on Cottage St