27 July, 2015
Water-Sewer manager Eric Carty gave HCAM News an update on the Water Tanks in-front of Hopkinton Middle School. The smaller tank to the right holds approximately 320,000 gallons and was built in 1922, Carty stated they are looking into temporary maintenance work and to eventually have the tank replaced to increase storage; "this one is not quite sufficient enough anymore with the growth we've had in town." The tank to the left was built in 1966 and holds approximately 1.5 million gallons and evaluations are being done for spot repairs and cleaning.
Carty stated that engineers from Weston & Sampson are currently evaluating the tanks; "right now the indication is to take the smaller tank down and use a same height tank." The Water-Sewer manager mentioned in order to take the small tank down, it is likely that the wider tank would have to be built next to the smaller tank so the town would not have a tank down during the process in order to keep up with the demand. "It is still early in the study so something else might come out of it but that seems the way they will be falling right now."
Carty said it's been a busy summer for the DPW with a lot of construction happening during the summer throughout town; "we've been busy with doing inspections for the water mains and getting them filled and all the other associated work that goes along with the construction." Despite the lack of rain this summer, Carty mentioned that the water levels are doing okay; "we've had just enough rain that kept us at an okay level, we're starting to see the ground levels drop." He mentioned that water consumption should be monitored closely with a lack of rain the last couple of weeks; "we are trying to get the word out there that your lawns really only need 1 inch of water a week to stay green and if everyone adheres to the watering rules and regulations which are imposed on us by the DEP, than that will help us make it through the summer without any significant issues in terms of supply."
You can see more information about a rain barrel program the DPW implemented with the help of local nurseries here.
To hear more information watch the interview below.
