Due to the snow storm and snow removal there will be no parking on Main Street Until Further NoticeAt this time of year shifting temperatures is the primary cause of water main breaks. This past Wednesday we were notified of a potential break on Orchard Street. In cases such as this which includes heavy equipment, it is a combined effort of the Water Department and the Public Works Road Crew. By late afternoon, and after digging to the source of the problem, it became clear that it was a service line to an adjacent house, but it was also at the main – this meant a repair of both. Our men were able to do the repair immediately. Simultaneously, and possibly due to pressure in the system, another break occurred a block away on Elm Street. This break was more significant due to it being a dual break in two separate lines. The crews worked through the night making the repair and ensuring that water was returned to the surrounding residences. Luckily the temperature remained above freezing through the evening.
To say the least, this is arduous work which involves a great deal of specialized equipment and critical and efficient problem solving. I want to thank Chris Bennett, Water Department Supervisor and DPW Supervisor, Mike Moser for their leadership and hands on work with the crews. Thank you to the men who at certain points were waist deep in water and worked tirelessly to make the needed repairs. Thank you to the residents who understood the difficulty and magnitude of the issues we were contending with. And special thanks to Matt Rinaldi, owner of Frank’s Pizza, who without blinking made enough pizza to help sustain the men. So, it takes many hands. Of course, the early sleet storm on Friday morning was but another challenge. The road condition on Elm is rough so please be aware and drive slowly and carefully.
