ARJWW WATER UPDATE
Keeping you informed about the ongoing work by the Abington Rockland Joint Water Works (ARJWW) to ensure the quality of your drinking water is a priority of ours. We are happy to provide another update on water quality concerns and what ARJWW is doing to address the issue.
What is being done to correct per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Water Quality Concerns? ARJWW has secured a $26 million State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan to retrofit 2 treatment plants effected by PFAS. We will be installing Granular Activated Carbon Media (GAC) & Resin Filters to correct the PFAS issue and completing much needed infrastructure improvements to the treatment plants during this project.
What stage is the PFAS project in now? Currently ARJWW will be bidding for the project in September 2023, with hopes to break ground in the fall/winter. ARJWW has already completed the bidding process and secured a contractor for the filter vessels.
When is the project expected to be completed? The entire project should take 2-2 ½ years to complete. Please remember this is both a PFAS and a treatment plant infrastructure update project. The PFAS portion will be the MAIN FOCUS of the beginning part of the project, followed by other updates.
What causes rusty water or taste & odor to happen? Lack of use and dead ended water mains can cause taste and odor issues in the distribution system. Occasionally, seasonal issues in the reservoirs can cause temporary taste and odor problems but they are usually remedied quite fast. Rusty water can occur during flushing (usually done semi-annually to clean the water mains), during a water main break, or even during a fire (any use of a hydrant).
Where does my water come from? Rockland gets its water from two sources: Hingham Street WTP in Rockland and the Great Sandy Bottom WTP in Pembroke. If you’re curious about which source you get your water from, please call the Water Department at 781-878-0901.
What is the funding source for the ARJWW? Taxes do not fund the water department. Water bills, paid by the residents & businesses, are the funding source. The water rates were recently increased to provide funding for ARJWW to be able to pay back the $26 million PFAS loan (which will fix the PFAS problem with the water). Rockland water users are only paying back half ($13M) of the $26 million PFAS loan, as we share that expense 50/50 with Abington.
What else should residents know about ARJWW? There is currently a moratorium in place for service connections. We have a limited supply of water left on the permit issued to Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works. The Board of Water Commissioners voted to approve single-family homes and renovations for water service only, to ensure that the permit is not exceeded and there is adequate water supply for the residents.
Despite the great deal of rain recently, the lack of snowfall during the last two winter seasons has put the town’s drinking water supplies at lower-than-normal levels for this time of year. Our reservoirs are slowly rising, but we still ask that residents do their best to conserve and use water responsibly. Please refrain from watering your lawns.
The Board of Water Commissioners decided in July to keep the Water Use Restrictions at a Step 4 (highest level) however they will assess monthly. Please check the website for updates.
ARJWW is responsible for the production and supply of water to over 33,500 residents in Abington, Rockland, Hanson, Pembroke, Hingham, and Whitman. ARJWW maintains 126 miles of water mains and approximately 1800 hydrants. ARJWW has 3 drinking water treatment plants located in 3 different towns: Pembroke, Rockland, and Abington. ARJWW maintains three storage tank facilities that includes one booster station.
AROUND TOWN HALL
Jennifer Constable Named Hull's Town Manager
We will miss the familiar face around Town Hall of Jennifer Constable, Rockland’s Assistant Town Administrator for the last four years. Jen was recently appointed as the new Town Manager for the Town of Hull. In addition to her prior experience on the Hull Select Board, Jen brought to Rockland more than ten years of experience at many state positions including deputy manager in the Office of Community Development and manager of the community investment tax credit program. Best of luck Jen!
The South Shore Recycling Center will host four household hazardous waste collections this fall. Rockland residents are invited to bring their recyclables to Hanover on 11/4 from 9AM to 1PM. Registration information including location and what can and cannot be recycled can be found at bit.ly/ssrchhw or by calling the SSRC at 781-329-8318.
MEGAN KHANG, ROCKLAND’S OWN LGPA CHAMPION!
Megan Khang turned pro upon graduating from Rockland High in 2015. After racking up 34 top ten finishes, this summer she shot nine under par to win her first LPGA tournament, the CPKC Women’s Open in Vancouver, BC on August 27th.
Megan told the Associated Press during the Portland Classic that followed her first LPGA win her “Game feels pretty solid. I think last week definitely helped build some confidence, knowing I can win out here. It’s not just if it was going to happen or when, but like it has happened, so it’s definitely a great feeling to have under the belt.”
You can follow Megan and her play on Instagram!
ROCKLAND REC NEWS AND ACTIVITIES
The Town will close Union Street from Union Avenue to Linden Street to highlight local businesses, restaurants, and Rockland's close-knit community. Enjoy the autumn décor, live entertainment, food & beverages, talented artisans, and entrepreneurs. Let's make Rockland Fall Festival 2023 the best it can be!
Rockland Rec has a lot of other things going on this fall as well. Everything from their first ever Warrior Run Obstacle Race on October 7th, to their 3 on 3 Basketball Tournaments on October 14th. Learn more and register for these and other events at Rockland Rec or by calling 781-871-1730.
SCHOOL/TURF FIELD UPDATES
All Projects Are On Schedule And Significantly Under Budget!
All Phelps School Students grade 1-4 are in the building.
The Jefferson School is down with new park to come.
The Turf Field at old Memorial Park School is nearing completion
