TopicsWater & Environment

Water & Environment

Drinking water, PFAS, sewer and wastewater projects, stormwater, and water rates.

Barnstable County NewsJul 31, 2026

Falmouth Sets New Sewer Closure Near Maravista For Week Of Aug. 10

Falmouth's sewer project will add a new weekday road closure south of the Maravista intersection starting the week of Aug. 10, town officials announced, as work continues to keep Brick Kiln Road and Maravista Avenue Extension closed between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. At the library,…

Middlesex County NewsJul 31, 2026

Burlington Road Construction Resumes Monday as Sewer Contractor Returns

Contractor C. Naughton resumes work on Bedford's Middlesex Sewer Force Main Project along Burlington Road the week of August 3, the town's News Flash confirmed. The update gives no detour details but signals continued disruption for drivers on that corridor into the fall. Separately, Re…

Bedford NewsJul 31, 2026

Burlington Road Construction Resumes Monday as Sewer Contractor Returns

Contractor C. Naughton resumes work on Bedford's Middlesex Sewer Force Main Project along Burlington Road the week of August 3, the town's News Flash confirmed. The update gives no detour details but signals continued disruption for drivers on that corridor into the fall. Separately, Re…

Falmouth NewsJul 31, 2026

Falmouth Sets New Sewer Closure Near Maravista For Week Of Aug. 10

Falmouth's sewer project will add a new weekday road closure south of the Maravista intersection starting the week of Aug. 10, town officials announced, as work continues to keep Brick Kiln Road and Maravista Avenue Extension closed between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. At the library,…

Wayland NewsJul 30, 2026

PFAS Contamination at Former Wayland DPW Site Extends to Middle School Property

Wayland consultant reports PFAS contamination at former DPW site far exceeds initial projections, now reaching the middle school property.

Middlesex County NewsJul 30, 2026

PFAS Contamination at Former Wayland DPW Site Extends to Middle School Property

Wayland consultant reports PFAS contamination at former DPW site far exceeds initial projections, now reaching the middle school property.

Worcester County NewsJul 29, 2026

Shrewsbury DPW Schedules Water Flow Testing On Green Street

Shrewsbury's DPW scheduled water flow testing on Green Street for 1 p.m. Thursday, warning nearby residents of possible pressure drops or discoloration. The town also rolled out a new homepage navigation tool to help residents find municipal services more easily, a move covered by Shrew…

Hampden County NewsJul 29, 2026

Heavy Rain Sends Sewage, Stormwater Into Connecticut River

Heavy rain overwhelmed Springfield's sewer system, sending tens of millions of gallons of sewage and stormwater into the Connecticut River this week. The pollution, reported Wednesday by Western Mass News, followed two consecutive days of downpours across the region. Separately, the cit…

Middlesex County NewsJul 29, 2026

Flash flood watch issued as heavy rain threatens Watertown area

Forecasters warn of a life-threatening flash flood risk moving into the Watertown area this week. A flash flood watch is in effect for parts of Massachusetts as tropical downpours threaten to bring more than seven inches of rain to some areas, according to a report titled "7+ Inches Of …

Worcester County NewsJul 29, 2026

Fisherville Pond Gets Herbicide Treatment For Invasive Water Chestnut

Fisherville Pond received a scheduled herbicide treatment Wednesday to fight invasive water chestnut, even as the town launched a search for volunteers to join its newly formed Grafton Common Traffic Study Committee. The panel will develop a strategic plan for traffic changes at the Com…

Danvers NewsJul 29, 2026

Water Main Break Disrupts Northshore Avenue Area

A water main break near Northshore Avenue disrupted service for Danvers customers Wednesday morning as Public Works crews scrambled to make repairs, per a Patch report. The disruption came the same day Danvers' 7v7 football team advanced alongside Peabody and Masconomet to the New Engla…

Grafton NewsJul 29, 2026

Fisherville Pond Gets Herbicide Treatment For Invasive Water Chestnut

Fisherville Pond received a scheduled herbicide treatment Wednesday to fight invasive water chestnut, even as the town launched a search for volunteers to join its newly formed Grafton Common Traffic Study Committee. The panel will develop a strategic plan for traffic changes at the Com…

Essex County NewsJul 29, 2026

Water Main Break Disrupts Northshore Avenue Area

A water main break near Northshore Avenue disrupted service for Danvers customers Wednesday morning as Public Works crews scrambled to make repairs, per a Patch report. The disruption came the same day Danvers' 7v7 football team advanced alongside Peabody and Masconomet to the New Engla…

Watertown NewsJul 29, 2026

Flash flood watch issued as heavy rain threatens Watertown area

Forecasters warn of a life-threatening flash flood risk moving into the Watertown area this week. A flash flood watch is in effect for parts of Massachusetts as tropical downpours threaten to bring more than seven inches of rain to some areas, according to a report titled "7+ Inches Of …

Shrewsbury NewsJul 29, 2026

Shrewsbury DPW Schedules Water Flow Testing On Green Street

Shrewsbury's DPW scheduled water flow testing on Green Street for 1 p.m. Thursday, warning nearby residents of possible pressure drops or discoloration. The town also rolled out a new homepage navigation tool to help residents find municipal services more easily, a move covered by Shrew…

Springfield NewsJul 29, 2026

Heavy Rain Sends Sewage, Stormwater Into Connecticut River

Heavy rain overwhelmed Springfield's sewer system, sending tens of millions of gallons of sewage and stormwater into the Connecticut River this week. The pollution, reported Wednesday by Western Mass News, followed two consecutive days of downpours across the region. Separately, the cit…

Worcester County NewsJul 28, 2026

Douglas Water Commission Approves Plan to Raise Rates, Seek Retained Earnings Transfer

Douglas Water Commission identifies $263,117 FY27 budget gap, approves two-part fix.

Douglas NewsJul 28, 2026

Douglas Water Commission Approves Plan to Raise Rates, Seek Retained Earnings Transfer

Douglas Water Commission identifies $263,117 FY27 budget gap, approves two-part fix.

Norfolk County NewsJul 28, 2026

Water restrictions persist as new tri-town treatment plant starts up

Holbrook's Phase 2 water restrictions remain in effect as the region's new Tri-Town Water Treatment Plant begins operations. The Randolph/Holbrook Joint Water Board announced the plant's startup as of July 1, while the town's water conservation rules imposed July 17 continue to apply to…

Andover NewsJul 28, 2026

Andover Imposes Strict Level 3 Drought Water Restrictions

Andover residents face a near-total ban on outdoor water use after the town moved to Level 3 drought restrictions. The critical-drought designation, reported by andovermanews.com, prohibits nearly all outdoor water use as the region's dry summer persists. Separately, Rainbow Fund organi…

Wayland NewsJul 28, 2026

Wayland DPW Launches Online Portal for Real-Time Water Usage Monitoring

Wayland's Department of Public Works has launched a new customer portal giving residents real-time access to their household water usage data. The portal, announced Tuesday, allows homeowners to track consumption and flag potential leaks through the town website. Wayland Patch also repo…

Essex County NewsJul 28, 2026

Andover Imposes Strict Level 3 Drought Water Restrictions

Andover residents face a near-total ban on outdoor water use after the town moved to Level 3 drought restrictions. The critical-drought designation, reported by andovermanews.com, prohibits nearly all outdoor water use as the region's dry summer persists. Separately, Rainbow Fund organi…

Wakefield NewsJul 28, 2026

Nightly I-95 Ramp Closures, Water Main Work Continue This Week

Nightly I-95 southbound ramp closures and a water main replacement near Prospect and Emerson streets dominate Wakefield's town news this week. The closures, running 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, July 31, are tied to a $14.3 million interstate pavement preservation project, according…

Norfolk County NewsJul 28, 2026

Franklin Schedules Water Shut-Off Ahead of Pond Treatment

Franklin residents faced a scheduled water shut-off Tuesday as the town prepared for a separate aquatic treatment project later in the week. The Department of Public Works confirmed the Tuesday, July 28, 2026 shut-off, while DelCarte Ponds is set for aquatic vegetation treatment on Thur…

Holbrook NewsJul 28, 2026

Water restrictions persist as new tri-town treatment plant starts up

Holbrook's Phase 2 water restrictions remain in effect as the region's new Tri-Town Water Treatment Plant begins operations. The Randolph/Holbrook Joint Water Board announced the plant's startup as of July 1, while the town's water conservation rules imposed July 17 continue to apply to…

Middlesex County NewsJul 28, 2026

Natick Imposes Mandatory Ban On Outdoor Water Use

Natick imposed a mandatory ban on all nonessential outdoor water use this week, even as a years-long harassment saga tied to eBay closed out with a massive payday for a local couple. The town's News Flash announced the water restriction with no stated end date, directing residents to th…

Natick NewsJul 28, 2026

Natick Imposes Mandatory Ban On Outdoor Water Use

Natick imposed a mandatory ban on all nonessential outdoor water use this week, even as a years-long harassment saga tied to eBay closed out with a massive payday for a local couple. The town's News Flash announced the water restriction with no stated end date, directing residents to th…

Middlesex County NewsJul 28, 2026

Nightly I-95 Ramp Closures, Water Main Work Continue This Week

Nightly I-95 southbound ramp closures and a water main replacement near Prospect and Emerson streets dominate Wakefield's town news this week. The closures, running 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, July 31, are tied to a $14.3 million interstate pavement preservation project, according…

Franklin NewsJul 28, 2026

Franklin Schedules Water Shut-Off Ahead of Pond Treatment

Franklin residents faced a scheduled water shut-off Tuesday as the town prepared for a separate aquatic treatment project later in the week. The Department of Public Works confirmed the Tuesday, July 28, 2026 shut-off, while DelCarte Ponds is set for aquatic vegetation treatment on Thur…

Middlesex County NewsJul 28, 2026

Wayland DPW Launches Online Portal for Real-Time Water Usage Monitoring

Wayland's Department of Public Works has launched a new customer portal giving residents real-time access to their household water usage data. The portal, announced Tuesday, allows homeowners to track consumption and flag potential leaks through the town website. Wayland Patch also repo…

Wayland NewsJul 27, 2026

Wayland water committee plans algae testing, locks in Heard Pond contracts

Wayland's Surface Water Quality Committee approved algae testing on Dudley Pond and cleared a $1,027 lab invoice that zeroes its fiscal 2026 budget.

Middlesex County NewsJul 27, 2026

Watertown School Committee Unanimously Approves Interim Student Services Director Amid Public Outcry

Watertown School Committee unanimously approves interim student services director and creates new oversight subcommittee.

Dartmouth NewsJul 27, 2026

Dartmouth Board Hears Sewer Capacity Warning, Weighs Response to November Zoning Ballot

Dartmouth Planning Board gets sewer warning and mobilizes against November zoning ballot question.

Bristol County NewsJul 27, 2026

Dartmouth Board Hears Sewer Capacity Warning, Weighs Response to November Zoning Ballot

Dartmouth Planning Board gets sewer warning and mobilizes against November zoning ballot question.

Middlesex County NewsJul 27, 2026

Groton Select Board Raises Stormwater Fee 15 Percent, Defers Representative Town Meeting Decision

Groton Select Board raises stormwater fee to $69 and sidesteps a push to study representative town meeting.

Billerica NewsJul 27, 2026

Billerica Select Board Waives $22,063 in Sewer Fees for Wicked Wings Restaurant

Billerica Select Board votes 4-1 to waive $22,063 in sewer fees for Wicked Wings restaurant over staff objection. The special meeting vote on July 27 corrected a July 20 action in which only roughly $10,000 of a nearly $32,000 fee total had been waived due to imprecise motion language.

Watertown NewsJul 27, 2026

Watertown School Committee Unanimously Approves Interim Student Services Director Amid Public Outcry

Watertown School Committee unanimously approves interim student services director and creates new oversight subcommittee.

Middlesex County NewsJul 27, 2026

Billerica Select Board Waives $22,063 in Sewer Fees for Wicked Wings Restaurant

Billerica Select Board votes 4-1 to waive $22,063 in sewer fees for Wicked Wings restaurant over staff objection. The special meeting vote on July 27 corrected a July 20 action in which only roughly $10,000 of a nearly $32,000 fee total had been waived due to imprecise motion language.

Middlesex County NewsJul 27, 2026

Wayland Wastewater Commission Approves 9 Percent Rate Hike for FY27

Wayland's Wastewater Management District Commission approved a roughly 9 percent rate increase for fiscal year 2027 at its July 27 meeting.

Wayland NewsJul 27, 2026

Wayland Wastewater Commission Approves 9 Percent Rate Hike for FY27

Wayland's Wastewater Management District Commission approved a roughly 9 percent rate increase for fiscal year 2027 at its July 27 meeting.

Groton NewsJul 27, 2026

Groton Select Board Raises Stormwater Fee 15 Percent, Defers Representative Town Meeting Decision

Groton Select Board raises stormwater fee to $69 and sidesteps a push to study representative town meeting.

Concord NewsJul 26, 2026

Rotary Redesign Could Reshape Concord's $50 Million Water Project

A possible rotary redesign could reshape Concord's $50 million water project, Patch reports, as the Select Board convenes Monday. The report, from Patch's local "Patch AM" roundup, describes town officials weighing changes to a rotary as part of the broader overhaul of the town's water …

Middlesex County NewsJul 26, 2026

Rotary Redesign Could Reshape Concord's $50 Million Water Project

A possible rotary redesign could reshape Concord's $50 million water project, Patch reports, as the Select Board convenes Monday. The report, from Patch's local "Patch AM" roundup, describes town officials weighing changes to a rotary as part of the broader overhaul of the town's water …

Dennis NewsJul 26, 2026

Dennis Posts Update on Wastewater Project

Dennis posted a fresh update on its ongoing wastewater overhaul this week, one of several Town Hall items ahead of the weekend. Town Administrator Elizabeth Sullivan's office, which regularly issues project and operations reports, did not detail new costs or timelines but pointed reside…

Barnstable County NewsJul 26, 2026

Dennis Posts Update on Wastewater Project

Dennis posted a fresh update on its ongoing wastewater overhaul this week, one of several Town Hall items ahead of the weekend. Town Administrator Elizabeth Sullivan's office, which regularly issues project and operations reports, did not detail new costs or timelines but pointed reside…

Watertown NewsJul 25, 2026

Watertown Median Home Sale Price Reaches $899,000 Over One-Month Span

Watertown recorded 16 property transfers between June 26 and July 25, with 11 disclosing a sale price ranging from $413,000 to $1,712,500 and a median of $899,000. The month's top sale was 28 Oliver St, a single-family home that sold for $1,712,500 on June 30. Condominium units accounte…

Bridgewater NewsJul 25, 2026

Bridgewater Home Sale Prices Span $350 To $835 In Latest Deed Filings

Bridgewater recorded 11 property transfers between June 26 and July 25, 2026. Six sales disclosed a price, ranging from $350 to $835 with a median of $620; the other five did not disclose a sale price. The top sale was 11 Bramblewood St. at $835, sold by Craig J. and Erin R. Besse to Br…

Bristol County NewsJul 25, 2026

Mansfield Moves to Phase III Water Restrictions Amid Summer Heat

Mansfield has moved to Phase III water restrictions, its strictest conservation tier, as summer construction continues across town. The Alert Center posted the mandatory restrictions this summer, alongside notice from the DPW-Highway Division of several road projects underway and a majo…

Middlesex County NewsJul 25, 2026

Lowell Logs Combined Sewer Overflow From July 21

Lowell logged a combined sewer overflow dated July 21, per a notice from the regional Merrimack Valley alert network. The notification, part of the state-required system that flags wastewater discharges into the Merrimack River during heavy rain or capacity events, confirmed the CSO occ…

Plymouth County NewsJul 25, 2026

Recorded Sale Considerations Stay Under $800 Across East Bridgewater Deeds

East Bridgewater recorded nine property transfers between June 26 and July 25, 2026, according to Plymouth County Registry of Deeds filings. Six of the nine listed a sale consideration, ranging from $300 to $799 with a median of $562; the remaining three, all trust transfers within the …

Mansfield NewsJul 25, 2026

Mansfield Moves to Phase III Water Restrictions Amid Summer Heat

Mansfield has moved to Phase III water restrictions, its strictest conservation tier, as summer construction continues across town. The Alert Center posted the mandatory restrictions this summer, alongside notice from the DPW-Highway Division of several road projects underway and a majo…

West Bridgewater NewsJul 25, 2026

Family Trust Transfers Dominate West Bridgewater Property Records Amid Sparse Price Disclosure

West Bridgewater recorded nine property transfers between June 26 and July 25, but only two disclosed a sale price: $565 for 208 Matfield Street and $485 for 117 Prospect Street, yielding a median of $525 across those two sales. The remaining seven transfers, including properties on Wes…

East Bridgewater NewsJul 25, 2026

Recorded Sale Considerations Stay Under $800 Across East Bridgewater Deeds

East Bridgewater recorded nine property transfers between June 26 and July 25, 2026, according to Plymouth County Registry of Deeds filings. Six of the nine listed a sale consideration, ranging from $300 to $799 with a median of $562; the remaining three, all trust transfers within the …

Plymouth County NewsJul 25, 2026

Family Trust Transfers Dominate West Bridgewater Property Records Amid Sparse Price Disclosure

West Bridgewater recorded nine property transfers between June 26 and July 25, but only two disclosed a sale price: $565 for 208 Matfield Street and $485 for 117 Prospect Street, yielding a median of $525 across those two sales. The remaining seven transfers, including properties on Wes…

North Attleborough NewsJul 25, 2026

North Attleborough Announces Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions

North Attleborough moves to Stage 2 outdoor water restrictions, tightening conservation rules for residents. Town officials announced the escalation in a News Flash post without detailing every new limit, urging residents to check the town website for specifics on what outdoor water use…

Middlesex County NewsJul 25, 2026

Watertown Median Home Sale Price Reaches $899,000 Over One-Month Span

Watertown recorded 16 property transfers between June 26 and July 25, with 11 disclosing a sale price ranging from $413,000 to $1,712,500 and a median of $899,000. The month's top sale was 28 Oliver St, a single-family home that sold for $1,712,500 on June 30. Condominium units accounte…

Bristol County NewsJul 25, 2026

North Attleborough Announces Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions

North Attleborough moves to Stage 2 outdoor water restrictions, tightening conservation rules for residents. Town officials announced the escalation in a News Flash post without detailing every new limit, urging residents to check the town website for specifics on what outdoor water use…

Barnstable County NewsJul 25, 2026

Sewer Road Closures Continue Into Another Week

Sewer construction keeps two Falmouth roads closed on weekdays as library branches roll out a packed week of summer programs. The town's News Flash confirmed Brick Kiln Road and Maravista Avenue Extension remain closed 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays for ongoing sewer work, while the Select B…

Lowell NewsJul 25, 2026

Lowell Logs Combined Sewer Overflow From July 21

Lowell logged a combined sewer overflow dated July 21, per a notice from the regional Merrimack Valley alert network. The notification, part of the state-required system that flags wastewater discharges into the Merrimack River during heavy rain or capacity events, confirmed the CSO occ…

Plymouth County NewsJul 25, 2026

Bridgewater Home Sale Prices Span $350 To $835 In Latest Deed Filings

Bridgewater recorded 11 property transfers between June 26 and July 25, 2026. Six sales disclosed a price, ranging from $350 to $835 with a median of $620; the other five did not disclose a sale price. The top sale was 11 Bramblewood St. at $835, sold by Craig J. and Erin R. Besse to Br…

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