Author: Kayla Rochon

GEORGETOWN –  Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Water Department has added two items to its list of fixtures and appliances that are eligible for rebates. 

The Georgetown Water Department has added bathroom sink faucets and showerheads that are labeled with the WaterSense seal — an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program. Residents who purchase WaterSense bathroom faucets or showerheads will be eligible for up to $50 per qualifying item while funds remain. Rebates are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

WaterSense faucets that use no more than 1.5 gallons per minute — lower than the standard of 2.2 gallons per minute — can reduce a sink’s water flow by 30 percent or more. According to the EPA, replacing old, inefficient faucets and aerators with WaterSense models can save the average family 700 gallons of water per year — the amount needed to take 45 showers. 

Likewise, with WaterSense labeled showerheads, the average family could save up to 2,700 gallons of water per year. As a result, the reduced water usage will help families save on their energy bills by limiting the demand on their hot water heaters. The amount of electricity saved could total as much as 330 kilowatt-hours, which is equal to the amount needed to power a house for 11 days. 

These new rebates come in addition to existing rebates for high-efficiency toilets and washing machines, as well as smart irrigation controllers. 

To learn more about the Georgetown Water Department’s rebate program, visit georgetownwater.org/rebate-program/.

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GEORGETOWN —Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush announces that the Georgetown Water Department will begin its spring flushing program next week.

Water main flushing will begin during the week of March 28 and continue for approximately four weeks. Work will be ongoing during the morning and early afternoon hours.

The water system undergoes flushing twice a year to help ensure sustained water quality and clarity and support the longevity of the system’s infrastructure.

Flushing will take place Monday-Friday from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. according to the following schedule:

• During the week of March 28: flushing will be done in the Central Street, Nelson Street, Little Hill, Baldpate Road, Andover Street, West Street, and Lake Shore Drive areas.
• During the week of April 4: flushing will be done in the West Main Street, East Main Street, Elm Street, Tenney street and Searle Street areas.
• During the week of April 11: flushing will be done in the North Street and Pond Street areas.
• During the week of April 18: flushing will be done in the Jewett Street and Thurlow Street areas.
• During the week of April 25: flushing will be done in the Jackman Street and Warren Street areas.

Residents of these areas may experience low or no water pressure while flushing is ongoing. The water pressure should be restored when flushing is finished in that area, though residents may also notice that the water may have some discoloration or a change in water clarity. This is due to the removal of sediment from the underground pipes during the flushing. 

The discoloration should be gone after a short time, but residents can expedite the process by running water from a high-volume faucet — such as a bathtub — until water runs clear. Residents are encouraged to avoid doing laundry while flushing is occurring in their neighborhood in order to prevent damage to clothing. 

For additional information, questions, or concerns about the spring flushing please contact The Georgetown Water Department office at 978-352-5750.

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