*PHOTOS* Whittier Tech Carpentry Students Build New Ramp at Georgetown Water Department
Superintendent Maureen Lynch and Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush are pleased to share that 14 Whittier Tech seniors in the Carpentry pathway recently completed a community project at the Georgetown Water Department.
Throughout the fall, Whittier Tech carpentry students took on a project for the Georgetown Water Department: replacing its old handicap ramp.
Last winter, the Georgetown Water Department was part of a town survey that analyzed all town buildings. The survey revealed issues with the department’s handicap ramp.
Director Ladderbush reached out to Whittier Tech Vocational Coordinator Paul Moskevitz, who is a Georgetown resident, for help with the project. Moskevitz then coordinated students to rebuild the ramp with the help of Carpentry Instructor Mike Sandlin.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) students and their instructor Scott Robertson designed and drew the blueprints for the project.
Carpentry students then demolished the old ramp and installed a completely new, code-compliant handicap ramp. They also redid the stairs and installed a box for Georgetown residents to drop off their water bill payments so they would not have to enter the building while construction was being completed.
“The Whittier Tech students who completed this project did an outstanding job,” said Director Ladderbush. “The kids were great, hard-working, well-mannered, and extremely polite. I cannot thank them enough for their work, which will benefit our community for years to come.”
Students completed the project during their shop week. All students met at Whittier Tech before heading over to the job site, and they returned to Whittier near the end of each school day.
The seniors who worked on the project include:
- Jeffrey Avila, of Haverhill
- Christopher Bognanno, of Haverhill
- Aidan Collins, of Haverhill
- Stephanie Darmody, of Ipswich
- Shannon DeJesus, of Haverhill
- Aiden Dupre, of Haverhill
- Noah Gayner, of Haverhill
- Craig Kielbania, of Ipswich
- William King, of Merrimac
- William Monroy, of Haverhill
- Jordan Salthouse, of Georgetown
- Zachary Sieminski, of Haverhill
- Benificent Silva, of Haverhill
- Connor Swales, of Haverhill
“Each of these students exemplifies the ideals of Whittier Tech with their work and continued devotion to the surrounding communities,” said Superintendent Lynch. “These community projects allow our students to connect with community organizations and their members and provide them with valuable experience along the way.”
Valve Malfunction Temporarily Causes Discolored Water
Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush reports that a valve malfunction at the water treatment plant is causing water to become discolored temporarily.
At 7 a.m. on Monday, an old valve in one of two filtration chambers did not close, allowing a rush of air through the system. This increased water pressure stirred up naturally occurring minerals and sediment that accrue over time. Department staff closed the valve manually within five minutes.
The valve is located in a filter that is currently being replaced as part of a long-term upgrade at the plant.
If you have discolored water, we recommend you run cold water, preferably the highest bathroom tap.
Until the line runs clear:
- Avoid drinking discolored water.
- Do not run your hot water or use your dishwasher until the water is clear. If you accidentally use hot water while the water is discolored, you may have to flush the hot water tank to clear out the discolorations.
- If possible, delay doing laundry because clothes may become stained.We ask anyone with questions or concerns to call our office at 978-352-5750.
Update on Plant Maintenance, Reports of Discolored Water
We would like to provide an update about ongoing maintenance of our Water Treatment Plant, and reports about discolored water.
The Department is currently rehabilitating two pressure filters at the water treatment plant. Each filter contains four chambers. Two of the eight chambers have been replaced to date.
This work must be done cautiously and in stages. One filter alone cannot fully remove the levels of iron in our water. The Department did not perform its usual fall flushing last year due to the extreme drought and low water table. As a result any change in flow such as a stop-and-start will stir up minerals and sediment that accumulate in the mains over time. This may lead to discolored water.
Any resurfacing road work may cause disturbances to the main and could cause discolored water. The department hopes to do an extensive spring flush to alleviate the majority of the color issues.
If you have discolored water, we recommend you run cold water, preferably the highest bathroom tap. Until the line runs clear:
- Avoid drinking discolored water.
- Do not run your hot water or use your dishwasher until the water is clear. If you accidentally use hot water while the water is discolored, you may have to flush the hot water tank to clear out the discolorations.
- If possible, delay doing laundry because clothes may become stained.
We ask anyone with questions or concerns to call our office at 978-352-5750.
Georgetown Water Department Advises of Possible Water Discoloration Around West and Andover Streets This Week
Please be advised that customers in the area of West and Andover Streets may experience possible water discoloration this week as the Water Department begins trial work for the West Street Water Plant’s upcoming filter refurbishment project. While trials begin this week, work is not expected to start until December.
Running a cold water tap should clear the issue. For discoloration that persists for more than three hours, please call the water office at 978-352-5750.
Residents who notice discolored water should avoid doing laundry until the water runs clear.
Please check back here for updates. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and understanding during this time.