News

The Georgetown Water Department and Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush ask the community to join in recognizing Drinking Water Week 2023, which celebrates the work of water professionals and acknowledges the vital role drinking water plays in health and safety.

Drinking Water Week is organized annually by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). It is scheduled for May 7-13 this year. Water is the Earth’s most powerful and most needed resource. Every community, every individual and every lifeform relies on water for survival. Our planet’s surface is dominated by water, yet only 1 percent is consumable. 

The 2023 poll by the Value of Water Campaign found that 85 percent of voters believe that ensuring a reliable supply of water is extremely or very important, and that water protection remains at the top of voters’ minds amid other headlines including crime, opioids, and inflation.

With the recent passage of the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, renewing and upgrading water infrastructure is a priority, demonstrating the vital role it plays in protecting public health.

“Consumers need to feel confident that their drinking water supply is safe, and there when they need it,” Director Ladderbush said. “Thank you to our team for their tireless work to ensure that our water is clean and our systems work at the highest level possible.”

About AWWA

Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific, and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week for more than 40 years.

Utility Director Marlene Ladderbush announces that the Georgetown Water Department has released its tentative spring flushing schedule.

Water main flushing will begin during the week of April 3 and continue for approximately five weeks. Work will be ongoing during the morning and early afternoon hours.

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

Flushing was canceled last fall due to drought conditions, and therefore, more extensive flushing is necessary this spring.

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

• During the week of April 3: flushing will be done in the Central Street, Nelson Street, Littles Hill Lane, Baldpate Road, Andover Street, West Street, and Lake Shore Drive areas.
• During the week of April 10: 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 17: flushing will be done in the North Street and Pond Street areas.
• During the week of April 24: flushing will be done in the Jewett Street and Thurlow Street areas.
• During the week of May 1: flushing will be done in the Jackman Street and Warren Street areas.

The flushing schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen changes.

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.