January 25, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
Following recent numerous water leaks in the Weir River Water System and a water main break on Rockland Street due to the extreme cold weather, WRWS Managing Director/Superintendent Russell Tierney provided an explanation to the Hingham Anchor.
“During this time of year and when there is a stretch of very cold weather, the frost begins to form in the ground,” he said. When there are rapid changes, the ground can shift and cause radial cracks in the mains. This is a majority of the leads we have found over the past few weeks. All leaks have been addressed, and we are continuously monitoring the areas of these breaks to see if any additional ones come to the surface.”
The leak on Rockland Street related to an earlier repair that was made using an old-style coupling with steel bolts that can deteriorate over time, according to Tierney.
“It’s possible that the ground shifted and caused a few bolts to fail. We have replaced these couplings and the affected section of the water main with newer style couplings that have stainless steel bolts,” he said.
Other recent water leaks occurred on Hemlock Road in Hingham and on Kenberma Street, Arthur Street, and Atlantic House Road in Hull. “All were addressed in a timely manner,” according to Tierney.
Customers were alerted to the possibility of discolored water and in the case of Rockland Street that there would be a disruption of water service and possible discoloration and/or a fluctuation in water pressure in the surrounding area.
A Jan. 6 hydrant issue at High/French streets that caused extensive discolored water in the system was resolved earlier.
“Residents and customers can help by reporting any potential leaks, low pressure, or discolored water to us right away,” Tierney said. “These are indicators that something could be going on in the system and give us an area to focus on. In some cases if necessary, we will send a leak detection crew to check the area.”