Dear Residents
I am writing to inform you of a recent incident involving our SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) water system, the steps we have taken to rectify the issue, and our plans to enhance communication with our residents in the future. Since the incident happened the team and I have tried to provide the most up-to-date information while also getting water levels restored, clean and back online.
Incident Overview
Early on Saturday evening, our SCADA water system experienced a technical glitch. this resulted in water levels dropping lower than usual, and unfortunately, the system also failed to alert us to the issue. Our team immediately sprang into action to identify the root cause of the problem and implement a solution.
System Restoration
I am pleased to report that the issue has been resolved, and our SCADA water system is now functioning properly. The safety of our water supply levels has been restored, and the boil water notice will be lifted just as soon as we feel it’s safe. We have already begun conducting rigorous testing of the system, which will continue throughout the day on Sunday to ensure its stability and reliability.
Brown Water
Some residents may have noticed that their tap water appears brown. This discoloration is a result of the system fluctuation caused by the technical glitch, which stirred up sediment in the water distribution pipes. We are actively flushing the system to clear the sediment, and the water should return to its normal color within the next 24 hours.
Importance of Timely Communication
We understand the boil water notice may cause an inconvenience for some of our residents, particularly those who were not immediately aware of the notification. Please be assured that if you missed the notice but have been following your usual practices for consuming and using water, you should be okay. However, we deeply regret any disruption this may have caused and acknowledge the importance of timely and effective communication in such critical situations.
Enhanced Communication Plans
To prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to improve our response, we will be meeting early in the week to identify new ways to communicate critical information to our residents. We are committed to exploring all available channels and technologies to ensure that our residents receive timely and clear notifications in the event of any future issues affecting their water supply.
Commitment to Water Safety
The safety and reliability of our water supply is our highest priority. We sincerely apologize for this incident and are dedicated to taking all necessary steps to prevent such glitches from happening again. While we strive for perfection, we also recognize the importance of being prepared for any unexpected issues that may arise. Through enhanced testing, maintenance, and communication, we will work tirelessly to safeguard our water system and the well-being of our residents.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Paul M. Harrington
Town Manager