Leak Fixed, Boil Water Order Still in Effect

– Allison Goldsberry

A leak in a pipe in Weston that has disrupted the water supply to Medford and other Boston area communities has been stopped. However, the boil water order is still in effect and it could be days before the water is safe to drink.

According to information released by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), all MWRA system water is currently coming from the Carroll Treatment Plant. The plant is located in central Massachusetts and receives water from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs.

Although MWRA Executive Director and Medford resident Fred Laskey is hesitant to put a date on when the water will be safe to drink, Channel 7 is reporting Tuesday as the best case scenario. Engineers are currently working to repair the leak, and once that’s done, crews will test water pressure and then the water will need to be treated before it’s drinkable.

The boil water order is still in effect for Medford and nearly thirty other communities in the Boston area as far north as Wilmington and as far south as Stoughton. Water is safe only for flushing and bathing. It is recommended to boil water for one minute at a high, roiling boil in order to kill off any bacteria. The state department of Environmental Protection has much more information on boil water orders on its website.

For the latest information be sure to check Mass.gov and the MWRA’s website at www.mwra.com, as both sites are being regularly updated by government officials.

A rush on purchasing bottled water has led to a shortage in the area.  There is no word yet from officials on whether water will be provided to the nearly two million residents who are affected in the MWRA service area.