Water Main break in Weston MA

Water service to all MWRA customer communities east of Weston has been interrupted by a major water pipe break in Weston. Due to this break, a boil water order is being issued for drinking water for all MWRA communities east of Weston until further notice.

In addition, emergency water conservation measures are being implemented for all impacted communities. The MWRA is activating its emergency water supplies such as the Sudbury Aqueduct, Chestnut Hill Reservoir and Spot Pond Reservoir. This water will not be suitable for drinking unless it is boiled first, but can be used for bathing, flushing, and fire protection.

Updates will be posted on Mass.gov and the MWRA's website at www.mwra.com throughout the event.

A complete list of MWRA water communities affected can also be found at the MWRA site.

MassDEP has a Boil Water Order FAQ at mass.gov.

Communities affected by boil water order
Arlington Belmont Boston Brookline Canton Chelsea Everett Lexington Lynnfield W.D. Malden Marblehead Medford Melrose Milton Nahant Newton Norwood Quincy Reading Revere Saugus Somerville Stoneham Stoughton Swampscott Wakefield Waltham Watertown Winchester Winthrop

Update on 2010-05-05 15:31 by MyRWA

BOIL WATER ORDER HAS BEEN LIFTED

After extensive testing, water in the MWRA service communities is once again safe for the public. Governor Deval Patrick has lifted the boil water order for all of the 30 communities affected by the most recent major water pipe break.

Residents are now advised to flush their water in order to clear plumbing of untreated water.

• For cold water faucets, run the tap for at least 1 minute before using.
• For hot water pipes and water heaters, turn on all hot water faucets and flush for a minimum of 15 minutes for a 40-gallon tank and 30 minutes for an 80-gallon tank or larger.
• For additional details on refrigerators, dishwashers, humidifiers, food and baby formula, and ice cubes, please visit www.mwra.com.
• For instructions for food establishments, visit www.mwra.com.

Contact your local Water Department if you have any questions.

Communities affected:
Arlington Belmont Boston Brookline Canton Chelsea Everett Lexington Lynnfield W.D. Malden Marblehead Medford Melrose Milton Nahant Newton Norwood Quincy Reading Revere Saugus Somerville Stoneham Stoughton Swampscott Wakefield Waltham Watertown Winchester Winthrop



MyRWA Op-Ed in the Boston Globe

MyRWA's executive director, EkOngKar Singh Khalsa partnered with John Kassel, president of Conservation Law Foundation, to address the impacts of the spectacular March storms we received. The Op-Ed, Rain delay: reducing the devastating effects of stormwater runoff was published April 26th in the Boston Globe.

Not Your Average Cause Event in Arlington

Save the Dates! Tuesday May 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th.

Eat at Not Your Average Joe's in Arlington center every Tuesday in May and 15% of your total purchase will be donated to the Mystic River Watershed Association. It's easy - all you have to do is present this COUPON to your server or mention it when you place your order.

Eat in or take out on Tuesday's to support MyRWA!

http://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

Summer Internship Opportunities with MyRWA

Water Quality Monitoring Internship

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks two Water Quality Interns to monitor Cyanobacteria from June through early September.  Interns will work both in and out of the office, and must be able to work independently. This is a part-time position with a Monday – Friday work week. Primary duties include monitoring local water bodies, collecting water samples (training provided), analysis of samples and data entry.  An interest in science, the environment and advocacy is encouraged. Having reliable transportation is preferred and mileage will be reimbursed.

Exact dates can be flexible depending on the candidate. This is an unpaid position.

If interested, please send your resume to Patrick@MysticRiver.org.

Outreach and Education Intern

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks a part-time Outreach and Education Intern for the summer. The Outreach and Education Intern will assist with the development of outreach/education materials, help plan outreach/educational events, assist with volunteer management, and participate in outreach/education events. Must be able to work some weekends. Experience in education, communication, watershed science, and marketing is preferred. Must have excellent communication skills, be organized, flexible and have a desire to work with the public. This is an unpaid position.

The Mystic River Watershed Association is based in Arlington, MA and is accessible via several bus routes. The Mystic River Watershed Association is an equal opportunity employer.

If interested, please send your resume to Beth@MysticRiver.org.

Earth Day River Cleanup: 4/17

Please join the Mystic River Watershed Association for our annual Earth Day River Cleanup! Do your part to cleanup the Mystic River at this fun, community event. Refreshments and all supplies will be provided. Bring a friend!

When: Saturday, April 17. 9:30am - 12:30pm

Where: DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive, Somerville.

Bus 92 and 95 provide access to the boathouse.

Join MyRWA's Trained Volunteer Monitoring Team

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) will host a Citizen Scientist Training Workshop for interested volunteers to learn about water quality monitoring methods and concepts. By completing this workshop, you’ll be prepared to join MyRWA’s water quality monitoring program.

When: Sunday, April 18, 1-4pm

Where: Building 114, 16th Street, Navy Yard, Charlestown. Conference room D1.

Space is limited!

Mystic River Baseline Index

In 2007, MyRWA released the first Mystic River Baseline Index, which is a summary of water quality from 2001-2007 and describes conditions in the watershed based on the results of baseline monitoring. Contact us for more information.

MyRWA Announces Rain Barrel Program

Have you ever wondered how you can help prevent stormwater pollution in your community? Using a rain barrel does just that and more. Rain barrels collect rainwater that runs off from your roof. You can then use this rainwater to water your garden, Image Courtesy of New England Rain Barrel Companywhich helps lower water demand on a hot summer day. Additionally, rain barrels from the New England Rain Barrel Company are made of recycled materials. Purchase your Rain Barrel through MyRWA's program!

Pick-up Date: Thursday, June 3rd, 4-7pm at Whole Foods Market in Medford.

If you have questions please call MyRWA at 781-316-3438.

A special thanks to New England Rain Barrel Company and Whole Foods Market of Medford for their support of this program.

Reel Paddling Film Festival, April 8

Please join the Mystic River Watershed Association at this fundraising event.

Tickets available March 1 at the Kendall Square Box Office and Online.
Proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit the Mystic River Watershed Association.

April 8 @ 7:00 PM
Kendall Square Cinema, $15

With more than 30 paddling films short-listed for the World Tour, including the eight festival category winners, audiences can expect to see three hours of leading-edge kayaking, including hairy whitewater action, sea kayaking remote coastlines, monster kayak fishing, bug-infested canoe expeditions, international travel films, environmental documentaries, and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of the paddling life.

You'll also learn about the big plans for 2010 at Charles River Canoe & Kayak's new Cambridge location, just around the corner in Kendall Square!

Update on 2010-03-24 13:30 by MyRWA

Notice Of Public Hearing Regarding Mystic

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 12PM in Room B-2 of the State House. This hearing includes: 807, sponsored by Denise Provost, State Representative, 27th Middlesex, for legislation to establish a Mystic River water quality commission (including members of the General Court) to make an investigation and study of the conditions of said river for fishing, boating and swimming. MyRWA hopes that you will be able to attend!