Day: August 26, 2009

Posted by: cpantano on 08/26/2009 12:02:24
Updated by: cpantano on 08/26/2009 12:06:15
Expires: 08/28/2009 00:00:00
WATER UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009, 12 NOON

Unified Command / Public Information Officer

The Unified Command system is in constant use with representatives of the Administration, DPW, Board of Health and Fire Department meeting as needed to evaluate the situational status and plan accordingly. The School Department has just come on board with the incident management team to plan for opening day. Deputy Fire Chief Miles Schlichte has been named as the Public Information Officer for the duration of this event. He will be working to get current and factual information out to the public with all available local media options including blogs.  Media may contact Deputy Chief Schlichte via email at: mschlichte@ci.gloucester.ma.us.

Water Supplements

We are still receiving water from Manchester. This help from our neighbors along with the help previously received from our other neighbors has been crucial in helping us to manage this situation.

Water Main Break

Western Avenue which was damaged by the water break is being repaved today, August 26th.

Bond Hill Water Level

Water levels in the Bond Hill storage facility rose from 8.3 feet yesterday to 10.4 feet as of this morning. Continued water conservation from residents along with the influx of Manchester water is helping to raise the levels.

Test Results from Monday, August 24, 2009

Test results from samples taken on Monday and received 24 hrs later on Tuesday, August 25th indicate coliform levels comparable to the previous day. Levels are still not at an acceptable level. The Western Avenue water break negatively impacted coliform levels in the system by stirring up sediment in the pipes and was expected. We need to have two consecutive days of zero coliform readings in the entire system to lift the boil water order for the entire city.

Information Updates

There were technical difficulties in creating a dedicated phone line. Those problems have been corrected. We now have a dedicated phone number together with a recorded message that any citizen can call at any time for an update. Than phone number is 978-282-8080. The message will only be updated as the situation changes. If the message does not change you can assume the situation has not changed either.  The city website has been updated.  www.ci.gloucester.ma.us.

There is a continuous loop of a radio interview conducted by Rick Moore with PIO Deputy Schlichte running on MSO web radio at http://www.moorestuffonline.com.

Last night’s Council meeting was carried on Ch20 not CH12 as expected. We apologize for any confusion.

Impact on Schools

The incident management team is meeting today to plan for the opening of school. As it currently stands, school will open as scheduled. A plan to allow for meals and sanitary facilities is being created by the food service provider and the school administration in the event that the boil water order is still in place when the school year starts. A water flushing plan is also being put in place in conjunction with the school department plumber. This plan will initially consist of flushing of the water system around the schools via fire hydrants and a flushing of all interior water lines before school opens as well as supplemental flushing as soon as the city water system recovers.

Summary

The Incident Command Staff is meeting regularly and contingency plans are in place in case the situation should worsen, but things are slowly and steadily improving.

The outdoor water ban and the boil water order remain in effect. Please note that the more inside water the citizens of Gloucester can conserve will more quickly resolve this situation.