12/23/24- Due to a sudden flow of water, a water pipe burst at the Barre Family Health Center on Worcester Rd. This sudden flow may cause discoloration in parts of the water system. This discoloration will go away as the system returns to normal. Thank you for your patience.
CRITICAL DROUGHT ALERT
With precipitation at an unprecedented low over the last three months, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper has elevated the Massachusetts’ drought status to:
- Level 3 - Critical Drought in the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast and Southeast Drought Regions.
ALL NONESSENTIAL OUTDOOR WATER USES ARE BANNED
As the drought persists, MassDEP and the Town of Barre urges all consumers to be mindful of the amount of water they are using and to reduce indoor water use to help ensure essential needs such as drinking water and fire protection can be met.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/tips-for-saving-water-1/download
Opportunities for Public Participation
What better way to ensure that your water system is running smoothly than to get directly involved?
The Barre Water Department invites you to participate in discussions regarding your water quality by attending a Water Commission Meeting.
Water Commission Meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 6:30PM.
They are located in the DPW Building, at 441 Wheelwright Rd. Barre, MA 01005.
(Water Commissioners – James Caruso, Ronald Higgins and John Pimental)
Can’t make it to a meeting? Let us know if you have questions or concerns.
We can be contacted via email at: dpw@townofbarre.com or by telephone: 978-355-5013.
The DPW Office hours are: Monday through Thursday 6:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Where does my water come from?
The Town water is produced by three ground water, gravel packed wells. The wells are:
Well#1 (2021000-01G)- located at 570 South Barre Road
Well#2 (2021000-02G)- located at 257 South Barre Road
Well#3 (2021000-03G)- off of Oakham Road
Water Use Mandatory Restrictions – Annually, May through September
Due to our Mass DEP Water Withdrawal Permit stipulations, we must restrict non-essential outdoor water use between May 1st and September 30th. Outdoor water use will be permitted on Tuesday’s and Thursdays, after 5:00 p.m. using a hand held hose only.
Non-essential uses include: Irrigation of lawns, washing of vehicles other than for safety, washing exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks (except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or concrete).
Water Conservation Tips
- When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing.
- Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
- Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
- Monitor your water bill for unusually high usage. Your bill and water meter are tools that can be used to discover leaks.
- We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
- When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
- Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
