New water system director offers operations update to selectmen

“The virtual floor” was given to the Weir River Water System’s managing director and superintendent, Russell Tierney, by Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Jennifer Constable at a recent board meeting so that he could provide the members with an operations update.

He started with a reminder that the new customer service center in Hingham (at 185 Lincoln St., Unit 200B) is “a good central location for customers in all three towns.” The WRWS provides water to Hull, Hingham, and a small portion of Cohasset.

Every customer recently received a letter with a new account number and other information. It is important, Tierney emphasized, for all users to visit www.mysuezwater.com to set up an account, especially with respect to registering online to receive emergency and scheduled work notifications via phone call, email, and/or text message, even if they are currently receiving these messages through the old system.

Among the $5.4 million capital improvements planned for fiscal 2021-2022 are new water mains for Atlantic Avenue and Gunrock Avenue (both in the design stage) at an estimated cost of $1.6 million and $305,000 respectively. According to Tierney, the Atlantic Avenue construction will take priority over all the other projects on the capital improvements list.

In addition, 24 fire hydrants have been replaced in Hull, with more installations to come. The 2020 town meeting appropriated $350,000 to replace 40 out-of-service hydrants from a total of 350 located around town. Funds for ongoing hydrant maintenance will also be available.

Tierney credited Hull Fire Chief Christopher Russo and Police Chief John Dunn for their role in this project and for their careful planning.

A number of water main breaks have also been repaired. “We take every break to heart and [WRWS staff] are on the scene. We inherited a system [from Aquarion Water Co.] with a lot of catching up to do,” he said. “We also take complaints seriously and respond to all of them.”

Tierney also reported that a system-wide leak detection survey has been completed and that work on the WRWS master plan and cost-of-service study are underway, with results expected next fall for both projects. All supply wells have been tested and repairs made as necessary.

Selectwoman Donna Pursel and Director of Wastewater Operations John Struzziery sit on the WRWS Advisory Board, along with three Hingham representatives and one from Cohasset.

The long-awaited completion of the water system transition from Aquarion Water Co. to Hingham ownership was finalized last year.

For further information about WRWS, visit www.weirriverwater.com.