EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION
MWRA WATER MAIN ACTIVATION COULD CAUSE WATER DISCOLORATION IN PARTS OF BOSTON, BROOKLINE AND SOMERVILLE

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is performing an emergency water main activation at 9 a.m. the morning of Thursday, November 21 which could cause water discoloration and some pressure increases in parts of Boston, Brookline and Somerville.

The emergency activation is necessary in order to allow for the repair of a separate, leaking water main that runs along Memorial Drive in Cambridge. The work could affect the Longwood Avenue Area of Boston, the Harvard Street area in Brookline and the Tremont Avenue area in Somerville.

While water may appear discolored for up to three days after this activation, it is safe to drink. Residents should be especially careful washing white or light colored items. Sensitive users, in the Longwood area especially, should take the necessary precautions.

Water discoloration does not always occur during or after this work. When it does, the discolored water results from a small amount of iron in the pipes. While safe for drinking, cooking and other uses, please note that iron will stain light colored items in your laundry, especially when bleach is used. Therefore, residents living near any valves involved in this project should probably check water clarity before washing any white or lighter colored laundry during this period of work.