USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1960-1963 > Part 6
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In closing, to the men of my department, Town Officials, other department heads and all citizens, my thanks for your con- fidence and support as your Tree Warden.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS B. MacQUINN Tree Warden
DUTCH ELM DISEASE CONTROL
I hereby submit my annual report for the year 1960.
The Dutch Elm Disease still continues to be a constant threat and is yearly destroying many stately elms throughout the town. Each year the department takes samples from those elms which appear to be contracting the disease. These samples are processed at the Shade Tree Laboratories at Amherst and if they are confirmed to have the disease, must be completely removed and the wood burned or buried before the following spring.
This year, sixty-three town elms will be removed. I look for an increase in the disease the coming year as Hurricane Donna has left our elms in a very weakened condition in regards to the spread of the disease.
In November, I attended the annual Dutch Elm Disease Con- ference at the Waltham Field station. Here problems of other arborists and Tree Wardens were aired in respect to this disease.
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There is also evidence that a chemical preventative is shortly to be developed which will provide a higher degree of protection against the disease.
Many elms have been fertilized and limed in an effort to make them more resistant to the disease. Three sprays, one dor- mant and two foliar, were placed on all town elms using the mist blower and 12% DDT.
The Department is closely following the best recommended program in control of the disease.
1. Adequate sprays properly applied to control both elm bark beetles and elm leaf beetles.
2. Continuous scouting for and sampling of suspect elms.
3. Prompt removal of dead and dying elms, and pruning where needed to eliminate beetle breeding areas.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS B. MacQUINN Tree Warden
INSECT PEST CONTROL
I hereby submit this report for 1960.
All shade trees along the roadsides were sprayed twice this year with either DDT, Malathion or Lindane and applied with the mist blower. To control the elm bark beetle, the spreader of the Dutch Elm Disease, all town elms were sprayed three times, one dormant and two foliar sprays. The woods along the roadsides were also sprayed twice. As an aid in mosquito control, many sprays were put on at night in residential areas. The majority of spraying was done at night in order to eliminate the possibility of getting spray on automobiles and also because there is little or no wind at night. I fully realize that townspeople are rudely
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awakened by our mist blower at night and I appreciate them bcar- ing with this irritation. By doing this work at night, it allows the department to spray at peak efficiency, saving time and material.
In conjunction with the Board of Health, three aerial sprays, in July, August and September, werc applied to 3000 acres of resi- dential areas for the control of mosquitoes. This, coupled with the splendid work of the Plymouth County Mosquito Control project, has given the town very good control. All summer outdoor events in the town, either on public or private land, were spraycd with either the mist blower or the fogging machine for mosquitoes. I would again urge all readers of this report that this service is avail- able to the public at no charge if they will inform the department in advance of the outdoor event.
POISON IVY ERADICATION
There is definitely a reduction of Poison Ivy along our road- sides and stonewalls since the use of 2-4-D and 2-4-St, a chemical hormone, which the department sprays on the ivy, thus killing it permanently.
With the plant being eliminated from the roadsides, the dc- partment is now proceeding in its battle against Poison Ivy, by going deeper on private property. By State law, towns and cities are allowed to enter private property for the purpose of spraying Poison Ivy. All the department requests is that the property owner contact the superintendent and inform him of the location of the ivy on his property. We will then be able to spray the Poison Ivy and eliminate a very serious health menace to many humans. There is no charge for this service.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS B. MacQUINN Tree Warden
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
We hereby submit our report for the year 1960.
During the hurricane in September, many of the pines and
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other varieties in the Town Forest were completely destroyed or left in such a condition that they had to be completely removed. Many broken and low limbs have been pruned off.
Other work, such as brush cutting, and thinning of undesir- able trees, has continued as it has in the past. The work is being done by the Tree Department during inclement weather.
We welcome any interest shown in your Town Forest.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS B. MacQUINN
WATER DEPARTMENT
We, the Water Commissioners and Superintendent of the Town of West Bridgewater, respectfully submit our annual report for the year ending December 31, 1960.
During the year a total of 118,495,408 gallons of water were pumped. The greatest amount pumped on any one day was 660,432 gallons on June 28; the highest month was June with 12,147,720 gallons pumped. As the figures show, with the normal growth and additional modern conveniences the gallons being pumped are still steadily increasing. This year's total is approxi- mately 7 million gallons more than any previous year.
With the 118,495,408 gallons of water pumped, plus the 10,835,500 gallons of water we buy from Brockton, plus the 3,360,000 gallons of water we buy from Easton, this gives us a total of 132,690,908 gallons consumed. This is a daily average of 363,537 gallons, a weekly average of 2,551,748 and a monthly average of 10,057,575 gallons.
There were 18 analyses of our town drinking water made during the year by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and also four analyses made by Rumford Chemical Works. As usual, all reports were most satisfactory, showing highly acceptable quality and much greater freedom from bacterial elements.
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A total of 29 new services were installed. There were 17 old services renewed, and off of Bryant Street, a 6 inch line was con- nected for future developments. We have sealcd and tagged 201 meters. There were 368 service calls made for meter removal or in- stallation and for house service calls. We had 20 main breaks, 5 frozen meters, 3 frozen services and also repaired 15 broken meters. There was a total of 502 hours of overtime spent on emergency calls and maintenance and 93 new service charts recorded.
During January and February the department was plagued with frozen water lines and several breaks due to the severe cold spell. A hydrant in front of the Airport lost a battle with an auto- mobile. A two inch gate on Thayer Ave. and Shawnee Ave. decided to give up the battle and had to be replaced. The snow storm on March 3 gave us a lot of grief as it did with everybody else. We had to wade through drifts up to our hips and bring in our equip- ment on sleds. The kind neighbors on Norman Ave. brought in hot coffee until we got things under control again. We then worked on 48 hours daily for three days until the controls were fixed. During this time the men of the Fire Department helped us in digging out the hydrants. We encountered two more breaks in March. One gate box which was broken off had to be reset. More leaks showed up in April, due to the thaws. A fence was installed on the high bank at the gravel packed well field. In May we located and raised gate boxes for the Highway and State Department crews, where roads were to be resurfaced. Some tests were made with the Fire Department and our Engineer, on lines from the tank to the center of town. In June a downed telephone pole caused a power failure and we had to rely on auxiliary power most of the night. Meters were read in June. In August we had two electrical storms which knocked out the controls, necessitating coverage during the night. Met with Industrial Committee on future developments. Police notified us of a hydrant opened and caps removed in the early morning hours-by gremlins, we presume. Then we had a visit from the hurricane and went on emergency standby basis, but were very fortunate to have everything under control in a very short time. The 12 inch line from Hillcrest Dairy to Copeland Street and through the Pine Hill Cemetery has been completed. The 8 inch pipe line has been cut and capped. The work of uncovering and salvaging pipe has been started. All hydrants have been checked and rechecked prior to cold weather. December
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brought another snow storm and made more grief, as it knocked out the telemeter and telephone lines and all the hydrants had to be shoveled out. We finished up the year with the regular pro- gram of reading meters.
Our Consulting Engineers have advised us to explore the other possible places in and about the town for future water sup- plies. By gaining this knowledge it will give us a chance to secure the land by either taking an option on it or by purchasing it before it is developed for other purposes, thus losing the site for future water supply. Given this knowledge we can plan for the future. considering such questions as: where we will have to in- crease our mains for future developments and fire protection, and where an additional tank site could possibly be. Of course this is providing we find water. We feel that if we explore all possible sites and do not find additional supplies, then we will have to make other plans for our future.
We have closely followed the activities of the Southeastern Massachusetts Water District Commission during the year and other legislation affecting water department problems, both at the State House and in Washington. We have also studied closely and have been in contact with the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts Water Resources Commission. The board has also been in contact with the American Water Works Association, New Eng- land Water Association, Massachusetts Water Works Association and other organizations that strive for safer and better water; also to help the departments in our future planning for a better system for your protection and future service.
We would like to point out that we have changed one of our rules under the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Water Com- missioners. It read, "they must provide a stop and waste cock to be properly located inside the building and have the pipes so ar- ranged that the water can be drawn from them wherever and whenever there is danger of it freezing." It now reads, "they must provide two valves or stops and waste cocks to be properly located inside the building, one each side of the meter, and have the pipes so arranged that the water can be drawn from them whenever and wherever there is danger of it freezing." This will give double protection when emergencies occur and water has to be shut off.
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This will also allow meters to be removed and installed without the whole system draining baek on the cellar floors.
At this time we would like to thank the Police Department in contacting us when help was required by our customers and constantly checking out stations; Mr. Berglund and his depart- ment for their co-operation during our emergencies; Mr. MaeQuinn and his department for their excellent co-operation; the Fire De- partment communication center; and everyone who has co-oper- ated with us, though times have been trying at times when breaks and flushing of mains have occurred, resulting in shut-downs and rusty water. We would like to thank our own men for their fine co-operation, which makes a smooth running department. It has been our pleasure to serve you in the past and we will continue to do so in the future to the best of our ability.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD ASACK, Chairman WILLIAM CROWLEY JOHN NOYES WILLIAM NICKERSON,
Superintendent
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
Under Authority of Aets of Legislature of the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, the following rules and regulations have been established by the Board of Water Commissioners of the Town of West Bridgewater, and are to be considered a part of the contract between the Town and every person liable for water rates or other charges subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Water Commissioners; and the filing of an application to take water, or the taking of water, shall be considered express assent to be bound by these Rules and Regulations and any changes which may here- after be made therein.
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Definitions
"Water Commissioners" as used herein is the Board of Water Commissioners of the Town of West Bridgewater.
"Customer" as used herein shall be the party contracting for or using service, including each party contracting for or using service to or for:
(a) A building under one roof, owned by one party and occupied as one business or residence; or
(b) A combination of buildings, owned by one party in one common inclosure, occupied by one family or business; or
(c) The one side of a double house, having a vertical partition wall; or
(d) A building owned by one party, having a number of offices, and using in common one hall and one common means of entrance; or
(e) Each apartment in a building containing two or more apartments used as dwellings or stores, etc., or both; or
(f) A public building; or
(g) A single lot, without habitable structure; or a public park; or a public playground; or
(h) Each house in a row of houses; or
(i) Each building or shelter, of whatever nature, used for human habitation, whether permanent, semi-permanent or mobile.
"Service Pipe" as used herein refers to any pipe connected directly or indirectly to a water main, which pipe is used to supply one customer.
"Water Main" as used herein refers to any pipe used for the conveyance of water for the supplying of more than one customer.
"Family" as used herein refers to any number of persons cus- tomarily living together as a single housekeeping unit.
The meaning and application of all words used in these Rules and Regulations shall in every case be interpreted and determined by the Water Commissioners, and their decisions shall be final and binding on all parties concerned.
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Applications for Services
All Applications for the introduction of water to any premises, or for the extension of any pipe for the conveyance of such water, shall be signed by the applicant, and shall state fully and fairly all and several of the various uscs to which water is to be applicd; and whenever thereafter any other uses of water, or additional service, pipe, plumbing, or fixtures are required, a further application must be made to the Water Commissioners and approved by them before any change in use, service, pipe, plumbing, or fixtures is commenced. All service pipe shall be of type and quality approved by the Water Commissioners and shall be left uncovered until tested and approved by the Water Commissioners or their author- ized agents.
The Water Commissioners reserve the right to decline to con- nect with plumbing which has not been done by a plumber ap- proved by them, or in a manner satisfactory to them. The right is specifically reserved to refuse the approval of any application to take water, or to change the use or the service in any way, if in the judgment of the Water Commissioners the best interests of the Town of West Bridgewater and/or prior water customers are thus being promoted or protected.
Where a water service has been discontinued for any period of time or for any reason, a new application must be made. A sup- ply of water for building or other special purposes must be espec- ially applied for. Any change in ownership of property supplied with water must be reported to the Water Commissioners immedi- ately in writing, and the new owner must make written application for water service before said service will be supplied.
General
Persons taking water must keep their own water pipes and all fixtures connected therewith in good repair, and protected from frost at their own expense. They must provide 2 valves or stop and waste cocks to be properly located inside the building, one each side of meter and have the pipes so arranged that the water can be drawn from them wherever and whenever there is danger of its freezing. Customers shall provide suitable location and arrange- ments for installation of a meter as directed by the Water Com- missioners. There shall be no unnecessary waste of water whether
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due to leakage or other cause; and any person violating this rule shall be liable to fines and/or to having his supply shut off and the amount paid therefor forfeited.
Each customer will be held responsible for all fixtures and pipe. including service pipe beginning at the street line of the customer's premises. Said service pipe may not be tapped in any manner between the street main and the meter, and no fixtures of any description may be attached thereto. Failure to maintain service pipe wherever located on the customer's premises will be considered sufficient reason for shutting off the supply of water without further notice.
Meters
The Water Commissioners shall have the power to ascertain by meter. or otherwise, the quantity of water used. and they and their agents or assistants may enter the premises of any water taker at all reasonable hours to examine the pipes and fixtures. the quan- tity of water used, the manner of its use, and the possibility of waste.
Liability
The Water Commissioners shall not in any way, nor under any circumstances, be held liable or responsible to any person or persons for any loss or damage from any excess or deficiency in the pressure, volume, supply, or availability of water, due to any cause whatsoever. It being frequently necessary to shut off the water from the street mains to make extensions and repairs. with- out giving notice, all persons having boilers on their premises, not supplied by tanks, but depending upon the pressure from street mains to keep them supplied, are cautioned against danger from collapse. The Water Commissioners will not be responsible for damages caused by dirty water resulting from the opening or clos- ing of any gates. the use of hydrants, the breaking of any supply lines, the cleaning of water mains, or other cause. or damage caused by the chemistry of the water, whether said water shall have been treated or not. The Water Commissioners shall not be held liable for the shutting off of any supply or any conditions arising therefrom whether an individual supply, a section, or any larger area; nor shall they be liable for any damage or inconven-
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ience caused by any banning of the use of water, or limiting or regulating the use thereof, when in their judgment said action is advisable.
In the event water pipes burst on a customer's premises, and danger or damage to the premises is likely to result from delay in making necessary repairs, the necessity for a permit for alterations is temporarily waived; but immediately upon completion of the necessary emergency repairs such permit must be applied for and approval secured.
Abatements
Abatements for non-use of water service will not be made for periods of less than two months, nor unless a written notice is filed with the Water Commissioners, and all such abatements shall date from the time of filing of such notice. Upon granting an abatement for this reason the Water Commissioners may shut off the water at the street line and charge for letting on the water when use is again wanted. Written application for such renewal of use must be made to the Water Commissioners.
Restriction
No water taker will be allowed to supply water to persons occupying neighboring premises, or to any persons not entitled to its use, except by special written permit from the Water Commis- sioners; and if found doing so without a written permit the supply may be shut off and the water charges already paid forfeited. There shall be no concealment of the purpose for which water is used. Meters are not to be tampered with in any way. No person shall interfere with the fire hydrants, water works fixtures, or water sys- tem without proper authority; and violators are subject to the penalties provided by law.
Water left running to prevent freezing of pipes or fixtures shall be considered a violation of the rule not to waste water.
The owner of any premises where, in the opinion of the Water Commissioners, unnecessary waste of water occurs, shall be liable to a fine of two dollars for the first offense, four dollars for the second offense, and in case of a third or subsequent offense the water shall be shut off and shall not again be let on except by vote of the Water Commissioners and the payment of such fine,
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not exceeding fifteen dollars, as the Water Commissioners may impose. Fines must be paid within two days in the case of first and second offenses. Each day of a continuing offense shall be construed as a new offense.
The tapping of ground water reserves, except when water is removed therefrom manually or by hand operated pumps, is con- sidered to be the tapping of the Town's water storage reservoir. and may be done only with the written approval of the Water Commissioners and to the degree specified in writing by them.
Bills
All bills at annual rates will be payable three months in ad- vance, January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Bills for excess water consumed, or for other charges, are due when rendered. If bills remain unpaid for 60 days after due, the amount then be- comes subject to a lien in accordance with Chapter 40 of the General Laws. The water supply is liable to be shut off for non- payment of bills, or violation of rules, and when so shut off will not again be let on until all charges then due shall have been paid, including the charge for letting on of water.
Right To Change
The Water Commissioners reserve the right to change the water rates at any time without advance notice, and to establish special rates when in their judgment the interests of the Town of West Bridgewater are best served by so doing.
The Water Commissioners reserve the right to change or amend these rules and regulations, and make additions thereto or exceptions therefrom, at any time without advance notice, and to establish and assess penalties for violations, including the right to suspend water service.
Private Ways
All applications for the introduction of water mains into any private way, lane, or proposed street or streets must be accom- panied by a plan drawn to scale showing the proposed water mains and proposed subdivision, if any, of the property; and no water mains shall be laid without the approval in writing of the Water Commissioners. The Water Commissioners, before grant- ing such approval, will take into consideration the present and possible future water supply requirements of other contiguous or nearby property, and the capability of the water works system
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to service such applicants without lowcring the amount of water available to meet peak demands of previously cstablished cus- tomers, or the amount available for the protection of health and property during either normal or abnormal periods of demand. All such water mains shall be laid in accordance with directives issued by the Water Commissioners, shall be left uncovered until tested under pressure and approved by the Water Commissioners, and all labor and materials including connections to existing water mains shall be paid for by the applicant. No permit pertaining to the fore-going rules shall be issued unless the applicant meets all of the requirements of the Water Commissioners, and such per- mit is subject to revocation at any time for failure to meet said re- quirements. Water will not be let into private water mains except for testing until the final approval of the Water Commissioners has been granted, and after said approval has been granted the owner of the private way must maintain his water mains in ac- cordance with such requirements and standards as may from time to time be established by the Water Commissioners. Said water mains may be tapped only by authorized representatives of the Water Commissioners.
Foreign Premises
It is specifically understood that any water supplied to prem- ises located outside the territorial limits of the Town of West Bridgewater is subject to special rates which will be determined for each such premise, as the facts may be, by the Water Com- missioners; and all such water and other services provided may be at rates higher than those established for premises located within the territorial limits of the Town of West Bridgewater. Special rules may be established for such out of town users of water as the Water Commissioners may from time to time determine to be for the best interests of the Town of West Bridgewater, and ter- mination of such services may be ordered by the Water Commis- sioners at any time without liability for any damages incident thereto.
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