Select Board member Freya Schlegel opened the weekly update by celebrating the success of the recent Scituate Heritage Days, thanking the Chamber of Commerce and local organizers for a well-attended weekend. Looking ahead to a busy week of local governance, she noted that the Select Board would be closing the warrant for the November 3rd Special Town Meeting during their Tuesday night session. I’d like to congratulate the Chamber of Commerce, Matt Row, Marty Block, and Matt Elder, and everyone else who was involved in the Scituate Heritage Days this weekend, Schlegel said, adding that the event was a great success for the historical society and the community. She also highlighted the upcoming Waterways Commission meeting on Thursday, where officials are expected to review the final harbor master feasibility study.

Town Administrator James Boudreau provided a sobering update on the town’s water supply and ongoing infrastructure challenges. While the town remains under a Tier 2 water ban due to reservoir levels sitting four inches below the spillway, crews are currently repairing iron and manganese contactors at the treatment plant following a recent pipe break. Boudreau also warned residents about a current air quality alert caused by Canadian wildfires, advising sensitive groups to stay indoors through Monday night. Regarding the strict water conservation measures currently in place, Boudreau stated, The water department will be checking and issuing citations for violations of the water restrictions, which prohibit inground irrigation and car washing.

Infrastructure projects are ramping up across town, including a significant raw water line installation in the Old Forge Road neighborhood and ongoing gas line replacements on Jericho Road. A sudden water service disruption on Route 123 near Watch Hill Drive, caused by a private contractor at the Inly School, required emergency repairs on Monday that impacted local traffic and water clarity. Boudreau also announced the launch of an EPA-mandated lead service line inventory to identify pipe materials across the community. Water Department personnel will be doornocking during business hours at homes in which the private section of the service line has not yet been identified in an attempt to complete this inventory, Boudreau explained, noting that staff will carry town identification and wear official vests.

To encourage further conservation, the town has extended its appliance rebate program, offering residents up to $250 for qualifying energy-efficient washing machines or $150 for WaterSense-certified toilets. Community engagement remains a priority with several upcoming events, including a National Night Out at the Public Safety Building on Tuesday and an Egypt Beach cleanup this Saturday. Boudreau concluded the briefing by reminding residents that the local food pantry is seeing increased demand for staples like canned meats and tea. Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful week, so get out and enjoy it, Boudreau said, encouraging residents to attend the upcoming board meeting for further project updates.