Seekonk Water Concerns

This summer Seekonk had a total ban on outdoor water use. One of the reasons was that the town’s 3 large holding tanks could not maintain adequate water levels needed in the event of a major fire or other disaster. My concern is that such a ban will become the “new normal”. The conditions this year (high heat, intense water use) will likely recur each summer given climate change and the increase in population and residential and commercial buildings.

Another concern is that the town’s 7 wells draw from a single aquifer within the Ten Mile River Watershed. I believe some other municipalities also draw from the same aquifer, at least partially. Also, some private artesian wells likely draw from this same aquifer. Obviously, should the aquifer dry up or became contaminated, this would be a huge problem for Seekonk. Apparently, the town does have emergency connections for water with Pawtucket, RI and Attleboro, MA but exactly how much that would help is unclear (at least to me).

The outdoor water ban affects our quality of life and some businesses, but a restriction in indoor use would be disastrous for everyone living and working in Seekonk. Therefore, I think it would be a good idea for the whole topic of water to be re-examined. This task is complicated and involves the Select Board, the Seekonk Water District and state agencies. However, it is far preferable to do this work now rather than in a time of crisis.

Paul Coutu
Seekonk