Planned Water Utility Work

To keep the Sudbury community informed about planned water utility work, the Sudbury Water District uses the Town-wide Emergency Notification System to notify impacted customers about planned utility projects, temporary water service interruptions, emergency water main repairs, and other important public safety matters. Customers enrolled in the system are among the first to know about planned and emergency infrastructure work.

Sign up, for free and select your preferred method of communication – email, text message, or voice message.

During Planned Water Utility Repairs

When planned water utility repairs require a temporary interruption of water service, customers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead:

• Store an adequate supply of drinking water for the anticipated duration of the interruption.
• Fill clean containers with water for cooking and food preparation.
• Store enough water for basic cleaning and sanitation needs. Use buckets of water to flush toilets. Approximately one gallon of water poured directly into the toilet bowl will force a flush.

Keep in Mind

Estimated water service interruption durations are based on the anticipated scope of work and are not guaranteed restoration times. Water service may be restored earlier or may take longer depending on the extent of the repairs and any unforeseen conditions encountered once the water main is exposed.

After Water Service Is Restored

Customers should:

• Slowly open a cold-water faucet and allow the water to run until it is clear before resuming normal water use.
• If the water appears discolored, continue running the cold-water faucet for several minutes until the water runs clear.
• Avoid using hot water until the cold-water supply runs clear. This helps prevent sediment from entering the household hot-water system.
• If water remains discolored after flushing the cold-water faucet, contact the Sudbury Water District at 978-443-6602.

What to Expect During and After Water Infrastructure Repairs

Customers in the immediate area may notice that their water appears slightly tinted during or after repair work. This can occur when changes in water pressure and flow direction disturb naturally occurring minerals and sediment that have accumulated inside the water main.

When disturbed, these materials can become suspended in the water and may cause temporary yellow, orange, brown, or reddish discoloration. As water pressure and flow return to normal operating conditions, the sediment will typically settle, and the water should gradually clear.

Why Is It Necessary to Suspend Water Service During a Water Main Repair?

A temporary interruption of water service is necessary to allow crews to safely and effectively complete the repair. The process involves:

• Isolating, depressurizing and draining the affected section of water main so crews can safely access the damaged section of pipe.
• Nearby gate valves are closed to isolate the affected section and stop water flow.
• Crews cut, remove, reconnect, clamp, or otherwise repair the damaged section of pipe, as needed.
• After the repair is complete, the gate valves are reopened, and the water main is slowly filled and repressurized.
• Crews verify the repair and inspect the area for signs of continued leakage.
• The water main is flushed to remove mineral sediment and help restore normal water quality.
• Once the main has been repressurized and flushed, water service is restored to the affected properties.
• The work area is backfilled, and permanent restoration of pavement and other areas impacted by the repair work will be scheduled as soon as possible, typically within a few days.

Impacted Roadways During Repairs

Motorists Should

• Allow additional travel time.
• Use caution when traveling near the construction area and District vehicles.
• If the work area is determined to be too narrow for safe passage, the road may be closed to vehicular traffic. Motorist must adhere to detour and traffic-control signage.

Pedestrians Should

• Avoid the work area when possible.
• Use caution around construction crews, equipment, and open work areas.

Important Information

Underground utility work may present unforeseen conditions that could affect the timing and scope of a repair. Every effort will be made to complete the work and restore water service as quickly and safely as possible.

Additional temporary water service interruptions to nearby properties may be necessary if unexpected field conditions arise. If additional service interruptions become necessary, the Sudbury Water District will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice to affected customers whenever possible.

We understand that any interruption in water service is inconvenient. The Sudbury Water District appreciates your patience and understanding during necessary utility repair work. Our crews will work diligently to complete repairs and restore water service as quickly and safely as possible.