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Seabrook Water Department Seeks Voluntary Water Use Reductions

Seabrook Announces Voluntary Water Restrictions

Town seeks public assistance in reducing water use

Seabrook— The Town of Seabrook has implemented, on July 16th at its scheduled Board of Selectmen meeting, voluntary water restrictions for its water system. The Seabrook Board of Selectmen, acting in their capacity as the Water Commissioners for the Town of Seabrook, approved the request by Water Superintendent Curtis Slayton and Chief Operator George Eaton. Due to the recent dry conditions it has become necessary to ask residents to be mindful of how they use the water. Chief Operator George Eaton pointed out to the Seabrook Board that “our rainwater measurements are below that of 2016, the year of severe drought.” Chief Operator Eaton pointed out that the voluntary restrictions recommended are driven by the Seabrook Groundwater Management Plan, which offers safe parameters for the operation of Seabrook water wells. The Seabrook Board of Selectmen request that the public:

Repair any leaks inside or outside of the home.
Refrain from washing driveways and sidewalks
Cut back on irrigation times or irrigate every other day, or between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Reduce the frequency of the washing of cars
Check for and repair leaks in swimming pool systems

The Seabrook Board of Selectmen and the Seabrook Water Department are hopeful that more prudent use of water now will help to avoid mandatory restrictions at a later date and are appreciative of the support of the public.

Seabrook Water Department Update- Sunday July 15, 2018

    Seabrook Water System Found Clear of Contaminants

The Town of Seabrook, after receiving a positive result on Friday July 13, 2018 from a single water sample indicating an E.coli contamination, has worked since that time with the New Hampshire DES to examine the Seabrook Water system, and ascertain whether the single test represented a wider problem with water quality in Seabrook. The Seabrook Water Department, represented by Superintendent Curtis Slayton and Chief Operator George Eaton, in close cooperation with DES, immediately began drawing new samples for testing. On Saturday morning, July 14, 2018, at 7:00 am, DES, with Chief Operator George Eaton, conducted a full sanitary inspection of the Seabrook Water System. Additional water sampling was also conducted and sent to a state certified lab. After the sanitary inspection was completed the N.H. DES representative indicated that there was “no apparent source of contamination” and found “no operational deficiencies” in the conduct of operations by the Seabrook Water Department. On Sunday July 15, 2018 extensive test results were returned to the Chief Operator George Eaton, as well as the New Hampshire DES. Those lab results show an absence of Total Coliform and E.coli bacteria. Since the initial positive result was not duplicated it appears that the initial finding was an anomaly. The residents of Seabrook can feel confident that the Seabrook Water Department continues to deliver high quality, clean water.

During this weekend the Seabrook Water Department closely adhered to NH DES rules, regulations, and established protocols. The Town of Seabrook is very grateful for the high level of assistance provided by the NH DES. DES was immediately available for consultation and was on site in Seabrook at 7:00 am Saturday. The strong work of Chief Operator George Eaton and Superintendent Curtis Slayton provided critical updates to the Seabrook Board of Selectmen, who are the Water Commissioners of the Town of Seabrook. Daily updates to the public were issued under the direction of the Seabrook Board of Selectmen, who instructed management to keep this process open and transparent. The Seabrook Water Department will continue to work with the N.H. DES, and will conduct additional testing beyond the traditional level over the next week.

Seabrook Water Update- Saturday July 14, 2018

The Town of Seabrook Water Department personnel met this morning, in Seabrook, with a representative of DES. The Chief Operator and Water Superintendent were on hand, and have transmitted to the Seabrook Board of Selectmen a status report. Additional water sampling was conducted Friday evening, and has been sent to a state certified lab for analysis. Additional data will inform, and will be the basis of determination for the next necessary steps. The Seabrook Water Department anticipates this data will be available on Sunday July 15. The Seabrook Water Department continues to manage this response in close cooperation with the New Hampshire DES, with strict adherence to DES policies and protocols. At this time there is no boil order in effect, and that determination is made in consultation with, and in adherence to, DES protocols. The DES has informed the Town, after completing a complete sanitary survey of the water system, that there are no “operational deficiencies” that can be cited, as well as finding “no apparent source of contamination.” The Town will continue to issue updates to the public as information becomes available.

Notification- Seabrook Water Department- Water Sampling Issue

The Town of Seabrook was notified tonight by our state certified lab that one of our water samples tested positive for E. coli bacteria. We have been, since that time, in close consultation with the New Hampshire DES, and we are strictly adhering to NHDES protocols. The Town of Seabrook Water Department, along with NHDES, will be working over the weekend to resample to determine if there was a problem with the testing process, or if additional measures need to be taken. Chief Operator George Eaton and Water Superintendent Curtis Clayton have responded, and are currently working with NHDES on this issue. At this time no boil order for Seabrook has been issued. In the event that a boil water notice is issued, or other measures become necessary, the public will be notified by reverse 911 or code red, through social media, and through the Town website. The Seabrook Water Department will continue working with NHDES to resolve this issue, and to keep the public informed.

New Scoreboard at Seabrook Recreation

The Seabrook Board of Selectmen joined Recreation Director Katie Duffey and the Seabrook Firefighters union, and Fire Chief Bill Edwards, as the new scoreboard and scorers table at the Recreation Center was unveiled. The Seabrook professional firefighters contributed 50% of the cost of the purchase, and I join the Board in thanking them for their generosity. Great job by Director Katie Duffey and the Recreation staff as well.

DPW Fourth of July Trash/recycling Schedule

On Wednesday July 4 the DPW/Transfer Station will be closed. Wednesday’s rubbish and recyclables will be picked up on Tuesday July 3.
Double rubbish runs at the beach will begin on Thursday July 5th 2018. Have a safe Fourth of July.

Water Main Break Lakeshore Drive Is Resolved

The Water Main break reported Friday on Lakeshore Drive has been resolved. Thank you to the Water Department.

The Seabrook Water and Sewer Rate Presentation

On June 4, 2018 the Seabrook Board of Selectmen heard from David Fox, a consultant with Raftelis, a firm hired by the Board (after an Request for Proposal selection process) to do a water and sewer rate study for the Town of Seabrook. Raftelis was charged with giving the Board options for future rates after conducting an overview of the current rates. The strictly “operational” subsidy from the taxpayers of Seabrook to the water and sewer funds is approximately $1.8 million (based on FY2017 data.) I had given the Board separate studies on the Water Operations for 2017, as well as the Sewer operations for 2017. I have attached those below. The Power Point presentation by Mr. Fox is also below. The Board of Selectmen will have a public hearing on water and sewer rates on June 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. The rate options presented to the Board include a one year, five year, and ten year option for closing the “operational subsidy” from the taxpayers to the ratepayers. The Board has requested that Raftelis deliver a plan that would close the gap in seven years. If you would like to submit comments to the Board on water and sewer rates you may do so electronically by sending to [email protected]

Seabrook NH_BOS Meeting_06 04 18

Water Report 2017 Draft

Sewer Report 2017 Draft

Seabrook Fire Department Recognized for Outstanding Work

The Seabrook Fire Department was recently recognized by Portsmouth Regional Hospital for outstanding EMS Services, which highlighted a call they answered that saved a life. Chief Edwards described the call.

“The crew responded to a patient who had complained of not feeling good and was found unresponsive. When the crew arrived CPR was in progress. Crew took over CPR and Defibrillated the Patient. The Patient heart rhythm showed Ventricular Fibrillation or V-Fib with agonal respirations. So the crew continued CPR. Patient was nasally intubated and had assistance breathing with a Bag Valve Mask or BVM. Patient Airway was suctioned and Patient was transported to Seabrook ED.”

The Board of Selectmen were joined by Portsmouth Regional Hospital at their last meeting to recognize the outstanding work of Seabrook EMS, with a Board Certificate presented to the Department. The Board of Selectmen extend their congratulations and thanks to the Seabrook Fire Department, and to the Firefighters who participated in the call.

The six Firefighters were Robert Baker, Troy Coleman, Richard Curtis, Barry Sargent. Christopher Tilley, and Russell Eaton Jr.

The Beach Village District Contributes to Anniversary Celebration

The Beach Village District, at the June 4th Board of Selectmen meeting, presented the Board with a check for $10,000 for the Town’s 250th Anniversary Celebration. The Board of Selectmen were deeply appreciative of this most generous contribution, which will assist in making the Anniversary celebration a very special one. Beach Commission Chairman Richard Maguire, and Commissioner Joseph Giuffre were on hand to present the check to the Board. Thank you to the Beach Village District!