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Major water‑tower leak drained emergency supply; crews repair and town files insurance claim
Summary
A leak at the Franklin Avenue well house forced crews to drain a town water tower (approximately 240,000–250,000 gallons); the town isolated pumps, staged emergency repairs and will file an insurance claim for damage discovered during pressure testing.
Town staff reported an emergency leak at the Franklin Avenue well house that required crews to isolate pumps and drain a town water tower. Officials said the tower holds roughly 240,000–250,000 gallons; the mayor described the event as a significant operational challenge but praised the rapid response by public works, the police and outside contractors.
The leak was discovered when staff observed a trickle under the well house. Crews cut power to the pumps, began controlled draining of the tower and conducted pressure tests that revealed a secondary four‑inch break. An adjuster will inspect the damage and the town plans to submit an insurance claim for repair costs.
Mayor (name not specified) thanked crews and said the repair work restored service within days. Officials emphasized the age of water infrastructure and the need for longer‑term capital planning; staff noted the town's system includes post–World War II infrastructure in places and that larger upgrades will require grant and capital planning.
Public works will provide council with additional technical detail and a repair schedule; the town also said it will check related distribution components found during pressure testing to avoid repeated failures.
