Public Works

What we do

Public Works runs the water and sewer systems, maintains streets, sidewalks and storm drains, cares for street trees and keeps the town’s vehicles on the road. About 40 people work out of the yard on Quarry Road, and someone is on call every hour of the year.

Water

Alder Falls draws its water from three deep wells and treats it at the Kestrel Road plant before it reaches two storage tanks. We test it more than 1,200 times a year and publish the results in the Water Quality Report every June.

Hydrant flushing

Each spring and fall we flush hydrants one neighborhood at a time. Water may look cloudy for an hour or two. It is safe to drink; run a cold tap until it clears.

Streets and sidewalks

We repave about three miles of street each summer, chosen by a pavement rating we update every two years. Property owners are responsible for the sidewalk in front of their lot, and the Town offers a 50% cost share for repairs.

Sewer and stormwater

Everything that goes down a storm drain flows straight to the Kestrel River. Please keep leaves, oil and soap out of the gutters. Sewer from homes and businesses goes to the regional treatment plant downstream.