Beacon Street Construction To Blame For Recent Water Contamination Letter

"Closed Gates" during construction on Beacon Street prompted a strongly-worded letter to be released throughout the entire city citing high levels of chloroform, but assuring residents not to worry. Explained thoroughly during last night's Committee on Public Health and Safety meeting, closed gates prevent water from properly circulating, thus increasing the levels of chloroform. Because Somerville is on one distribution system, the whole city had to receive the letter.

City water is tested twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with schools and homes with lead pipes being tested twice a year. Because the level of chloroform was above 5, a letter had to be distributed.