Update from the Boston Groundwater Trust:
It’s February. The days are getting longer, spring training is only a few weeks away, and we have completed our first round of well readings for the year.
The dry weather has had an impact on groundwater levels, with the average level in the core section of wells that we have read since 2005 dropping somewhat. Although at its lowest level since May-June of last year, this average elevation would have been on the high side in any of the years from 2005 through 2009.
On the positive side, readings in the Paris Flats section of East Boston, historically very low, continue to rise, with several at their highest levels ever. Although general levels dropped, there were no wells in our lowest category in the Fenway, and only one in the section of Back Bay from Boylston Street to the Charles.
Unfortunately, levels have dropped in the area around the Boston Public Library from Boylston Street to Huntington Avenue. BWSC plans repairs to a sewer under Blagdon Street in the Spring that will hopefully resolve some of this problem, while we are trying to understand any other potential causes.
In the Spring, BWSC will also be undertaking repairs to sewers under Dartmouth Street in Back bay and under Richmond Street in the North End to address low groundwater levels in those areas.
At the same time, MassDOT plans repairs to a Turnpike drain line between Arlington and Clarendon Streets that we hope will have a positive impact on groundwater levels north of the MassPike.
Visit www.bostongroundwater.org to view maps showing the groundwater elevation range at each of our wells (we’ve saved them in a different way to try to improve the graphics), as well as details of those wells reaching all-time highs and lows, those with elevations changing 1.5 feet or more, our lowest wells with elevations 3 BCB or below, and those wells that we have read for the first time.
I hope that you have had a chance to look at our newly upgraded interactive map. I’ve gotten very positive feedback on it so far and would love to hear what you think. I continue to appreciate your support and your interest in the groundwater issue.
Elliott Laffer
Executive Director
Boston Groundwater Trust
