Select board approves limited weekend entertainment hours for Shipwreck’d at Pemberton

By Carol Britton Meyer

The select board this week reached a compromise with Shipwreck’d owner Lillian Parker, who went before the board requesting approval to amend the Pemberton Pier eatery’s entertainment license to allow live music. The board approved live entertainment two days per week.

There was some confusion about the wording on the application, which requested “to add live music consisting of vocal, with (3) instruments, guitar, keyboard, percussion, string/amplification for speakers, sound bar, microphone only.”

The initially requested days and hours to offer live music were Thursdays from 1 to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 10 p.m., and Sundays, from 2 to 8 p.m.

However, following a lengthy discussion and clarification of Parker’s intent, it was determined that she was not planning to offer live music on all four days for all those hours.

“We’ve had multiple requests from patrons that we offer live music,” Parker said. “It seems like something the public wants, but we’re not talking about bands with full drums and other instruments.”

Some neighbors expressed concerns about the request before the compromise was reached.

Channel Street resident Lisa Scannell said she doesn’t want to “listen to a band on a given day” when’s she’s trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of her home. She was also concerned about setting a precedent.

Another neighbor said that “Hullonians cherish our summers. We work all week, and this is our oasis.” He also noted that the footprint of Shipwreck’d “is smaller than my home’s.”

Parker, who also owns the SandBar and is a resident of Hull, said she was not talking about having a large speaker system, but rather “a small speaker so a microphone could be used” rather than just vocals.

“I am a good neighbor, and I don’t want to interrupt anyone’s quality of life,” she said.

Resident Abby Klieman noted that Parker “has done everything she can to improve the space. If the live music ends up being a nuisance,” it could be addressed later by the board.

Select board member Greg Grey said he was having a struggle with this being a request for outdoor entertainment rather than inside, due to the noise factor.

He said he could support occasional live entertainment, which would require Parker to go before the board for approval each time. That would be challenging, Parker said, because of her heavy work schedule.

Board member Brian McCarthy said he has “a huge problem with the word ‘amplified.’” [What I’m saying] has no bearing on you whatsoever,” he told Parker, “but this is such a small spot [for amplified music].”

At this point, Parker asked for clarification of the word because she sensed that the board’s perception was different from hers.

However, Town Manager Jennifer Constable said that would be difficult to do since Hull does not have a noise bylaw.

Following concerns expressed by some neighbors and select board members, Parker said she was willing to amend her request in accordance with those concerns and that ways to mitigate the sound are under consideration.

After further discussion, a motion was made – and approved – to amend the entertainment license of Shipwreck’d to allow live music up to two times a week during the Thursday through Sunday time period for no longer than four-hour sets per day/night and until no later than 8 p.m. Live music will be limited to not more than two-person acoustical acts and cannot be played on any two consecutive days/nights.

Chair Irwin Nesoff thanked Parker for her “willingness to compromise.”


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The French connection: Celebrate Bastille Day Sunday at Fort Revere

Celebrate Bastille Day – a major holiday in France marking the unity of the nation during the French Revolution – at Fort Revere on Telegraph Hill this Sunday, July 13.

Festooned in your best blue, white, and red regalia and laden with picnic baskets, beach chairs, and blankets come enjoy lively music at the fort featuring local musicians from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This summer evening celebration is in grateful tribute to the French sailors and marines who served and died at Fort Independence (the predecessor of Fort Revere) during the American Revolution.

This Sunday is more than just a beautiful summer day – it’s Pat Finn Appreciation Day at the fort! For years, Finn has been the guiding light generously sponsoring this beloved event. While he’s recovering from a recent health crisis, the Hull Lifesaving Museum and a group of devoted friends are carrying the torch this year in his honor.

So grab your beach chairs, picnic baskets, sunscreen, bug spray, and your best pals, and come celebrate with us! Snap some selfies, soak in the harbor views, and enjoy the spirit of summer the way Pat would want you to – together, and with joy. Live music by “The Radio” will keep the good vibes going all afternoon.

It’s free to attend, but if you’d like to be part of the upcoming Harbor Illumination, you can buy a flare from the Hull Lifesaving Museum while you’re here. Light one in honor of someone you love, or for Pat.

See you at the fort!


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Vintage arcade games bring retro fun to Paragon Carousel’s museum for the summer season

The Friends of Paragon Carousel has launched a pop-up vintage-style arcade inside the Paragon Park Museum in the historic clocktower building this summer.

This one-of-a-kind summer attraction features a collection of vintage and retro-style arcade games, including three Skee-Ball lanes, gaming consoles, hockey table games, and all-time favorites like Ms. Pac-Man, Tetris, and more. The experience is designed as an interactive celebration of the legendary penny arcade that once stood at the heart of Paragon Park, which entertained generations of Nantasket Beach visitors.

“This is a fun experiment for the Paragon Park Museum – an opportunity to bring the past to life and reconnect visitors with the playful energy that made Paragon Park such a beloved destination,” said, Friends of Paragon Carousel board member Jason McCann. “While we work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation on long-term plans to renovate the historic clocktower building, we’re looking for creative ways to activate the space, draw more visitors to the carousel, and deepen connections to our shared history.”

Operated by Hometown Arcade of Norwood, the arcade aligns with the Paragon Carousel’s hours, open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The arcade offers unlimited free play with $12 admission per person.

While the museum space has shifted to accommodate the arcade for the summer, core historical exhibits remain on display, including the popular scale model of the Giant Coaster, one of the park’s most iconic rides. Additional Paragon Park artifacts are still housed with the Friends of Paragon Carousel and will be reintroduced in future exhibits as the museum continues to evolve.

The clocktower building, once a waiting room for passengers arriving by steamboat and rail, is in need of significant repairs – investments that will be entirely funded by the nonprofit Friends group.

“By bringing new life and energy to this museum space, we hope to inspire greater community interest and investment in preserving this beautiful building,” McCann added.

The Hometown Arcade will operate for the 2025 season only, with the initiative and space usage to be reevaluated in the fall as the Friends continue to explore long-term uses for the clocktower and museum.

For more information, visit www.paragoncarousel.com or follow @paragoncarousel on social media.


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Open Studios tour offers the chance to meet Hull Artists in their workspaces

Hull Artists’ annual Open Studios event returns this weekend, Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, offering visitors a chance to explore the studios of more than 30 local artists and discover the work being created right here on the South Shore.

Always free and always fun, Hull Artists’ Open Studios runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Taking the tour is a chance to meet more than 30 Hull-based artists where they work, learn about their process, and explore art through their eyes.

Plan your visit and explore the full artist map at  https://hullartists.com/open-studios-july-2025, or pick up a map at Gallery Nantasket, 121 Nantasket Ave.


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Hull Police seize loaded handgun from 15-year-old accused of stealing moped

Hull Police are looking for the owner of a gun that a 15-year-old boy was carrying when he was arrested on Tuesday, July 1 after allegedly stealing a moped on Bay Street.

Just after 11 a.m., Hull Police responded to a 911 call reporting that the moped was stolen from the owner’s driveway. Officer John Mercer saw someone matching the description given by the caller pushing a blue moped down the sidewalk behind the laundromat.

According to Mercer’s report, the boy struggled while being detained, and Mercer discovered a loaded gun inside the fanny pack he was wearing. Mercer and Officer Christopher Agostino took a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun with a fully loaded 15-round magazine from the boy.

Chief John Dunn said the boy was arraigned in Hingham Juvenile Court on charges that included carrying a loaded firearm without a license (a felony), interfering with a police officer, possession of a large-capacity feeding device (also a felony), possession of ammunition without a Firearms Identification Card, and using a motor vehicle without authority.

A police report filed by Officer Leanne Marshalsea said that the boy initially told officers that the gun belonged to his mother, who bought it in Arizona. Hull Police contacted authorities in Arizona, who reported no record of the gun in their database.

When police sought an interview with the boy’s mother at the police station, she refused to answer questions without an attorney present.


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HRA nearing ‘consensus’ on community center, but opinions diverge on affordable housing

By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Redevelopment Authority appears to be closer to reaching a consensus that what members have called “Option 3” of the Urban Renewal Plan now in the works should include some kind of community center.

However, board members continue to have differing views about whether there should be a housing component, including affordable units. There also is the question of whether “affordable” housing in today’s terms is truly affordable.

PICKING UP: The Hull Redevelopment Authority holds a monthly cleanup effort to remove trash and debris from its property. Fifteen people turned out last Saturday; we managed to get 10 of them to pause for a photo: Andrew Thorburn, Mindy Markowitz, Sara Ventetuolo, Judy Dorner, Craig Robinson, Susan Vermilya, Allen Vermilya, Jon Betti, Sara Pearson, and Adrienne Paquin. Organizers thanked the Hull Department of Public Works for disposing of the collected trash. [Skip Tull photo]

At the beginning of the three-hour-plus Zoom meeting, with nearly 40 participants at one point, Chair Bartley Kelly noted that in consideration of a letter of support from the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce for the Hull Artists’ proposal for the Nantasket Community Center for the Arts “and also that we have two proposed potential uses – the one from Hull Artists and Dylan’s Tide – I think it would be good to talk about those potential uses, not necessarily choosing one, and possible locations.”

Cohasset residents Lisa and Paul Rogers proposed a children’s wellness and community center, which would be named Dylan’s Tide in memory of their late son, for one of the parcels some time ago.

There has not yet been a follow-up meeting with the Rogers family as discussed when they were last before the board, but Kelly did have a brief phone conversation with a member of their group related to their question about the timeline for completion of the URP (as yet undetermined), which he said he disclosed to the HRA at its next meeting.

According to HRA Technical Operations Manager Mark Hamin, the Rogers have not yet responded to his reaching out to them regarding a follow-up meeting.

Kelly noted that the HRA also received another proposal for the property but did not provide details since it was not listed on the agenda.

‘Gathering place for the town’

“I would love to see one of the parcels used for some kind of community or arts center – a gathering place for the town,” HRA member Adrienne Paquin said, adding her preference to keep the “special and unique” view corridor open.

Kelly noted that board members “agree that community-oriented space is good – a place to bring people and groups together,” while also advocating for the potential for “some type of neighborhood housing.”

HRA member Dan Kernan said he is in “strong support of the community center idea” while preferring to focus “on what are the most important things we can do on this property, that are of the highest value to our community, and figure out how to achieve those.”

Board member Joan Senatore envisions a potential community center adjacent to a park with a focus on the arts, music, a mobile stage, and other attractions – “a place for events, with parking.”

Regarding housing, she said, “I’m back and forth on that.”

Various ideas were floated for different parcels, with no decisions made.

‘Reaching some kind of consensus’ is the goal

Partway into the discussion, Hamin was asked to share his thoughts.

“The board is starting to get into the fine details of particular parcels rather than reaching some sort of consensus about [overall uses]…,” he said. “I think the fine details need to be provided by someone with expertise in urban design.”

Hamin also emphasized the importance of finding uses for the HRA parcels that are compatible and complementary to abutting properties.

While Kelly sees a high financial value to building some kind of housing, including affordable units, that could provide funds to the HRA and tax revenue, some members don’t support that concept.

Paquin reiterated an earlier comment – “I don’t believe the HRA is responsible for solving all the town’s problems” – and noted the various financial contributions the authority has made to town projects and to various organizations. “Where does it end? It could become a never-ending cycle.”

At one point, Kelly said the HRA’s current mission “is to provide economic development for the town.”

Paquin asked Kelly to define “true economic development,” which Kelly described as “bringing in revenues to the town in perpetuity” including attracting people to Hull who will spend money here, along with the residents who are already doing so, he said. “People coming here with coolers and spending 20 bucks to park to go to the beach is not economic development.”

‘Such a precious asset’

Paquin is opposed to selling “such a precious asset” to a developer and doesn’t think “housing of any kind belongs on this property.”

“Selling the land is a misconception,” Kelly responded. “If we put a residential development on two acres, we wouldn’t be selling all of that land – just the portion that would provide tax revenue to the town in perpetuity. With the two-way road plan, which the town is still pursuing, we would gain two acres of open space. I see it as a win-win because there would a net loss of zero acres of open space.

“A community center is a great idea, but it doesn’t bring tax revenue to the town,” he said. “It will attract people here to visit, but that’s not enough.”

Board member Dennis Zaia suggested deed-restricted, reasonably priced workforce housing “for school teachers, firefighters, police officers, and others working in Hull,” calling this his “dreamscape.”

“We also need to start investing in attracting younger people to come here and settle down so we have more kids in the schools,” he said. “Small apartments vs. oceanfront homes – good living in a great environment.”

Zaia also noted that the community “is bemoaning the loss of the miniature golf course” and floated the idea that maybe one could be included in a potential community center.

In other business…

• The board approved, on two separate votes, a contract with T. Grey Landscape & Design for the 2025 season that will pay the company a $975-per-cut grass cutting fee that includes the entire HRA property, with the exception of the lots that are under the control of the seasonal parking lot operator, and $150 per hour for property maintenance, with a minimum fee of $50 for less than an hour’s work, and the fee broken into 15-minute increments after the first hour.

• Kelly addressed correspondence to the board through the hra02045.com website.

An email from the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce in support of the Hull Artists’ proposal said such a use would help strengthen the town’s economy, provide a cultural benefit, and would be a “critical component of Hull’s revitalization strategy.”

Another question related to “the water supply issue in Hingham and Hull.”

Kelly reported that he talked with Weir River Water System Managing Director/Superintendent Russell Tierney and was told that Procopio Companies – developer of Paragon Dunes, now called The Wayfarer – “will be approved for water. They did seek alternative sources,” he said, noting that “this has nothing to do with the HRA. They will be allowed to connect to the water system, but no permits for new development will be issued without a letter from WRWS regarding enough capacity. Even if the URP included housing, we couldn’t get a building permit without access to water, sewer, and electricity.”

Another question related to the availability of resident parking on the triangle lot, followed by a similar inquiry by C. Anne Murray.

Kelly said that parking is available on that lot for residents – those who have town parking stickers – on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as paid parking for visitors this year under the seasonal parking lot operator agreement.

Paquin noted that a large number of residents are still using the lot, which was once reserved for their use. “Maybe at times there won’t be a parking space available, but 94 town parking stickers were [observed] on that lot last Monday, a lot higher than last year.”

• Paquin told the board that she noticed “cash exchanged” at a lot under the control of this year’s seasonal parking lot vendor when she was stopped at a nearby traffic light rather than through an app, which was a requirement of the agreement. Hamin agreed to look into the situation and report back to the board.

At the end of the meeting, Kelly noted that the board had “reached a general consensus of a community center” and encouraged members to come to the next meeting with the goal of reaching a compromise “to accomplish the goals we all have and to move this forward.”

A number of residents spoke during the comment period for those participating in the Zoom meeting, with Kelly asking them to keep their comments brief as the hour approached 10 p.m.

“Keep in mind that we’re trying to reach a consensus amongst each other,” he said. “We have heard from many people at public meetings and on a daily basis, and the board is doing its best to come up with a plan the town wants and needs.”

Resident Cindy Borges, who also is a member of the planning board, said the financial gain from a residential development would be “a drop in the bucket” compared with the large projects Hull residents have willingly supported in the past when needed.

She also asked about Kelly’s conversation with the Rogers family and whether other board members were aware of it. He responded that they are aware and that he’s not trying to keep anything in the “dark.”

Borges also said she feels it’s “premature” for the board to be talking about specific parcels for the potential two community centers.

“It’s upsetting to be asked not to talk about it,” she said, referring to Kelly’s comments asking the audience to be brief.

Resident Lisa French said that less than 25% of the 615 resident respondents to an earlier survey said they were interested in a community center and that open space is their number-one priority.

Kelly asked her to bring her comments to a close at one point, saying that “people are lining up to speak, and I’m hearing the same things.”

“You are not allowed to stop me!” French responded.

“I can as chair,” Kelly said.

Following a back-and-forth between the two, French continued. “The board added later to the original mission [of the HRA] approved at town meeting regarding economic development,” she said. “The idea of creating tax revenue doesn’t have to [be part] of the broader goal of improving the economy. This can be done without residential development on HRA land. We don’t need more residents in Hull.”

Resident Valerie Carlson suggested there is a “need for the board to come to a consensus amongst themselves as to what economic development means. … It’s not necessarily tied to bringing in income in the traditional sense.”

SOS Hull member Susan Vermilya encouraged the board to move forward with another survey as suggested by Paquin earlier, that would be done “at the same time the HRA is going through the URP process to see what major [components] citizens would get behind and excited about.”

Paquin is still exploring methods for another survey to present to the board for a final decision.

A replay of the meeting is on Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net. The next HRA meetings are scheduled for July 14 and 28.


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Hull High performers take the stage at C Note’s ‘First Friday’ all-ages event

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE… at the C Note are, from left, Ash Connors-Duffy and Delphine Martin (vocalists) and Scarlett Arevalo (piano and harmonica). [Photo courtesy of Ian Barkon]

On June 6, the C Note music club hosted its monthly all-ages night known as First Friday. The lineup of bands was put together by Hull High graduate Dahlia Hedrick, now a student at Berklee College of Music.

Ian Barkon, the Hull High School music educator, reached out to Hedrick to ask if some high school musicians could take a set that evening, and she gladly gave them the opening spot. This performance would mark the return of Hull’s high school musicians to the C Note stage since the end of the COVID19 pandemic.

The high school’s set included Scarlett Arevalo playing the piano and harmonica, with Ash Connors-Duffy singing Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” soloist Delphine Martin singing and playing the ukulele to three of her favorite songs – one of which is the favorite of her mother who was sitting in the audience –and the high school’s after-school rock band performing The Misfits’ “Saturday Night.” Members included Ash Connors-Duffy (vocals), Scarlett Arevalo (guitar), Joe Davidson (guitar), Delphine Martin (bass), and Dom Laufenberg (drums).

Along with the all-ages show, First Friday is also known for giving back to the community. That night, C Note manager Barbara Rhind donated more than $1,000 to the Hull High School music department. That donation will go to scholarships for students who plan on studying music beyond high school.


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Shorelines: Good news about your friends and neighbors

OUT-OF-OFFICE: Fellow town employees, friends, and family members  gathered at the Nantasket Beach Salt Water Club on Friday to honor Janice Lichtenberger (fourth from left), office manager of the Hull Building Department, as she retired after 45 years of service. Among those celebrating with Jancie were, from left, Meghan Bennett, Eileen White, Building Commissioner Bartley Kelly, Janet Scribner, Joyce Sullivan, Terri Berardinelli, Hannah Adams, Judi Saide, and Rachel Gerold – holding Sam with siblings Maggie and Elijah Gerold in front. [Skip Tull photo]

• Congratulations to Melissa Rymaszewski, who earned dual bachelor of science degrees in environmental science and geology from the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, graduating summa cum laude. Melissa has accepted a full-time position with the Massachusetts Geological Survey at UMass-Amherst.

• Salve Regina recently released its spring Dean’s List, which included two Hull students – Abigail Gibson and Erica McGowan. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 for full-time students completing at least 12 graded credits, or a semester grade point average of 3.8 for part-time students completing at least six credits. Salve Regina is a Catholic coeducational institution in Newport, Rhode Island.

• Happy Birthday to Erica’s Dad, Sean McGowan, who celebrates on July 8.

TWICE AS NICE: Two celebrations were held at St. Nicholas United Methodist Church in Hull Village on Sunday. First was the celebration of Rev. Dr. Peter Michael Preble’s kind, committed, and compassionate service over the years, and secondly a celebration of his birthday. Parishioners gathered around Rev. Preble as they sang together at the close of the service. After the service, Rev. Preble posed outside the church with his wife, Nicky, and daughter, Oonagh. [Skip Tull photos]


Fifth graders at the Jacobs School recently participated in hands-on water and science discovery activities as part of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association’s Water All Around You program. NSRWA’s educational team visited 12 towns, 38 schools, and nearly 3,000 students this year. Through this program, the students make discoveries about their town and its water, and form connections between human actions and how they can affect this valuable natural resource. WaterSmart is a nonprofit partnership between the NSRWA and 12 towns on the South Shore: Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanover, Hingham, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Rockland, Scituate, and Weymouth. For more information, visit watersmartsouthshore.org.

• Save the Harbor/Save the Bay recently granted more than $300,000 to 80 community service organizations in beachfront communities in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull as part of the Better Beaches Program, in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Hull will receive $17,500 in grants to host free beach events and programs all summer long.

“Expanding access to public spaces like our beaches is one of the ways Save the Harbor makes our whole state stronger through community engagement and awareness of harbor and beach ecology,” said Massachusetts Beaches Commissioner and state Senator Patrick O’Connor.

“The Better Beaches program unlocks the potential of our local award recipients and inspires engagement with ecology by creating personal connections to our fantastic state beaches,” added state Representative Joan Meschino, vice chair of the MBC.  

Since it began, the Better Beaches program has supported more than 2,100 free events and leveraged more than $7.3 million in state and local investment in waterfront communities. This year’s Better Beaches events are expected to draw nearly 500,000 attendees to 200+ free programs.

If you have news about Hull residents to share – birthdays, anniversaries, career and education achievements, weddings, births, and other milestones – send your information to us at news@hulltimes.com. If you include a photo, please be sure that everyone in the image is identified. Thank you!


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Meet more than 30 local artists when annual Hull Open Studios tour returns on July 12 and 13

Hull Artists’ annual Open Studios event returns July 12-13, offering visitors a chance to explore the studios of more than 30 local artists and discover the work being created right here on the South Shore. Always free and always fun, Hull Artists’ Open Studios runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Among the participating artists are Nanci Jaye, David Kunitz, and Joe McKendry – each shaped by distinct experiences, materials, and motivations.

Nanci Jaye, a longtime Hull resident and member of Hull Artists for more than 20 years, draws deeply from the coastal landscape. Her pieces are influenced by the colors and movement of the ocean, and she operates a frame shop and studio open daily by appointment.

“Creating my art gives me joy and centers me,” she said. “I am influenced by living by the ocean. The colors, light and nature bring me inspiration.”

David Kunitz spent his career designing toys for brands like Star Wars, Matchbox, and Transformers. After building a wood shop in Hull, he began working with reclaimed wood, merging his background in playful, purposeful design with a commitment to sustainability. “Creating art allows me to express my creativity and passion for sustainability. I love working with rescued wood, each piece with its own unique story,” he explained. His interests in metalwork, beekeeping, and ceramics also inspire his work. “Overall, art is a fulfilling way for me to contribute to environmental conservation, inspire others and myself,” he said.

Joe McKendry, a watercolor painter and professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, is most often found painting around Hull in the early morning hours. His current work focuses on water surfaces and the way they reflect light and color. As a teacher at one of the country’s top art schools, he credits his students with keeping him sharp and inspired.

“My most recent work centers around water surfaces: how they reflect light, color, and are constantly changing. Water is both fascinating and calming – Hull residents know this well,” he said.

Hull Artists Open Studios is a chance to meet more than 30 Hull-based artists where they work, learn about their process, and explore art through their eyes. Plan your visit and explore the full artist map at www.hullartists.com/openstudios, or, pick up a map at Gallery Nantasket, 121 Nantasket Ave.


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Record-breaking temperatures strain water system, prompt emergency usage restrictions

By Christopher Haraden

As record heat settled into the area this week, the Weir River Water System experienced a “drastic drop” in the water level in its Turkey Hill storage tank, prompting a systemwide ban on all outdoor watering and nonessential use of water.

On Tuesday, the water company, which serves customers in Hull, Hingham, and parts of Cohasset, issued an “emergency Level 2 water ban” to curtail usage and rebuild capacity in its tank.

“Effective immediately, the Weir River Water System will be instituting a Level 2 water ban. This means absolutely no outdoor watering and nonessential watering until further notice,” the company said in a statement to customers on Tuesday, as the mercury hit 102 degrees in Boston for the first time ever in the month of June. Some South Shore communities also reported triple-digit temperatures, although most thermometers in Hull registered in the high 90s at the peak of the day’s heat.

The company described nonessential outdoor usage as irrigation by automatic sprinklers or soaker hoses, the washing of vehicles, exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks, and the filling swimming pools. WRWS said the mandatory ban was necessary because previous requests for conservation were not followed.

“The WRWS is working to increase water supply as a result of increased demand in the system,” the company reported in a 6 p.m. update on Tuesday. “Over the last 12 hours we have improved the levels in our storage tanks at a rate of one foot per hour. Pressure throughout the system has returned to normal and will continue to improve overnight as long as customers adhere to the Level 2 water ban. As a result, customers may notice fluctuations in water pressure and some temporary discoloration from naturally occurring sediments stirred up within the mains.”

Violators of the water ban face fines for the first and second offenses, and could have their water service shut off if violations continue.


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