On July 21, 2022, the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force declared that the Northeast Region of Massachusetts, including Acton, had moved into Level 3 Critical Drought status. The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) uses six different types of information in deciding when to declare a drought. This post takes a look at how these six… Continue reading →
Greener Ways to Avoid Acton’s Mosquitoes
by Chris Edwards, Chair, Green Acton Toxics/Pesticides Subcommittee While you’re enjoying the outdoors in Acton, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from being bitten by mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other insects, since these critters can carry harmful viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Unfortunately, some of the most effective repellents have environmental and toxic… Continue reading →
Missed the “Acton’s Water Cycle” Forum? Catch Up Here (inc. event video)
by Norm Strahle and Kim Kastens The June 8, 2022 forum, hosted by the Green Acton Water Committee, covered the topic of “Acton’s Water Cycle,” beginning with where Acton’s drinking water comes from and culminating with what happens when it goes down the drain. The format included poll questions for the forum attendees and a… Continue reading →
June 8: Interactive Discussion of Acton’s Water Cycle
The Green Acton Water Committee invites you to the fourth in our series of educational forums about water issues of concern to Acton, to be held on June 8, 7–8:30pm, by Zoom. This year’s forum will take the generalized concept of “the water cycle” and apply it to the specific situation of Acton. Register for the… Continue reading →
Nagog Brook Had a Warm Year in 2021
by Kim Kastens and Song Leav As Green Acton reported in November 2021, Nagog Brook in western Acton experienced unusually high stream flow in the summer of 2021. This post reports that during that same time interval, Nagog Brook’s water temperature was also unusually high.
Q&A with 2022 candidate for Acton Water District Commissioner
There is one candidate this year for the position of Commissioner of the Acton Water District (AWD): Barry Rosen. This post contains Mr. Rosen’s answers to questions prepared by the Green Acton Water Committee to inform the voters about some current issues and opportunities facing the District, and the candidate’s thoughts on how to address… Continue reading →
Nagog Brook Streamflow: Torrent in Winter, Trickle in Summer — But Not This Year
by Kim Kastens and Song Leav The Green Acton Water Committee has monitored the stream level of Nagog Brook since the summer of 2017. The general pattern we have seen is a low and consistent streamflow during the summer and into the fall, followed by a high and variable streamflow during the winter and spring.… Continue reading →
What Is Happening in the NE Corner of Nagog Pond?
The floating barges, pipes, cranes, construction activity and traffic diversion at the corner of Great Road and Nashoba Road are in support of the first phase of the Town of Concord’s renovation of their Nagog Pond water treatment facility: extending and replacing the intake pipe.
Nagog Brook Temperature: Cooler than air in Summer, Warmer than air in Winter
by Kim Kastens & Song Leav The Green Acton Water Committee began monitoring the water temperature of Nagog Brook in the summer of 2017. After more than three years of data collection, we have established that the brook stays warm in winter relative to air temperature, and cool in summer, and rarely exceeds the temperature threshold… Continue reading →
Stream Monitoring at Nagog Brook
This page describes historical and ongoing programs to monitor the stream level and water temperature of Nagog Brook, and provides links to data and observations.