By Kim Kastens, Chair, Green Acton Water Committee The discovery of PFAS in Acton’s groundwater confronts the town with the prospect of many millions of dollars of new capital costs to add PFAS treatment capacity to the Acton Water District’s (AWD’s) local water treatment plants and/or to connect to the Massachusetts Regional Water Authority (MWRA)… Continue reading →
The Challenging Interrelationships among Water Rates, Conservation, and Environmental Justice
Contributed by Kim Kastens, Chair, Green Acton Water Committee The cost of delivering clean tap water is rising around the world, including in Acton. Public water suppliers across Massachusetts are seeking ways to balance competing demands to cover the costs of infrastructure and operations, to encourage water conservation, and to provide the essential good of… 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 →
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 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 →