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On the Watertown Seal is a picture of an English Colonist and an Indian exchanging, as peace tokens,  bread for fish.  Captain Roger Clap landed at Nantasket Point in 1630 and rode up Charles River to Gerry's Landing with the first party of Watertown Colonists.
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Emergency Alert - Inactive
Public Works
Contact
Gerald S. Mee, Jr.
Superintendent

Sue Tamber
Deputy Superintendent

124 Orchard St.
Watertown, MA  02472

Ph: (617) 972-6420

Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
                         
                            DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC WORKS   
                                 
                                    Leak Detection Surve
Please be advised that Public Works is about to begin its annual leak detection survey.  This year we have enlisted the services of Liston Utilities.  The majority of the survey will be performed during working hours.  You may notice during this time ‘out of service’ bags placed over various fire hydrants;  these bags are there only to protect Mr. Liston’s leak detection devices.  No hydrants will be out of service for the purposes of leak detection.  If a hydrant is needed and there is a bag placed over it, the bag and microphone may be removed by Fire or Police personnel at any time.  We anticipate the survey to run for 2-3 weeks, if you have any questions feel free to contact DPW at 617-972-6420.

Leak Detection is an important component to manage and address potential unaccounted for water.  The technique used is state of the art, greatly advanced from normal leak detection. Watertown has been using this electronic correlation method for the past two years.  The State mandates leak detection be performed once every two years.  This department performs a survey yearly to be pro active in finding potential problems without allowing substantial time to pass.

 

RECYCLING - Please remember, all corregated cardboard must be broken down in three foot lenghts and tied. We ask that residents tie the cardboard due to the possibility of high winds.

ALLIED WASTE will not accept a box that is not crushed and/or flattened.

The Watertown Department of Public Works is comprised of nine divisions
Administration, Cemetery, Central Motors, Forestry, Highway, Parks, Property & Buildings, Water, Sewer and Drain

The Department of Public Works provides the following:
Curbside pickup for trash, white goods, televisions, computer monitors and recycled materials.

A Mercury Recovery Program is provided for fluorescent bulbs, thermometers, thermostats, mercury switches, button cell batteries and the new energy efficient light bulbs. Items may be dropped off at DPW, 124 Orchard Street, items for drop off must be contained in a zip-locked plastic bag. Fluorescent bulbs straight, round and U shaped may be dropped off at the Coolidge Hardware, 622 Mt. Auburn St.

The Department contains toxic spills and operates a spill prevention program in conjunction with the EPA. Also maintains and tests water, sewer and drain systems infrastructure. The town has 80 miles of water piping running under its streets. ANNUAL HYDRANT FLUSHING maintains the high quality of town water. Watertown has nearly 1,000 hydrants and 36,000 catch basins. Storm water management addressed.

Snow Season - the Department treats roads with liquid calcium at the beginning of storms to prevent snow from bonding to the streets, reducing the need for the use of salt once plowing begins. Snow plowing roads ensuring safe passage for cars and emergency vehicles. Sidewalk clearing for school routes and once the storm passes, T stops and crosswalks on main roads are also cleared.

Spring & Summer Season - the Department maintains public parks and the cemetery. Maintains town trees, plants and prunes new trees. It also removes dying or damaged trees at the request of the Tree Warden. At the homeowners request the Department rebuilds grass strips with soil and seed.

Maintains traffic lights, street lights and road signs. Traffic control is the jurisdiction of the Police Department.

Related Documents
View and download related documents for Public Works.


WATERTOWN RESIDENTS PLEASE NOTE - Due to budget & environmental reasons, there will be no free salt / sand available at DPW.

Salt / sand may not be purchased at DPW.

ALL Recycle Bins are now $8.00 each, purchased at Public Works, 124 Orchard Street, Watertown.

Televisions & Computer monitors are not allowed to be deposited at the Recycle Center, curb side only. Call DPW for pick up or refer to "Related Documents" for additional information.