The Town’s drainage systems consist of natural and man-made watercourses and storage basins that must be maintained in order to prevent flood damage from smaller, more frequent storm events. Drainage systems also are found in streets, roadside ditches, underground recharge systems, as well as open channels and detention and retention basins.
Improper Disposal Practices Leads to Flooding
Do not dump or throw anything into the Town’s brooks, rivers, or wetlands. Catchbasins and other drains in the street ultimately flow into the Aberjona River. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug drain pipes and channels. A plugged channel cannot carry water and when it rains the water has to go somewhere. Every piece of trash can contribute to flooding. Disposal of litter in a waterbody is prohibited by the Town’s anti-litter bylaw.
Drainage Inspections
The Department of Public Works (DPW) inspects our drainage systems on a semi-annual basis. Our maintenance program includes catchbasin cleaning, pipe cleaning, drainage-basin maintenance, and street sweeping. To report improper activity such as dumping in our lakes, ponds, and rivers, please call the DPW at 781-721-7100.
