Scituate Officials: Stay Off Old Oaken Bucket Reservoir Ice

Town officials are warning residents to stay off the ice at the Old Oaken Bucket Reservoir this winter due to potentially dangerous conditions caused by recently installed water quality equipment.

During the January 7 Select Board meeting, Town Administrator James Boudreau explained that aerators installed in the pond last summer to improve water quality will affect ice formation this winter.

"This summer we installed aerators in the pond to help with the water quality. They will impact the thickness of the ice that'll keep the ice very thin," Boudreau said. "So we ask that you stay off the reservoir pond."

The town has installed a message board near the reservoir and plans to put up additional warning signs in the area. While the aerators have been effective for their intended purpose - "they do a great job in helping with the water quality," according to Boudreau - their operation means the ice surface cannot be considered safe for winter activities.

Residents are urged to heed these warnings and avoid venturing onto the reservoir ice this winter season.

The Old Oaken Bucket Reservoir is located off First Parish Road in Scituate.