Scituate's Search for New Water Sources Hits Challenges

In a presentation to the Scituate Select Board on January 7, 2025, TetraTech geologist Peter Dylan reported that the ongoing search for additional water sources in Scituate has faced significant challenges.

Dylan reported that two potential water source locations have been thoroughly investigated, with disappointing results. The first site, town-owned property at the end of First Parish Road in Norwell, proved unsuitable due to shallow bedrock conditions.

At the site, investigators found bedrock exposures and glacial boulders, some reaching seven to eight feet across, making the location impractical for water development.

A second site at a cranberry bog also showed limited promise. While some test wells produced initially encouraging results - with one reaching 100 gallons per minute - the water quality was problematic, with iron levels significantly exceeding drinking water standards.

"The iron levels are about 10 parts per million, which is the drinking water standards 0.3 and over 0.3 you need to treat," Dylan explained to the board.

The investigations are part of Scituate's ongoing efforts to identify new water sources. Dylan noted that signs of previous exploration efforts were evident at many locations he examined, telling the board "there wasn't almost any place that I've been at this point that I haven't seen somebody there before me."

While two additional sites remain to be investigated, Dylan acknowledged the challenges in finding viable new water sources in the area. The search continues, with investigators trying to identify locations with adequate depth to bedrock and suitable water-bearing materials.

The findings highlight the ongoing challenges Scituate faces in developing new water sources to meet the community's needs.