Around Town

A Self-Guided Stormwater Walk Designed by a River Conservation Group

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A self-guided tour of Watertown’s stormwater drainage system will show people how rain water gets from the streets to the Charles River. The walk features some of the stormwater devices you can see on the street that you would recognize, such as a catch basin, and some that are not as obvious, like a bioswale. There are also parts of the stormwater system where the water enters the river. The Watertown Department of Public Works collaborated with the Mystic River Watershed Association to create the tour, said Town Engineer Matthew Shuman. “Here’s some great activities we put together with the Mystic River Watershed Association for kids and adults to do to get some fresh air during these trying times … go for a stormwater walk,” Shuman said.

Animal Control

Animal Control Investigating Dead Cat Found in Bag in Charles River

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The Charles River near Watertown Square. A resident walking along the Charles River in Watertown spotted a trash bag with a dead cat inside, Watertown’s Animal Control Officer reported. The bag was discovered on Thursday, Jan. 30, but someone walking on the California Street side of the river. The bag was weighed down by a rock, according to Karen O’Reilly, Watertown’s Animal Control Officer.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Join Other Departments to Patrol Along Charles River

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Police from Watertown, Waltham, Newton and the State Police will patrol the Charles River this summer. Pictured L to R, Capt. Dowling (Newton PD), Capt. Rodley (Waltham PD), Lt. Dear (MSP
Brighton), Chief Lawn, Capt. Dupuis

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department:

The Massachusetts State Police, Waltham Police Department, Watertown Police Department, and Newton Police Department, along with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, are partnering in a summer initiative to enhance safety along the Riverwalk and other parkland along the Charles River Upper Basin. Troopers and Officers this weekend will launch Project Safe Summer, a joint patrol initiative that recognizes the four police agencies’ shared responsibility to enhance public safety along this serene area popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, and nature lovers. Teams consisting of members from each of the four departments will patrol the Upper Basin parklands and work collaboratively to address quality-of-life issues and other public concerns. The joint teams will patrol the area at various times, supplementing existing regular patrols.

Around Town

Registration Open for 20th Annual Charles River Cleanup

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Chuck Dickinson’s “Charles River, Watertown” came in third in the Watertown Savings photo contest. The 20th Annual Charles River Clean up is coming up in April. See how you can get involved. The following announcement came from State Sen. Will Brownsberger’s Office:

Registration is now open for the 20th Annual Charles River Cleanup, which will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 9 AM – 12 PM, followed by a volunteer appreciation picnic on the Esplanade. If you’re interested in participating this year, click here to register!

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Likes the Landscaping of the New Pedestrian Bridge, Railings Not So Much

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Watertown resident Chuck Dickinson came across crews putting in the landscaping at either end of the new pedestrian bridge across the Charles River, and he liked the crew’s work so much that he took some photos. 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation installed the new bridge at the end of May in place of the old one, which was not handicap accessible. He also took a few photos of the new bridge, including the side railings (which he said are quite tall). Dickinson submitted the following write-up:

After a long-anticipated installation of the new Thompson Pedestrian Bridge, landscapers from DCR contractor MON Landscaping (Dartmouth, MA) labored in the hot sun on the days before and after the Fourth of July holiday to plant new shrubs and trees on both sides of the Charles River. The landscaping is a needed finishing touch to the bridge project, as it softens the concrete and asphalt approaches on both sides of the river with greenery and foliage. Although many are unhappy with the high railings on the new bridge that obscure or limit river views, the bridge’s landscaping is likely to be welcomed and appreciated by all.

Around Town

Public Works Encourages Residents to Report Spills in the Charles River

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{The following piece was provided by Town Engineer Matthew Shuman from the Watertown Department of Public Works}
We appreciate our citizens on the look-out for potential sources of pollution in the Charles River, and it’s unfortunate that this resident had a difficult time contacting someone after hours. I’m not sure about the particulars in this instance, but we do receive calls after hours using an answering service. Furthermore, we are staffed 24-7 for emergencies. Also, all our storm drains that enter the Charles River (“outfalls”) have signs and a number attached to them (see the photo). It’s helpful when reporting potential pollution to include the outfall number as well, as this can help us with follow-up investigations.

Around Town

Recreation Department Hosts Free Kayaking Event on Charles River

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The Watertown Recreation Department announced it will host a free Kayaking event on the Charles River – in partnership with Live Well Watertown. Participants will pair up in a double kayak for a fun, leisurely, or active ride along the Charles River. Charles River Recreation will provide basic instruction and safety rules for all who participate. This program is open to new and experienced kayakers. Comfortable, layered clothing is recommended; wear shoes that can get wet.

Around Town

Strange Substance Seen Flowing into Charles River from Storm Drains

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A Watertown resident caught on video a strange looking substance flowing out of storm drains into the Charles River on June 2. He could not identify what it was and was frustrated by efforts to report the outflow. 

The resident, David, lives near the Charles River and spotted the floating, beige or yellowish substance in the water Saturday afternoon. See video below. “It was a dark color and was floating on the surface of the water,” David said. The substance was coming out of two of the storm drain pipes and going the water.