The holiday season has come and gone and I hope everyone was able to enjoy family time and the festivities. However, it seems as though the Edgartown water department had one last problem to contend with as we closed out the year and look forward to 2015. On Dec. 29 at approximately 9:30 in the morning, a 12-inch water main decided that it was time to fail. As reported and pictured in local papers, the situation quickly became quite disruptive to residents, businesses and commuters, but it could have been much worse. The break occurred during the week, early in the day and after most commuter traffic had passed. And while the problem occurred on a main road, traffic delays were kept to a minimum. Comparatively speaking, we had excellent conditions and while there may never be an ideal time for a main break, we had a favorable situation compared to a worst case scenario. However, there was a lot more to the timely success of this repair than most may realize.

You see, the repair was truly a community effort, an effort like I couldn’t have even imagined. Departments, residents, commissioners and a host of others all came forward to assist in any way they could, and they were never even asked to do so. And while the repair was credited to the water department, it was the collective efforts and contributions of many that made the repair really happen as well as it did. I apologize in advance if I’ve missed anyone, but in particular, I’d like to thank the following: Edgartown police department, Edgartown highway department, Chief Shemeth, Mass. DOT, Mass. State Police, Adam Darack, the VTA, Andy Farrissey, the water commissioners, Sharky’s Cantina, and the residents and officials of the town of Edgartown.

Again, if I’ve missed anyone, it was unintentional.

Thank you all for your assistance with the main break and the display of true community spirit. I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.

William R. Chapman
Edgartown Water Department

The writer is superintendent for the Edgartown Water Department.