In the Community

In the Community

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission provides drinking water and wastewater education by participating in public outreach events and by disseminating printed materials throughout the year. In fiscal year 2008, Commission staff volunteered to serve drinking water for community events and also volunteered for an Earth Day clean-up. In addition, the Commission sponsored conservation education at schools and through retail customer mailings. The following are highlights of Commission activities in the Community throughout the fiscal year.

Summer kicked-off with Commission employees distributing water bottles to the public at the Community Police Youth Picnic held at Kennefic Park in July. Children and adults enjoyed the educational exhibits, games, food, and ice-cold water

Camp Waterways is a unique camping experience that combines science, engineering, education, adventure, career exploration and fun and is sponsored by World Is Our Classroom, Inc. The Commission participated in Camp Waterways by donating $3,500 to provide scholarships to Springfield students. In addition, Commission staff partnered with counselors to lead watershed activities and provide instruction related to water treatment plant processes. Participants camp overnight in the watershed, follow the water’s journey from the Cobble Mountain Reservoir, through the drinking water treatment plant at West Parish Filters, through household and commercial use and the treatment process at Springfield’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant at Bondi’s Island to the Connecticut River. The program supports the middle school science curriculum of the Springfield Public Schools and meets science and technology goals of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for engineering design and transportation technologies.

Each fall, Commission employees participate in the United Way fund drive. Seventy-seven employees pledged $9,579 to this year's campaign with the average annual pledge being $124 per participant.

In December, Commission employees organized a food drive to benefit a local food pantry. The Grey House located on Sheffield Street, Springfield received a generous donation of canned goods and other non-perishable items for distribution to needy families in the North End Neighborhood of Springfield.

In April, the Commission organized a group of volunteers to participate in the Watershops Pond Earth Day Clean-Up. The clean-up occurred as part of a city-wide Earth Day event arranged by the Springfield Science Museum. Employees from the Commission volunteered their services to remove litter and debris from the banks of the pond and abutting tree belt. In addition, the Commission joined the Science Museum for an Earth Day Festival located at the Quadrangle. Commission employees provided cold water to festival attendees and handed out water-quality literature during the event.

The first week of May is National Drinking Water Week and the Commission participated by sponsoring the National Theatre for Children. In 2008, the children’s theatre group performed "Showdown at Dry Gulch" for students at Mary O. Pottenger School and Liberty School. The show emphasized the importance of drinking water protection, water conservation and pollution prevention.

In June of each year, the Senior Games are held at Springfield College. Commission employees are stationed trackside to distribute water bottles and fill them with ice-cold water. Senior athletes from the region compete in various track and field events and always welcome the drinking water provided.

Also in June, the Commission distributes an Annual Water Quality Report. The report provides valuable information about Springfield’s water system, water quality test results, conservation tips, and health.

Volunteers on Earth Day included employees, friends and family of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.

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   Ludlow Reservoir Public Access Program

In 1994, the water supply and treatment facility at Ludlow Reservoir was taken off-line and is presently maintained for emergency use. On June 13, 2001 the Commission, in conjunction with state agencies, created a 2,500-acre "Water Reserve" to ensure long-term protection of water quality through a conservation restriction. On October 1, 2002, the Ludlow Reservoir was opened to limited public access as described in the Land Management Plan. While the public enjoys walking, biking, jogging, hunting, fishing, and other activities, the water supply remains protected. During fiscal year 2008, approximately 36,915 visitors enjoyed recreational use of the watershed.

Ludlow Reservoir at Dusk

                         Public Access at Ludlow Reservoir

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	In 1994, the water supply and treatment facility at Ludlow Reservoir was taken off-line and is presently maintained for emergency use. On June 13, 2001 the Commission, in conjunction with state agencies, created a 2,500-acre "Water Reserve" to ensure long-term protection of water quality through a conservation restriction. On October 1, 2002, the Ludlow Reservoir was opened to limited public access as described in the Land Management Plan. While the public enjoys walking, biking, jogging, hunting, fishing, and other activities, the water supply remains protected. During fiscal year 2008, approximately 36,915 visitors enjoyed recreational use of the watershed.
		Ludlow Reservoir at Dusk

Public Access at Ludlow Reservoir
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