Muddy water in sinks, toilets, tubs catches Holbrook, Massachusetts residents off guard
HOLBROOK - They may love that "dirty water" at Fenway Park, but a town south of Boston is struggling with the real thing.
Holbrook dirty water
People in Holbrook, Massachusetts told WBZ-TV they woke up to muddy water coming out of their pipes Tuesday. The town said it's because of work being done to improve the water system. Residents said it's the latest issue in a years' long process to get clean drinking water.
John Davis is one of the residents who had thick, muddy water flowing out of his tap. After a quick check of social media, it didn't take long to figure out most of his neighbors were dealing with the same disgusting problem - thick, muddy sludge in their sinks, toilets, bathtubs and water filters.
"Mud water"
"It was, just, black mud, mud water came out of the tap," Davis told WBZ. "I have a couple of friends that did their laundry, ruined their laundry, they've been bleaching in the sink."
Davis has lived in Holbrook his entire life and said this debacle is just the latest in a years' long effort to get clean drinking water. Each week for the last two years, Davis has been filling jugs up with clean spring water because the water coming out of his tap contains high levels of PFAS or "forever chemicals." Davis said the town has advised residents not to cook with or drink their tap water.
New water treatment plant
The town is working to fix the issue by developing the Tri-Town Water Treatment Plant in Braintree. The town of Holbrook said Tuesday's muddy water is the result of work on the project Monday night.
In a statement, the Holbrook Public Works Department said:
"The Water Department is actively working to address the issue and appreciates your understanding during this time. Additionally, significant work was completed on Monday night on a major water transmission line that supplies the Holbrook's Water Distribution System from the Randolph/Holbrook joint Water Treatment Plant. This work included the installation of two large junctions that will soon connect to new transmission lines from the Tri-Town Water Treatment Plant under construction in Braintree."
Randolph dirty water
The neighboring town of Randolph also reported discolored water Tuesday. By Wednesday, most of the dirt had washed out of the water.
Davis said no one in Holbrook got the heads up about what might happen Tuesday.
"Maybe a sign, somebody calling, a text, road sign, I don't know, anything," he told WBZ.
The town of Holbrook added if anyone's water was still discolored they should flush their system by letting their bathtub or shower run.
The new water treatment plant is expected to be ready by January 2026.
