Even if they’re small, even if the package says “flushable,” some everyday items can cause messy and expensive problems for plumbing and our sewer treatment facilities.

Products that might seem safe to flush down the toilet, such as personal care wipes, dental floss and paper towels, don’t dissolve quickly – or at all – in water. If a scrap of undissolved material gets caught on a nick, bend or bump within a pipe, it can trigger a growth of buildup that could cause a sewer backup in your home or neighborhood.

Sewer agencies, environmentalists and consumer advocates are working with manufacturers to correct product labeling. In the meantime, please make sure to dispose of personal care products, cleaning supplies and other household waste properly: in the trash can, in the recycling bin or at your local household hazardous waste disposal site. Read more here: https://www.mwra.com/03sewer/html/toiletnottrashcan.html

How to care for septic system (mass.gov): https://www.mass.gov/guides/caring-for-your-septic-system#:~:text=How%20often%20should%20I%20pump,or%20at%20all%20%E2%80%93%20in%20water.

Properly Dispose of Waste: https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system#properly

North Andover is seeking elections workers for the fall elections and beyond.

The High School track and upper field will be closed to the public starting on August 30th in order for the track to be redone.  We expect the track and field to reopen mid-October. 

– Stevens Pond Closed for the Season

The town has made the difficult decision to close Stevens Pond for the remainder of our summer season due to consistent high bacteria. A significant reduction in test results would be required to bring our average down in order to permit swimming, which is unlikely given past weeks’ overall results, and so the decision has been made to close. Questions related to this decision can be directed to Rick Gorman through email at rgorman@nayouth.com or at the Youth Center 978-682-9000.

The town is looking into solutions to reduce bacteria levels in hopes that this will lead to lower test results next year. The main cause of elevated levels this year is a combination of the high temperatures and low rainfall in the beginning of this season, which contributed to the bacteria levels that we are seeing now. These levels are high compared to last summer, when we received far more rainfall than average, and all our water tests were low.

Partial reimbursement will be available for season pass holders to make up for the reduced time open this summer. More information is available by emailing Demi Marsh at dmarsh@nayouth.com or by calling the Youth Center, 978-682-9000, Monday-Friday 9-5pm.

The High School track and upper field will be closed to the public starting on August 30th in order for the track to be redone.  We expect the track and field to reopen mid-October.