Protect Yourself Outdoors
North Andover Fourth of July Fireworks
What Not to Flush
Even if they’re small, even if the package says “flushable,” some everyday items can cause messy and expensive problems for your 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.
How to care for septic systems (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 Police Mourn the Death of Community Resource Dog Scarlett
To the North Andover Community,Â
It is with deep regret that I announce that our beloved Community Resource Dog, Scarlett, unexpectedly passed away this morning following a sudden medical emergency.Â
Scarlett brought so many smiles to everyone across our community and more, often changing the lives of those she met along the way. She provided a sense of comfort, happiness and laughter to those she met here in North Andover and throughout the region, as her work would take her wherever anyone needed her comfort and love.
This unimaginable loss affects our entire department and our community, no one more deeply than Officer Mark Wilson, Scarlett’s handler. Scarlett lived with Officer Wilson and his family and had become a family member to them. On behalf of the entire North Andover Police Department, we extend a special message of condolence to the Wilson family.
Scarlett was the embodiment of what we set out to do as police officers: connecting and engaging with our community at the deepest levels. She was a name known by all, visiting students at North Andover Public Schools, those seeking medical treatment at Lahey and saying hello to residents at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She was truly a light in our Town, bringing a smile to everyone she met.Â
We are ever-reminded that our dogs do not remain with us for nearly long enough, but Scarlett was only 23 months old. She joined the department in 2023, and despite only being with us for a short time, she made a lasting impact that will continue to reverberate in our community for years to come.Â
Scarlett will be missed, and we are here to support the community during this time.Â
The department will be holding a memorial service to honor the life and service of Scarlett at a later time.Â
Sincerely,Â
Chief Charles Gray
2024 Water Quality Report
 
Learn About Your Community’s Updated Flood Maps
LEARN ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY’S UPDATED FLOOD MAPS
Register through Zoom:Â Â https://fema.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/6D9omHilSfSe_A9FEicusw
Spotted lanternfly in North Andover
The Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or “SLF”) in North Andover.Â
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Spotted lanternfly is a pest that attacks tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees, hops vines, and many other types of plants. This pest is known to impact grape/wine producers and other agricultural commodities, and can also interfere with outdoor recreation if infestations reach high levels, due to the swarming behavior of adult SLF in late summer and fall. That said, the insects themselves do not bite or sting – they are a nuisance because they gather in large numbers in areas where people are, and cover anything they are on with a sticky, sugary waste product known as honeydew.
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We ask that you report any sightings of this pest. You can do this by linking (https://massnrc.org/pests/slf)Â
There are also guides for businesses and residents in infested areas, available here:
- Residents: https://massnrc.org/pests/linkeddocuments/SLFHomeownerMgmtGuide.pdf (and in other languages)
- Businesses:Â https://massnrc.org/pests/linkeddocuments/SLFChecklistForBusinesses.pdf
- Public Service Announcements:Â https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=229GTwmo_SY&list=PLmQQV2mhy-YPIfOxaa_5sR_ehsvdoB67n
