A series of borings are being drilled around Watertown on behalf of the Department of Public Works to test areas where water main replacements could take place.
While drilling of borings happens frequently in town, typically they are done for private construction projects. Because the borings are being done for a town project, Mee said, the DPW put out an announcement.
“They are being done in areas of potential future water projects,” Mee said. “It is pretty standard for construction projects. It lets you know if there is heavy rock or soil underground.”
The information is used when putting out request for proposals for contractors to do the work, Mee said.
The streets where the borings will be taken are Pine Street, Essex Street and Nash Street on the Westside of town, and Oak Street in the East End.
Sometimes more than just the soil condition is discovered, Mee said, noting that last year an underground gasoline leak was found while doing borings for a sewer project.
The work was expected to take place on April 22 and 23, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. according to the announcement. Anyone with questions or concerns can call Weston & Sampson at 978-532-1900 ext. 2435, or the Department of Public Works at 617-972-6420 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
More boring work will take place around town over the construction season, Mee said.