Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Survey underway to identify, repair leaks in water main system

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Water-Sewer Department initiated its water leakage survey this week, and it is expected to be complete at the end of December.

In a notice to residents, Water-Sewer Manager Jed Fenneuff stated that his department has contracted Water and Waste Pipe Testing, Inc. to survey the more than 70 miles of water mains in Hopkinton’s water distribution system. Work was scheduled to begin Monday and should be complete by Dec. 31.

“[The contractor] literally walks the whole distribution system,” Fenneuff told the Independent. He noted the process involves the contractor using a device called a ground microphone to detect the sounds of leaks in the town’s water mains.

“You can actually hear the force of the water leaking through the pipe,” Fenneuff explained. “You have to really have a trained ear to be effective at this job.”

When the contractor detects a leak, they will notify the Water-Sewer Department of the location so crews can investigate further. If it is on public property, Fenneuff said workers will try to repair it as quickly as possible. Although the number varies from year to year, he estimated that the water system may develop three to six leaks a year, on average.

The leak survey is required for regulatory compliance once every two years. However, Hopkinton engages in the practice annually “because it’s important to protect and conserve our most precious resource,” Fenneuff explained.

He added that the contractor would not be accessing any private property during the survey. “Everything’s being done on the street,” Fenneuff said. “You really shouldn’t have any contact.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Hopkinton Police Department is asking for community assistance to help catch individuals who illegally graffitied the Hank Fredette Skate Park last weekend.

The organizer of the fundraiser for the holiday lights on the Town Common announced Sunday that more than enough money has been raised to provide for the lights.

School construction project managers met with the Conservation Commission on Tuesday to gather input before submitting a formal plan to repair Loop Road.

This week’s Police Log features reports of a verbal altercation with a school teacher, a driver intentionally trying to hit other vehicles and an overturned vehicle near Hopkinton State Park.

This week’s Arts Residency highlights Hana Reilly, who previously worked for a master ceramicist and the Danforth Museum before landing the role of ceramics director at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Karen McManus, 80, passed away Nov. 19. She was a graduate of Hopkinton High School.

Nancy Macmillan, 81, passed away Nov. 23. She formerly was a lifelong resident of Hopkinton and was the owner and operator of Lovely Lady Beauty Salon.

Photo of the Day

Hopkinton fifth grader Maeve Rommel drives down the lane during her team’s game against Ashland at Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym this past Saturday as part of the Hopkinton Basketball Association’s 25th annual Tap-Off Tournament.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO