July 17, 2026 Submited By Jennifer Burtner
It is July 16th folks, a week shy of the astronomical summer midpoint. The astronomical summer is the one based on the solstices and equinoxes. This year (2026), summer began on June 21 and ends on September 22 – so the midpoint between those dates falls on July 22, 2026.
And things are hot, dry, and more than a bit concerning.
Just to recap: 4th of July, 2026 in Hingham was historic, glorious, but sweltering – with parade walkers and attendees alike huddling under trees along the route for relief from the blistering sun. Many of those initially interested in participating opted not to walk in the parade or even attend as watchers, due to the extreme heat and related health concerns. And they were not wrong in their assessment. It was a scorcher.
Since then thermostats keep rising, and everyone expectantly watches the weather forecasts and skies, praying for rain.
Yesterday the sky darkened as the smoke from the Canadian fires blew southward. “Some hell of a storm is coming!” said one of our patients as they walked into our office. We looked out the windows at midday and the sky looked as though it was already dusk. We all went to our phones. We knew rain was not predicted. It was then that we saw what the dark looming “clouds” really were.
“Those aren’t clouds,” someone dryly offered, “and there isn’t going to be any rain.” They turned their phone to us showing the forecast. We watched as our screens filled with maps, photos and videos of the fires engulfing the northwestern and west-central regions of the province of Ontario. Then the warnings that the fires are producing heavy smoke that is drifting into parts of Quebec and several northern U.S. states. Real-time locations and evacuation details blipped up through Canadian Wildfire Tracker, as well as emergency health monitors tracking local air quality throughout Canada and the Northern United States.
‘No,’ I thought as I watched my phone and stepped outside to look up at the thick low wall of smoke which crept lower and southward, ‘It’s a storm alright, but of a different kind.’
The water levels this summer have been so low it is being termed a safety crisis due to lack of water. Fire Safety concerns, level 2 and 3 water bans, violation warnings and fines, putting locks on spigots, dried up gardens, withering trees in shock, newly planted saplings dying…All signs clearly indicating that we are well beyond our limits to growth, in terms of funds, space, and natural resources.
It is time we got together and talked. How is this affecting you, your family, your neighborhood, and all of us as a community? How did we get here? And where is this all going? In a nutshell, how will Hingham have the water resources needed for future generations if this is the situation we are facing today?
These aren’t questions for scientists, engineers, or elected officials alone. They belong to every resident because water touches every part of our lives—from the health of our rivers, wetlands, and trees to our homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and public safety.
That is why a group of concerned Hingham residents is inviting the community to come together for an open conversation.
Thursday, July 30
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Fearing Room
Hingham Public Library
This is not a lecture. It is not a debate. It is a community conversation. Everyone is invited. Come share your thoughts, concerns, and experiences. We are looking for solutions. We want to hear from you. Now more than ever, your opinion matters.
Your concerns are very real and should be considered a Red Flag Warning! There is no question that a ” Deinking Water Crisis” is imminent at some point in the not-so-distant future. A few questions for your July meeting as a starting point.
Have current and future water needs been addressed in Hingham’s Master Planning Process recently?
Have there been any recent studies undertaken relative to future source water protection areas and have potential locations for additional drinking water welds been identified?
Is there an active Water Supply Study Committee in place and does it meet on a regular basis?
Is current storage capacity keeping up with existing water consumption?
Have locations been idented for additional water storage tank capacity to meet cerement and future customer demand?
Most States have performed studies reactive to freshwater aquifers and limit groundwater extraction. Is there information available from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection?
As the old expression goes on this topic when looking for answers… “WELL…It’s a deep subject!
your concerns
Hi Jen,
I think this is an interesting idea. I feel the bans have been confusing and I agree we need a more long term solution to our water supply and management plan.
Can you tell me more about the meeting? Will anyone from Weir River or the Select Board be attending to answer questions that might come up during the conversation?
Thank you for organizing this event.