ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WLNE) — The City of Attleboro released a statement on an “avoidable water loss” that occurred in June and July. The city said that a review of the Water Department reports and meetings with staff found that an “unplanned, avoidable, and totally unacceptable water loss” occurred. Mayor Cathleen DeSimone had said in November that rumors of human error caursing a water loss were “baseless” The statement also said that “oversight and communication issues” allowed the loss. “Consistent with city policies and procedures this personnel matter is currently under review,” the statement read. “It is important for the Attleboro community to know that there are many dedicated and hardworking staff members at the Water Department and this unfortunate incident does not diminish their efforts or commitment to the city and its residents.” The city added that the state remains at “critical drought status.” The full statement can be read below: Recognizing that our surface water supply system relies on rainfall for replenishment and is particularly vulnerable to drought, the spirit of transparency requires that we acknowledge other factors that have also played a part in our current water situation. After a review of Water Department reports and meetings with the entire Water Department staff and several individual staff members in late November and early December, it has become clear that during the course of normal department operations last June and July there was an unplanned, avoidable, and totally unacceptable water loss at the Water Department. It has also become clear that there were oversight and communication issues at the department that allowed this to occur. While the amount of water loss is difficult to determine, all of our water is valuable, and even more so given our current situation. Consistent with city policies and procedures this personnel matter is currently under review. It is important for the Attleboro community to know that there are many dedicated and hardworking staff members at the Water Department and this unfortunate incident does not diminish their efforts or commitment to the city and its residents. Providing our community with a steady supply of clean water is one of the city’s highest priorities, and we remain fully dedicated to serving that mission. Although recent rains have helped, Attleboro and much of the state remain in a critical drought status. Water conservation remains essential as we wait for rain and snow to replenish our water supply to more seasonally normal levels, and we are grateful for your ongoing cooperation in the effort. Categories: Attleboro, Massachusetts, News