Temporary boiler installed after Brown School leak; city orders two replacement boilers with 20-week lead time

The Somerville Department of Public Works reported a temporary failure in the Brown School boiler system that prompted a partial shutdown and use of a temporary heater; DPW Commissioner Joseph Latham told the committee that crews responded the same day and restored heat.

Commissioner Latham said DPW’s preventive-maintenance team identified the school’s boilers as aging and recommended replacing both units rather than repairing a single unit and risking a repeat failure. He told the committee the city ordered two replacement boilers and that the manufacturer lead time for the units is about 20 weeks. Meanwhile, DPW used a temporary boiler to maintain operations while parts arrive.

School officials said the leak occurred during the coldest day of the season and required a half-day closure while technicians pressure-tested the system; the building resumed operations the same day once the system passed testing. DPW noted additional piping work may be needed and that that work is being scheduled for this summer as part of preventive maintenance.

Committee members thanked DPW staff for the rapid response and for the proactive decision to replace both boilers to reduce the risk of repeat outages. No vote was taken; the committee recorded the update as work complete and requested status updates on delivery and installation timing.