0:00The meeting opened with a discussion regarding a water abatement request for residents of 12 Eagle Street, who experienced an intermittent leak resulting in approximately 35,510 gallons of water usage. The leak went undetected by the water system’s monitoring alarms, prompting discussion about the need for improved monitoring. The abatement was confirmed at $28,222, and the commissioners unanimously approved the request. This discussion highlighted the importance of effective monitoring systems to prevent similar issues in the future.

17:04The conversation then shifted to a more strategic focus on infrastructure and budget planning. A significant topic was the proposal to upgrade a pump station near the Westfield line to serve approximately a dozen customers located between the line and the existing pump station. This project was deemed urgent to ensure compliance with water treatment standards and to prevent potential emergencies. The commissioners emphasized the importance of treating water once the transition to a raw water supply begins, noting that opening the valve without adequate treatment could lead to complications.

Budget considerations took center stage as the commission reviewed a five-year projection that included infrastructure needs. A 12-inch AC water main on Well Road was identified as a priority, with repair costs estimated at around $100,000. Members discussed the necessity of consistently upgrading hydrants, proposing to increase the budget for hydrant replacements to $20,000 to address long-term needs without relying on borrowing. Concerns about the impact of these budget adjustments on water rates were raised, with one member noting that past infrastructure failures had led to significant rate increases.

The commission also discussed the possibility of gradually increasing funds available for water main replacements and related upgrades. Suggestions were made to elevate the contracted equipment budget to $40,000 to better manage potential emergencies. This led to a broader discussion about the need for a comprehensive approach to infrastructure maintenance, balancing immediate needs with longer-term planning.

Another topic was the establishment of a multi-community aquifer advisory committee, as recommended by the master plan implementation committee. This advisory committee aims to unite neighboring towns in collaborative efforts regarding water quality and resource management. Initial discussions among water systems in the Barnes and Great aquifers have already taken place, with the commission encouraged to adopt this collaborative approach. The idea is to foster a cooperative environment where towns can share best practices and address common challenges related to drinking water quality.

The implementation committee also aims to identify significant parcels of land necessary for water conservation. The commission expressed interest in developing a list of properties that could be important for drinking water supply protection, emphasizing the importance of proactive conservation efforts. This includes considering past opportunities for land purchases that could not be finalized and exploring available grants for drinking water protection.