The meeting’s most discussion revolved around a proposal by Mark Travis from Mass Installation regarding the implementation of a pilot program for cellular-enabled water meters. Travis highlighted various features of the new system, which requires no additional infrastructure and offers precise one-minute data resolution. Such precision would be beneficial for seasonal residents, allowing them to set up alerts for unauthorized use and leaks. Travis emphasized the financial advantages, citing a previous deployment in Bridgewater that resulted in $4 million in revenue from a $600,000 program. The meters boast high accuracy, measuring flow as low as 1/16 of a gallon per minute, and are designed to resist freeze damage due to their thermal composite material, which prevents catastrophic bursts common with traditional meters.

The meeting delved into the scalability of the pilot program, noting its seamless integration with existing billing systems without significant upfront investment. Travis assured the Board of the system’s longevity, offering a 20-year warranty on all components, and detailed the ease of battery replacements, which do not require entire unit replacements. An app accompanying the system allows residents to monitor their water usage, with a basic version free of charge and a premium version available for a nominal fee, though Travis stated the basic features would suffice for most users. The potential savings on homeowners’ insurance, up to 10%, was also highlighted as a distinct advantage of the proposed system.

The Board also discussed the importance of addressing commercial water usage as part of the pilot program. Commercial accounts, though few, consume a portion of water, and upgrading outdated meters in these establishments could recover lost revenue from unaccounted usage. Several examples were shared where upgrading meters at commercial sites led to substantial increases in reported water usage and revenue.

In addition to the water meter pilot, the meeting addressed the funding needs for a new well construction project estimated to require between $4.5 to $5.5 million. The Board recognized the project’s importance for the town’s growth and discussed whether to request the full amount of funding. There was consensus on the need to coordinate with stakeholders and gather support letters from various town departments to emphasize the project’s significance. Additionally, operational updates included ongoing chemical cooperative contract reviews and efforts to improve delinquent bill collections, which had reached a 90% success rate.

The conversation also touched on environmental considerations for the new well project, with discussions about potential access routes to minimize ecological impact. The Board considered suggestions for updating the water conservation bylaw, which currently imposes rigid restrictions. The need for more flexible regulations to adapt to water management needs was highlighted, with plans to initiate the update process before the next spring meeting.

The meeting concluded with discussions on educational initiatives about water restrictions due to ongoing violations of the current two-days-a-week outdoor watering schedule. The Board proposed creating a notice to inform residents of the DEP-mandated restrictions, emphasizing clear and effective communication to balance education and enforcement.