The moratorium, initially put in place due to the town’s inability to meet maximum daily water demand, has stifled new connections to the sewer system, impacting growth and financial stability. The offline status of the largest well has exacerbated this issue, raising sustainability concerns for the town’s water supply. The board considered seeking a temporary exemption to the moratorium while continuing to pursue solutions, emphasizing the critical nature of the sewer system for public health and environmental standards.

The potential consequences of failing to generate this revenue were starkly outlined: “if we can’t come up with the revenue, the town’s going to pay for any and that’s not a good thing for anybody.” The board discussed the implications of the moratorium on commercial development, debating whether prioritizing commercial projects for water access could be legally challenged. The tension between the needs of larger commercial developments and smaller residential units was apparent, with concerns about equitable access to town water.

Further complicating matters, the potential implementation of a complete outside watering ban was debated. The practicality and necessity of such a ban were questioned, given the challenges in enforcement and the town’s current water demands. Historical patterns of increased summer water usage were cited, with current rates reaching nearly three million gallons daily. Concerns about system pressure drops and potential failures due to excessive usage were raised, with the risk of a well failure posing a significant threat to the town’s water service capabilities.

The board also reviewed the potential for lifting the moratorium on new water connections, balancing the need for growth and financial stability against the risks posed by insufficient resources. While some participants advocated for immediate action to lift restrictions, others urged caution, highlighting the risks associated with overextending the water system’s capabilities. There was a consensus on the need for backup plans to address potential failures of the water system, with a focus on community awareness and preparation for potential crises.

In addition to these major issues, the meeting covered updates on the town’s water quality report, which included adjustments to the water service line inventory and a specific result concerning a detection limit change. Discussions with the water commission emphasized the impact of the water moratorium on operations and budget.

The conversation about infrastructure extended to the complexities of legal implications and the need for collaboration to address existing water supply issues. The timeline for infrastructure development was acknowledged, with decisions expected to take three to four years to complete. The board recognized the importance of understanding both legal and engineering aspects before making any changes to current policies, particularly regarding the potential ramifications of lifting the moratorium.

Finally, updates were provided on the upcoming sanitary survey and a generator issue, with efforts underway to address these challenges. The meeting concluded with a review of the shut-off program, which had successfully recovered significant revenue, and a specific case of a disputed water bill, highlighting ongoing discussions about meter accuracy and potential leaks affecting readings.