A significant portion of the meeting focused on a critical incident on Walter Street where a hydrant failed during a fire operation on July 27. The fire department reported low pressure at the hydrant, and upon arrival, it was confirmed that there was no pressure. The situation was managed without disrupting the firefighting efforts by isolating the leak after cleaning out some valves. The cause of the break was attributed to water hammer effects during heavy water flow. It was emphasized that understanding water pressure dynamics during emergencies is vital to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The commission also discussed upcoming hydrant flow tests, with an event scheduled for the intersection of Commerce Way and South Washington Street. This test aims to ensure system reliability and will be announced on the town website and through reminders to residents. Seasonal flushing of the water system is planned to start in the last week of the month, mostly at night to minimize disruptions, with some daytime flushing depending on staff availability. This flushing aims to clear out sediment and improve water quality across the town.

Another major topic was the refinement of sewer connection requirements, which has been a point of debate. There was a sense of frustration among the members, with one expressing difficulty in understanding the requirements. The Elm Street project was discussed, with suggestions that it might not impact the overall sewer connection requirements. Concerns about trust in the projected costs of the sewer project were raised, emphasizing the need for obtaining real bid numbers in advance to guide future decisions. One member pointed out that having actual bid numbers would facilitate better planning.

The fairness of requiring homeowners to connect to the sewer system was a issue. A member warned that changing the bylaw could lead to homeowners on West Main Street delaying their connections further, as many do not prioritize it until compelled to do so. Concerns were also raised about the potential change to the bylaw eliminating the connection requirement, which could create dissatisfaction among residents who feel they are being treated unfairly compared to others. The debate included whether to allow homeowners to prove their systems are functioning adequately instead of mandating immediate connections.

The necessity of robust communication with the select board and other stakeholders was highlighted to ensure a shared understanding of the project’s financial implications. The potential loss of a $35 million grant due to inaction was mentioned, emphasizing the urgency of making decisions that would benefit the community.

A member raised the issue of timing and the life expectancy of existing systems, questioning under what circumstances homeowners would be required to connect. This opened a debate on whether to allow homeowners to prove their systems are functioning adequately instead of mandating immediate connections, adding complexity to the conversation surrounding fairness and equity.

The commission further covered a pre-construction meeting held on July 30 for upcoming water main work. The project, awarded to CC Construction, is set to commence at the end of August, beginning with East Hodges Street. Water main work on South Wester Street is anticipated to take place in the spring, with completion aimed for the end of June. The construction plan includes temporary bypass arrangements and traffic detours, which will be communicated to affected residents once finalized.

Additional discussions involved ongoing projects such as the Cottage Street aeration system, awaiting approval from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and a draft review of the water storage study. The potential reactivation of Well Two and increasing the yield at Well One were proposed, alongside an investigation into water quality due to proximity to roadways.

The commission also addressed operational issues related to well number three. Maintaining operational hours at the treatment facility to reduce overnight vulnerabilities was emphasized, with gratitude expressed toward residents who reported issues. Despite challenges, water samples consistently passed below the Maximum Contaminant Level, although observable shifts in water quality following flooding events were noted.