Water and Sewer Commission — April 30, 2026
Massive 10-Year Water Billing Error and E. Coli Violation Revealed
The meeting was a standard operational update where board members and the public engaged in constructive dialogue regarding technical and administrative issues.
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Major oversight and water quality issues were discussed at the April 30 Water and Sewer Commission meeting that residents should be aware of.
First, a significant billing error was revealed: due to a decimal point mistake, the local school has been under-billed for approximately 4 million gallons of water since 2016. While the Commission is working to correct the billing, this highlights a long-term failure in municipal oversight that allowed a massive discrepancy to persist for nearly a decade.
Second, the community is facing water quality challenges. The Superintendent reported a recent E. coli violation that required formal notification to the EPA and Claremont. Furthermore, copper levels at the town line were measured at 66 UGL, significantly higher than the permitted 18.2 UGL limit. The board is currently investigating whether aging pipes, pH levels, or road salt are responsible.
Finally, the Commission addressed a situation on Burke Avenue where a homeowner has been pumping septic effluent into the municipal sewer system. This poses a direct risk to the plant's biological processes. The Commission noted that legal correspondence has been issued to address this violation. We will continue to monitor how these issues are resolved.
Public impact
4 million gallons of water unpaid since 2016.
The board is working to straighten out the billing.
Further discussion will occur once the billing matter is resolved.
Recent E. coli violation and high copper levels.
The board recognized the need for ongoing monitoring and potential consultation with the water department.
Monitor the situation and potentially consult regarding corrosion control.
Topics discussed
The Superintendent reported on rising polymer costs, a recent E. coli violation, and a mechanical issue with a clarifier scraper arm.
The clarifier is expected to be back online fully by the following day; the E. coli violation was formally reported to authorities.
Discussion regarding the difficulty of finding truck drivers for sludge hauling and the potential for training staff to obtain CDLs.
A board member suggested including CDL training costs in future budget planning.
A board member will speak with Sam to see if Bryce or Sam can assist with hauling.
The board discussed high copper readings in effluent and influent, speculating on potential sources like aging pipes or pH levels.
The board recognized the need to monitor the situation and potentially consult the water department regarding corrosion control.
A discussion regarding a homeowner on Burke Avenue (Harbor Hill Road) who is pumping septic effluent into the sewer system.
The issue is ongoing, and a lawyer has already sent correspondence regarding the matter.
The board discussed the confidentiality of cyber incident response plans and the state's requirements for emergency and continuity of operations plans.
The Superintendent noted that the regular emergency plan was recently sent back by the state for lacking a 'Continuity of Operations' (COOP) component. The board acknowledged that while procedures are currently documented via daily bench sheets, they must be formalized in writing to satisfy requirements.
The Superintendent will send a copy of the collection system emergency plan to the requesting board member. The plan will be improved and resubmitted.
Updates on the progress of the solar array project and the application for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan.
The project is moving through the necessary state review and legal processes.
The commission discussed a property's approval by the DES to use a septic system rather than connecting to the sewer.
The commission agreed that the septic system is a non-issue.
A board member noted reports of a substantial/critical drought in the local area.
The board noted the situation.
An investigation revealed that the school had been under-billed for water usage due to a decimal point error.
The board is working to straighten out the billing; a further discussion will likely occur once the matter is resolved.
Discussion to follow once billing is straightened out.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
School Water Meter Under-billing
Septic Effluent in Sewer System
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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