In a recent meeting of the Hubbardston Board of Health, significant discussions centered around water quality testing and well completion reports, highlighting ongoing concerns about public health and safety in the community.

The board reviewed a well completion report for a property located at 2395 Drive, where the owner had requested a water quality assessment. The well was installed in April 2023, but the water analysis was not conducted until April 2024. Alarmingly, the results indicated the presence of total coliform bacteria, although E. coli was absent. This finding raised immediate concerns, as the board emphasized the need for both bacteria types to be absent for the water to be deemed safe for consumption.

Board members expressed frustration over the delay in testing and the lack of follow-up. They noted that the initial test results were insufficient, as they did not provide specific enumeration of the bacteria present, which is crucial for assessing the safety of the water supply. The board agreed that a second test was necessary to ensure the safety of the water, particularly given that the property has been occupied since the well's installation.

The discussion also touched on the proper procedures for water testing, including the importance of decontaminating faucets before sampling to avoid false positives. The board recommended that the property owner use a certified Massachusetts laboratory for the follow-up testing to ensure compliance with state regulations.

In addition to the water quality issues, the board briefly discussed another well completion report related to a slow-building project near crumbling structures in the area. The board's ongoing scrutiny of these developments reflects a commitment to ensuring that public health standards are met, particularly in light of potential hazards posed by aging infrastructure.

As the meeting concluded, the board outlined next steps, including following up with the property owner regarding the second water test and continuing to monitor the situation closely. The discussions underscored the board's proactive approach to safeguarding community health and the importance of timely and accurate water testing in maintaining safe drinking water standards.