Project team recommends municipal water for Mount Hope athletic fields over irrigation wells

During a recent meeting of the Bristol Warren Regional School District (BWRSD) School Committee, discussions centered on the irrigation needs for athletic fields at Mount Hope High School. The project team has been exploring the feasibility of using an irrigation well versus municipal water to supply these fields, a decision that could significantly impact both costs and water management for the district.

The project team has conducted extensive drilling on-site to assess the potential for an irrigation well. Initial findings revealed that the well developed yielded only 3 gallons per minute, far below the 80 to 85 gallons per minute required for effective irrigation without the need for storage tanks. This limitation raises concerns about the practicality of relying on a well for irrigation, as multiple wells would be necessary to meet the demand.

The team presented a life cycle cost analysis comparing the long-term expenses of using municipal water against the costs associated with developing and maintaining irrigation wells. The analysis indicated that municipal water would be the most cost-efficient option over the life of the project. This conclusion was reached after considering potential annual increases in municipal water rates and the challenges associated with well development, including the presence of a clay layer that retains water and complicates drainage.

In addition to the irrigation discussion, the committee addressed the need for water quality structures on-site to manage drainage effectively, with over 20 features planned to ensure proper water management across the athletic fields.

The committee is set to present these findings to the planning boards of Bristol and Warren, advocating for the use of municipal water as the preferred solution for the irrigation needs of the athletic fields. This decision not only aims to streamline costs but also addresses the broader implications of water management in the community, ensuring that the district can maintain its facilities effectively while being mindful of environmental concerns.

As the project moves forward, the committee remains committed to transparency and community engagement, inviting questions and feedback from residents regarding the irrigation strategy and its potential impact on local resources.