Board adopts revised well regulations, effective Jan. 1, 2026

The Goddard Boyle Board of Health voted to adopt revised local well regulations at its Sept. 22, 2025, meeting; the regulations are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Board members said the update removes specific numeric limits from the local rule and aligns the town’s regulatory language with current federal and state guidance, which the board intends to send to the state Department of Environmental Protection for review. Board members said that if future recurring problems emerge, the board can revisit the regulations.

The board discussed earlier changes intended to clarify requirements for rental properties, including a provision allowing renters to request either a copy of a well water quality report or a more recent test if the existing report is too old. Members also said language pertaining to property transfers had been amended so that sellers and buyers would not automatically be required to exchange a copy of an older report when property changes hands.

No mover or second was identified in the meeting record; the board recorded the action as approved by the members present. The board explicitly removed a few local-specific numeric limits so the local regulation will “match wherever the current numbers are from the EPA,” according to discussion recorded in the minutes. The board noted that future changes in EPA or state guidance could be incorporated later.

The board will forward the adopted regulations to the state for any review required by state law or policy. The board said staff will handle any required filings and signatures to make the rule effective on Jan. 1, 2026.

The board did not provide a formal roll-call vote in the transcript; the record indicates the board’s motion passed with the members present.