The Manchester Water Works board voted May 22 to authorize staff to negotiate a contract to supply up to 1,500,000 gallons per day to a proposed bottling facility and to Hooksett Village Water Precinct, at the current out‑of‑town wholesale rate.

Board members said the proposed customer—a water bottling operation that has identified a need for roughly 1,200,000 gallons per day, while Hooksett would add about 300,000 gallons—would pay the out‑of‑town rate and be responsible for on‑site connection costs. Phil (Director) described the proposed arrangement as a wholesale agreement that would require the customer to build meter pits and extend mains north from the system connection; the customer would also fund distribution mains beyond the meter pit.

The board was told the revenue from the purchase would be restricted by existing MSDC (municipal supply/distribution charge) rules and has significant positive fiscal impact: board discussion noted the revenue would be earmarked for debt service on the new treatment plant. Phil said that, at current rates and volumes discussed, proceeds could cover several years of the plant’s debt service.

Commissioner Tremblay moved to approve the concept and enter negotiations for a proposed interconnection on Route 3A in Hooksett to supply 1,500,000 gallons per day at the out‑of‑town rate; Commissioner Brown seconded. The motion passed on roll call.

Staff will prepare a draft wholesale agreement following the terms discussed and return it to the board for formal approval. The board did not adopt contract language at the meeting and made no final pricing concessions beyond approving negotiations.

The board’s authorization is limited to negotiating terms; any final sale or wholesale contract will return for formal board approval.