Wells returned to service; commission debates tank repainting, meter upgrades and a new rate study

Town of Blackstone water staff reported operational updates at the Water and Sewer Commission meeting on March 13: wells 8 and 9 were cleaned and back online, plant painting work is running slightly behind schedule, and the commission is planning further meter upgrades and an updated rate study.

Jimmy Sullivan, superintendent, said production increased after cleaning wells 8 and 9 and that planned maintenance includes flushing the distribution system in April to address persistent dirty-water complaints. Gary, water treatment staff, said plant contractors were about a week and a half behind on the skater (coating) work and that a planned repainting of the Lincoln Street water tank may not require full sandblasting; a hand- or brush-blast to the factory primer is being discussed. Some commissioners said town meeting voters approved a complete tank job and expressed concern that a partial surface preparation could reduce the paint life and lead to earlier deterioration.

On metering, the commission reported trials of Neptune data loggers and remote-reading meters. Staff said five test meters are installed around town to evaluate remote reading and data logging. Commissioners noted the new meters can detect continuous use patterns that indicate interior leaks and provide more detailed usage data. The commission discussed whether to purchase truck-mounted or fixed-base reading systems; staff said truck-mounted reads are less costly but that a fixed-base system would add several hundred thousand dollars to equipment costs.

Multiple commissioners urged a new rate study to account for rising equipment, insurance and construction costs. The commission previously used a study by Weston & Sampson several years ago; members said an updated study would provide more accurate projections to inform any rate changes and to justify requests at a town meeting or when borrowing for capital projects. Commissioners discussed potential funding sources (enterprise reserves or a town meeting appropriation) and noted they will request closed-year accounting numbers from the town accountant before deciding on a new study.

Staff also reminded residents that Blackstone remains in a state-designated critical drought area and asked customers to call before pressure-washing houses or scheduling large jobs that use substantial water; the commission said exceptions for cleaning mold or mildew have been handled on a case-by-case basis when residents request permission.

The commission gave direction to staff to request cost estimates for an updated rate study and to continue testing remote meters; no new capital appropriation was approved at the March meeting.