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Commission discusses upcoming UV pilot public meeting and possibility of UV treatment for Lynn Water
Summary
Commissioners discussed a March 18 town‑hall and a planned UV pilot public information session; commissioners asked staff to research whether ultraviolet treatment could be considered for Lynn Water in the future but staff cautioned current contracts and project scope limit immediate adoption.
Commissioners raised a public‑outreach item and the possibility of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection for Lynn Water. Commissioners noted a March 18 town hall and a public information session on a UV pilot scheduled at City Hall; staff said the UV pilot public info session is planned for a week from the meeting and that agenda materials and drawings were provided.
Commissioner Lozzi asked staff to research whether the UV light system could be adapted for Lynn Water's operations in future. Mr. Marino and other staff cautioned that the commission is currently engaged in a major $74–75 million plant upgrade funded through SRF financing and that the plant operator has a 20‑year Veolia contract that uses chlorine for treatment. Staff said switching treatment approaches is not feasible in the immediate term given the existing contract and investment: “we currently are in a $74,000,000 contract to redo the plant. We also have a 20 year contract with Veolia to run the plant, and that's being run by a different system, which uses chlorine to treat the wastewater,” a staff member said.
Commissioners clarified that the request is for research, not immediate implementation. One commissioner asked whether town‑hall materials were drafted by the mayor’s office; staff said they believe the mayor’s office prepared the one‑hour town hall packet. Commissioners expressed concern that the town hall resembled a public‑facing presentation and questioned its format and speakers; staff said they would coordinate and ensure the public session includes the information requested by neighborhood stakeholders.
The commission also discussed water conservation signage and reservoir levels in the same segment of new business: staff reported reservoir supply at 66% (compared with an 81% average for this time of year) and said water supply was still about 15% below normal. Staff noted the commission will monitor state drought declarations and that water bans required by state registration may be implemented depending on the regional drought status.
Ending — Commissioners asked staff to gather information on UV treatment possibilities for future consideration and to provide clearer town‑hall materials and schedules to commissioners and the public.
