Council approves $669,500 contract to recalibrate town water system model

The Cumberland Town Council on April 16 approved a $669,500 agreement with engineering firm Woodard & Curran to calibrate and evaluate the town’s hydraulic water system model.

Councilors and staff said the model has not been fully calibrated since 2016 and that recent system changes — including the Franklin Farm groundwater source coming online and the shutdown of the treatment plant at Sneetch Pond — make a full calibration timely. Director Mendez (Public Works) and the water superintendent told the council the calibration will include field flow testing and pressure monitoring, with targeted attention to problem areas such as Mendon Road (where multiple main breaks were reported) and Lippitt Estates (where water loss and aging two‑inch mains were raised as concerns).

Todd Prokop of Woodard & Curran (joining virtually) said the firm will focus on system behavior under the new operating pattern and provide data the town can use to prioritize mains, tanks and other capital work. Prokop and town staff described the calibration as a planning and decision‑support exercise rather than immediate construction; the calibrated model will allow staff to run scenarios and estimate the most cost‑effective interventions before committing to major capital projects.

Councilors asked whether the calibration would involve physical digging or immediate replacements; staff said it will be primarily monitoring and testing, with later recommendations for replacements or construction if needed. Director Mendez said the results are likely to inform the town’s Infrastructure Replacement Plan and could lead to revisions based on newly identified weaknesses.

The resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to sign the contract passed 6–0.