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Warrant would authorize purchase, upgrades to West Swansea water system; backers cite 40% forgivable funding and hydrant needs
Summary
Supporters told voters the town should buy and upgrade the West Swansea Water Company system to provide reliable water for fire protection and to enable commercial development along Route 10; engineers estimated up to $6 million for purchase and upgrades and supporters cited a 40% forgivable loan program.
A warrant article asking voters to authorize up to $6.4 million to purchase and upgrade the West Swansea Water Company system drew sustained discussion March 4, with proponents arguing the purchase is necessary to support fire protection, to add hydrants and to enable commercial and multifamily development along Route 10.
Speakers at the forum described the system’s condition and capacity: existing wells reportedly produce 350 gallons per minute (gpm) for each of two older pumps, and a larger third well — not yet commissioned by the state — was described as capable of about 750 gpm. Presenters said the system currently has limited storage (a 5,000‑gallon tank) that constrains the number of allowed hookups under state rules and recommended larger storage and pump‑house upgrades to expand service.
Engineers’ preliminary estimates cited during the presentation put total purchase and upgrade costs in the neighborhood of $6 million. Presenters noted the town could receive a forgivable financing program that would forgive about 40% of eligible costs, reducing the town’s net borrowing need; they emphasized that the loan forgiveness window is time‑limited and argued voters should act this year to preserve that funding opportunity.
Town officials and committee members said ratepayers on the West Swansea system — not the general taxpayer base outside the system — would bear ongoing system maintenance costs and likely face higher user rates after upgrades; presenters said customers on other town water systems would not be required to pay for the West Swansea upgrades. Supporters also noted in‑town development rules and commercial interest on Route 10 often require reliable municipal water supply and fire flow for new buildings, which could attract businesses that do not need school or other services from the town.
Opponents and some committee members raised questions about actual costs and whether all elements of the plan were fully scoped; several speakers urged voters to review the engineering report and specifics about which lots and hydrants would be served before voting. No formal purchase action occurred at the forum; the article is on the warrant for voter consideration.
