Washington County votes 4–1 to have AQUA study county water system

On Nov. 4, 2019, the Washington County Board of Commissioners voted 4–1 to have AQUA perform a study of the county’s water system.

Chair Johnson told the Board the county faces an aging water infrastructure and must plan for future supply and EPA compliance. After discussion, Commissioner Phelps moved to have AQUA perform the study; the motion passed with Commissioners Johnson, Phelps, Riddick and Walker voting aye and Commissioner Sexton voting no.

The vote followed a presentation and discussion about what AQUA’s review should cover and whether the county would consider transferring system control depending on study findings. Commissioner Sexton asked whether the towns had been consulted and said the Board needs to be “prepared to decide if we are willing to turn the County’s system over to AQUA depending on what their study shows.” Chair Johnson said the Board hopes AQUA can provide answers about long-term supply availability.

Citizen Sandra Floyd said problems with water in Roper motivated her to contact commissioners; she told the Board that her water there “is terrible.”

The meeting record does not provide a fuller description of AQUA; during the meeting the company was referred to only as “AQUA.” The Board did not take a formal vote to transfer authority; it authorized a study to evaluate options. The motion recorded in the minutes was limited to commissioning the study, not to any commitment to sell or transfer the system.

The Board’s next step, as stated in the meeting, is to receive AQUA’s study and then determine whether further action, including any service changes or formal agreements, is warranted.