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Commissioners flag contaminated city well, nitrate risk to private wells and plan for water projects
Summary
Staff reported a contaminated city well that has been taken offline or limited, and discussed including the issue in the water plan and seeking state funding; an agency official warned private‑well owners are not aware of rising nitrate levels and encouraged testing.
Commissioners raised concerns about a city well with contamination and the potential impact on nearby private wells. Staff said the affected city well is being taken offline or its use minimized and that the issue will be included in the city’s water plan, which staff intends to use when applying for funding such as the state revolving fund or emergency funds via the Department of Commerce.
An agency official noted private‑well owners near the affected area were unlikely to be aware of the issue and urged testing. "People on private wells around us are not aware of that, nor are they aware of the nitrogen problem," the agency official said, adding that the Department of Health handles private‑well testing. Commissioners discussed how a new water line running down Lower River Road — a project condition for a recent development — could improve access but noted disruption during installation.
Staff said it will prioritize completing the water plan to make the project eligible for funding and will work with state agencies on testing and remediation options. Commissioners requested more technical information (well depth, contaminant levels) and asked staff to provide updates as the city pursues funding and testing protocols.
