Residents and water company press commission to correct water facts and consider aquifer study

During public comment on May 19, the Planning Commission was urged to correct draft language about the town’s water system and to consider steps to protect the aquifer and better coordinate private water providers.

Randy Cadwell, speaking on behalf of Camille Ballard of the water company, told commissioners the draft contains "a lot of it is very incorrect" and urged staff and the mayor to meet with the water provider before publishing the plan. The chair acknowledged prior contact with Camille and said staff will follow up and meet with the water company to confirm technical details.

Commissioners and residents discussed several water-related points: the jurisdictional limits of the town versus private water companies (Boulder Farmstead Water and the Boulder Irrigation Company), whether building-permit processes should check for meters, and the idea of commissioning an engineering study of aquifer levels. Jim Campbell, another resident, said that widespread private well drilling creates many potential contamination risks and suggested connection to existing systems where feasible.

The commission did not adopt any new water regulations at the meeting but agreed to: verify the draft’s factual statements with the water company, look into state requirements for private well meters, and consider whether a targeted aquifer study is warranted to inform future subdivision or permitting decisions. Staff noted an existing annual water-use study and planned to coordinate further with local water providers.

Next steps: staff will contact the Division of Drinking Water and the local water company, and commissioners expect verified water-system information to be posted with the draft materials for the June 9 public open meeting.