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Residents and commissioners split on renaming 'water and wastewater' commission
Summary
The charter commission heard mixed public input on a proposal to rename the water and wastewater commission 'water and sewer'; supporters said 'sewer' is clearer for residents, while opponents argued 'wastewater' better captures non‑sewer options and broader infrastructure responsibilities.
The charter commission heard competing views June 18 on whether to rename the town’s elected 'water and wastewater' commission to 'water and sewer.' Supporters said 'sewer' is what residents ask about when they seek information; opponents warned the narrower term could obscure broader wastewater responsibilities such as stormwater management or alternative sanitation technologies.
"People are talking about the $300 million or $500 million comprehensive wastewater management plan project," said Norin Donahghue, a member of the water/wastewater board speaking at the commission meeting, arguing residents naturally use the term "sewer" when seeking information on sewer projects. Several other commissioners and residents echoed concerns that the public often conflates distinct concepts and favored language that reduces confusion.
Critics, including resident Scott Norm and other commissioners, said 'wastewater' is the more technically accurate term because it covers sewers, treatment, attenuation, and other interventions such as composting toilets or urine diversion systems. They cautioned that a name change risked narrowing residents’ sense of the commission’s remit.
Commissioners did not resolve the question at the meeting and invited further input from the water/wastewater commission before finalizing charter language.
