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Richmond Drive residents press Monroe council for town-water hookup amid high-iron, bacterial well complaints
Summary
Residents on Richmond Drive urged the council to move on a town-water hookup after describing persistent high-iron and bacterial contamination in private wells; the public-works subcommittee has asked Aquarion for a cost estimate and is researching funding/opt-out options.
Several Richmond Drive residents told the Monroe Town Council on Feb. 9 that chronic water-quality problems have left them paying for repeated well repairs and, in some cases, relying on bottled water.
Deborah Holt, who identified herself as living at 30 Richmond Drive, said the family has coped for years with orange, iron-laden water and that photographs and a sample were shared with council staff. She said 11 of the 14 households on the street indicated support for a public-water hookup if the town will allow a 10-year payback option similar to a previous arrangement on Forest Road.
Mike Sorado (23 Richmond Drive) described high iron and sulfur content that damages fixtures, requires ultraviolet and filtration systems and imposes thousands of dollars in maintenance costs. Several residents said they are willing to contribute directly to hookup costs but need a firm per-residence estimate to decide.
Council Member Duva, reporting for the public-works subcommittee, said Aquarion (the water utility referenced in meeting discussion) is preparing an initial estimate of the cost per residence; she and other council members requested a fully loaded figure that includes borrowing costs and individual hookup charges. Council members asked the subcommittee to consult the town attorney and public works about municipal roles, funding mechanisms, opt-out provisions (the transcript cites town code section 494), and use of liens or deferred-payment arrangements before issuing a recommendation to the full council.
Neighbors who oppose a mandatory lien on properties said they want other options explored, such as private hookups or individual well fixes; one long-time resident said she had reliable water and opposed incurring a lien or assessment on her property.
Why it matters: The issue implicates public health, household budgets and municipal financing choices. A subcommittee recommendation that includes cost estimates and financing options would frame any council decision or a potential borrowing/assessment program.
What happens next: Aquarion will supply cost estimates to the subcommittee; the subcommittee will return to the council with a recommendation after consulting legal and public-works staff. Residents requested a clear per-household estimate and confirmation of available payback mechanisms.
