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Mount Summit board hears water-system repairs and debates service-line copper rule after lead found
Summary
Town staff reported a failed chlorine injector and a stuck prechlorinator that affected taste; the board discussed requiring copper near meters, copper27s cost and logistics, and recent customer-side lead findings. A customer notice and CCRs will be sent.
Greg briefed the Mount Summit Town Board on March 10 about recent water-system problems and follow-up work after maintenance uncovered a faulty chlorine injector and a stuck prechlorinator that temporarily raised chlorine levels and affected taste. He said two injectors were rebuilt, a spare was rebuilt, and staff adjusted post-chlorination while arranging relay repairs.
Why it matters: The board discussed both near-term water-quality communications and longer-term service-line policies after staff found lead on some private-side lines. The discussion touched on who pays for replacements, how much copper materials cost, and how the town will notify customers.
Greg said, “We got one of chlorine injectors went bad, so we weren't getting enough chlorine in the water,” and explained staff shut the prechlorinator off and increased post-chlorination to restore target levels. He told the board staff are contacting a technician to fix the relay and that Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) are being prepared: “CCRs have already been sent out. Vanessa's been on that... those would go out by June 1.”
Board members then returned to a prior decision to require new service work to be stubbed with copper at the meter. One member described a recent full service-line replacement that used copper so contractors and staff could see inspection expectations firsthand. Members debated how far from the meter copper should extend, with answers ranging between six and ten feet.
Cost and supply logistics were a key concern. A member said the soft copper used for a recent job was sold in a 60-foot minimum at about $16 a foot, and the board discussed whether the town could supply short lengths or assist customers. Greg noted a legal and administrative obstacle: the town is not set up to make retail sales that would involve sales tax collection, so instead members discussed connecting customers with local suppliers or contractors rather than selling copper directly.
Inspectors also documented instances of lead on the customer side of service lines. A board member said staff photographed affected lines, added the information to an internal spreadsheet, and are advising customers to replace lines. Members referenced EPA guidance recommending replacement of lead service lines; the board discussed which repairs the town will fund if contamination is found on the town27s side of the service.
Next steps: The board agreed staff will include an explanatory letter with the next water bill to inform customers of inspection findings and recommended replacements. Staff will also pursue repair of the electrical relay for the prechlorination system and complete CCR mailings by the stated deadline.
