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Resident urges Robbinsville to prioritize Milltown water-line upgrades after months of sediment and low pressure
Summary
Janet Ward told the Robbinsville Town Council the Milltown neighborhood has low pressure and heavily sedimented water that has damaged appliances; councilors said they will consult the town engineer and congressional staff and review grant options and meter installation practices.
Janet Ward, a Milltown resident, told the Robbinsville Town Council during public comment that houses at the end of the Milltown line are receiving water so loaded with sediment that it has damaged appliances and made clothes dingy. "I want clean water to drink, and I deserve it," Ward said, adding she tested bathtub water and found iron levels she called "a 100 times too much."
Ward urged the council to connect Milltown homes to the newer distribution main near Long Creek rather than continue with piecemeal patches. She criticized newly installed plastic meters, saying the line's older cast-iron piping allows gravel and rust to clog small meter strainers and that crews should shut off individual meters when they flush hydrants to avoid sending debris into homes. "It's time for a new system up at Milltown," Ward said.
Council members acknowledged Ward's concerns. The Chair said staff will have engineer Chad review the options and produce cost estimates for running a new service line from the closest point on the Long Creek main. Committee member S6 said the town has been pursuing outside funding and has worked with congressional staff; council staff confirmed a visit from Representative Edwards is scheduled in town on July 15 to hear constituent concerns.
The council discussed prior grant awards, including Appalachian Regional Commission funding and other grants targeted at specific streets, and noted that some federal or state funds require a local match. The Chair said two test wells adjacent to the system are producing additional water and reported preliminary savings from operating them, which the chair estimated at more than $100,000 a year in labor-related costs.
Ward asked for a temporary reduction in charges for Milltown customers until quality is restored; the council said it will check ordinances and the fee schedule but did not approve a rate change during the meeting. Staff and councilors agreed to have Chad and the town engineer evaluate connection routes and the cost of placing a new line near the Long Creek bridge.
The town did not vote on a construction plan at the meeting. The council directed staff to follow up with the engineer and report back with options and estimated costs.
