Gunstock Acres commissioners discuss replacing aging water mains, cite $600-per-foot estimate

At a Feb. 17 meeting, the Gunstock Acres Village Water District commissioners discussed long-term plans to replace aging water mains and the role of the district’s Asset Management Plan in guiding that work.

Commissioners said the system’s infrastructure is roughly 50 to 60 years old and that long-term improvements are being evaluated through the Asset Management Plan, which they estimated to be about three-quarters complete. The commissioners said replacement work would need to be phased over time and coordinated with road reconstruction projects by the Town of Gilford Department of Public Works.

Preliminary engineering estimates discussed by the board suggested potential pipe replacement costs of approximately $600 per linear foot, a figure commissioners cited as part of their planning conversations. The board did not adopt a specific replacement schedule or funding source at the meeting; they said the Asset Management Plan would inform prioritization and timing.

Tom Mason of Lakes Region Water provided a system status update during the meeting, and members of the public raised questions about long-term planning and the district’s flat-rate billing system and potential future consideration of water meters.

Next steps the commissioners identified included finishing the Asset Management Plan and continuing coordination with the Town of Gilford on road projects to time pipe replacements with road reconstruction work.