Trustees approve Thompson Avenue water-line plan after contamination findings

The Village of Ludlow Board of Trustees unanimously approved a June 2 action plan aimed at identifying and resolving drinking-water contamination affecting homes at 15 and 16 Thompson Avenue.

Municipal staff member Penny Wu told trustees the town has provided weekly water deliveries and installed new filtration systems at both homes, and that sampling shows improved but not fully satisfactory water quality. "We have set up weekly water deliveries to the homes. We have also had new filtration systems installed at each home. The quality of the water has improved, but is still not good," Wu said.

Field work uncovered unexpected infrastructure: contractors found a 6-inch water main where a 4-inch line was anticipated and a section of the line blocked with "black tar-like sludge," which halted digging for a time. Wu said mid-June work with contractor M&M will relocate the water line to the east side of Thompson Avenue for less than 300 feet, replace curb stops, add valves and collect samples to determine the contamination source. Highway Department official Ron Tarbell added that with valves in place the crew can flush Thompson only to better isolate sources.

The action plan was approved after the board met in executive session to discuss contracts and personnel and returned to take the vote. Trustees approved the plan "as dated June 2, 2026" and directed staff to proceed with relocation and sampling. The plan's implementation timeline calls for the line relocation in mid-June, subject to contractor availability and weather.