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Water department maps main replacements and weighs PFAS treatment options with Kent County
Summary
Water Director Alan described planned main replacements (Post Road, Poplar Point), new well work and leak‑detection using satellite data; town staff are evaluating in‑town PFAS treatment versus partnering with Kent County's plant.
Water Director Alan reported a slate of capital projects including roughly 2,400 feet of Post Road main replacement and planning for a larger Poplar Point replacement (500,000 budgeted) and a new well program. He described using satellite leak detection (Astera) to locate small but high‑volume leaks and said a targeted replacement program can substantially reduce water loss.
Alan described PFAS results concentrated at a few wells and said staff have evaluated building an on‑site treatment plant (estimated in the tens of millions) versus partnering with Kent County to treat affected supplies. "We're trying to decide whether to do it ourselves or partner with Kent County," Ralph said; Alan and Justin noted Kent County already plans treatment and a regional agreement could be more efficient.
Councilors asked whether lift to regional treatment would change water‑use restrictions for new development; officials said changes are possible but would require legal and planning review and recorded notices for property buyers if restrictions apply. The manager requested another 3–4 weeks to develop options and a recommendation.
