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Select Board hears extensive update on water rules; backflow enforcement and ADUs cited as drivers
Summary
Public Works presented a redlined update to Maynard's water rules focusing on backflow prevention enforcement and preparing for state by-right accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Staff warned the town's contingency capacity is below typical utility targets and recommended outreach and staged enforcement.
Public Works Director Justin Marco presented a comprehensive redline revision to the town’s water rules and regulations after a sanitary survey identified gaps in compliance, especially on backflow prevention. Marco said the revisions were aimed at aligning local rules with state expectations and making enforcement clearer. “One of the biggest things that we got dinged on was our backflow prevention device process,” he said, adding the town must strengthen progressive enforcement for commercial properties that have declined to install required devices.
Board members questioned customer impacts, hearings and appeals processes, and outreach. Marco said outreach is a priority but staffing limits have constrained external education; the department is hiring and expects improved communications when new staff are onboard. He also flagged that recent state law allowing by-right ADUs may increase demand on the system and that the town’s current contingency is “less than 5%,” well below the 10–20% contingency usually recommended in the utility sector. The board agreed to continue review and to return with edits and implementation steps.
