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Consultants tell Enfield water system is underused now but hydraulic modeling advised
Summary
Verdantas reported Enfield’s permitted production at about 328,800 gallons per day and average/max‑day usage at roughly one‑third of that; consultants recommended hydraulic modeling and further work to assess fire flow and impacts of proposed developments such as Laramie Farms.
Verdantas engineers told the Enfield Select Board the town’s permitted production — summing permitted volumes for Marsh 1 & 2, Prior 1 & 2 and McConnell — is about 328,800 gallons per day using conservative state accounting. Jesse Halakis of Verdantas said the system is operating at roughly 33% of permitted max‑day capacity, leaving headroom for additional connections on average days but recommending caution for large, point‑load developments.
Hydrogeologist John Worzocca explained permitted production volumes typically derive from extended pumping tests and that well yields can change with operation and water quality. He noted Enfield’s wells generally appear well‑operated; one source, the McConnell well, has lower water quality and would likely require treatment before it could be relied on regularly. Excluding McConnell from capacity calculations would place the system nearer about 50% of permitted capacity.
Verdantas recommended the town commission hydraulic modeling (a waterCAD model) to simulate three scenarios: low nighttime static pressure, peak morning demand, and high‑demand fire‑flow events. The model would clarify whether proposed connections at specific tie‑in points (for example, a large development high in the system) would cause unacceptable pressure drops during a fire flow and what mitigation (pipe upsizing, storage, boosters) would be required.
Board members asked whether the town or developers should pay for the modeling. Consultants said many developers pay for site‑specific hydraulic work, but the town could commission a system‑wide model to speed reviews and inform planning. Verdantas offered to submit proposals and said a schedule would be included; the Select Board requested proposals be shared with town staff and the planning board as needed.
The presentation also touched on pump capacity versus permitted production and noted that pump stations generally draw less than permitted yields except for McConnell; commissioners heard that early planning to secure additional sources or rights should begin well before projected growth to avoid losing potential well sites.
