Water director reports falling water loss, recommends applying for $400,000 infrastructure planning grant

Corey, the town’s director and operator in charge of the water plant and distribution system, gave the board an operational update and urged the town to pursue an infrastructure planning grant for 2027.

“May our water sales were 8,590,000; June 7,630,000; July 7,830,000; August sales was 8,700,000,” Corey said, listing monthly sales and noting the system’s water loss has fallen to about 44 percent — the lowest in recent memory. He added crews have repaired “probably 34 or 35 leaks in the past 4 or 5 weeks.”

Corey told the board that all state reports for August had been submitted with no violations and that the town has completed its feasibility and rate studies. He said the 2027 infrastructure planning grant could cover up to $400,000 with a maximum 5% local match and that applications are due Oct. 30. “We’ve actually already started on this application,” he said.

The update included staffing details: Corey said the town now has four licensed water‑plant operators, two sewer‑plant operators with a third in training, three collection‑system staff, and three distribution staff; the town continues to use contract operators when needed. The board did not take formal action but asked staff to return with application materials and cost estimates ahead of the deadline.