Board reviews well reports; new-construction well shows elevated manganese

Board members reviewed recent well completion and water test reports and set follow-up actions to ensure water-safety documentation is on file.

Unidentified Speaker 1 noted a completed well at 6 High Street but said the water test report was not included in the packet; the board directed staff (Sadie) to contact the owner and the well driller (Bay State Pump) and obtain the water test copy by the next meeting.

For new construction at 43 Pitcherville Road the water test dated Oct. 7 showed low but above‑normal manganese, with E. coli and total coliforms negative and organic chemical screens negative. Unidentified Speaker 1 and others recommended contacting the builder and encouraging installation of a softener or filtration system before occupancy, both to address the manganese result and to reduce the risk of buyer complaints or potential liability.

Board members noted that manganese levels can vary with drought and heavy rains and suggested a simple sediment/softener system would be relatively low cost compared with remediation later. No regulatory enforcement was recorded at this meeting; the board indicated they would send a letter to the builder recommending corrective action.

Action items: staff to request the missing 6 High Street water test report and to draft a letter to the builder at 43 Pitcherville Road recommending a softener or filtration prior to sale.