Tilden waterline fails pressure test; town investigators to probe loss of holding pressure

Contractors reported that the new Tilden waterline had been filled and brought up to test pressure but did not hold the required range for the two-hour test. "It built up to 200; it slowly dropped down to 180 and then it went to zero," a staff update said, and crews paused to determine whether there was a burst, poor connection, or other installation issue.

Commissioners were told crews were attempting to locate an existing repair at the far end of Cochran Road before making additional connections. Staff also said the Bridge Street connection work will be pressure-tested and flushed sequentially to tie into the new line; the timetable for finishing those segments depends partly on utility conflicts uncovered during excavation. The commission requested continued contractor updates and a follow-up report on the pressure-test findings.