USGS station funding secured through 2029; committee plans fall sampling and phosphate tests

The committee heard that the USGS monitoring station below the town and above Red Cliff has funding through 2029, and members agreed to continue working with USGS to understand long‑term monitoring options.

Sarah (S5) reported that fall sampling typically occurs in mid‑October and that two wells (Bailey Lane and Creekside) will include phosphate testing this season. Members noted that water‑level and quality data are available via the public website and that staff will decide whether to continue submitting primary data or rely on the posted site.

Why it matters: Regular, public aquifer monitoring underpins the committee's efforts to quantify flushing flows and prove interference if change applications arise. Improved monitoring will help the town make targeted science requests and refine legal strategies.

Next steps: Continue fall sampling, review USGS funding prospects beyond 2029 and determine whether the committee should commission additional test wells or studies.