Barnstable Municipal Water Supply Board | April 15, 2025
The meeting covered introduction of a new board member, operations report, capital projects updates, water supply conservation status, rate adjustments, and capital improvement plan review. There is an effort to look for wells in West Barnstable and Barnstable to serve this system.
Watch the meeting. AI supported summary below. Corrections welcome.
Main Topics
The meeting covered introduction of a new board member, operations report, capital projects updates, water supply conservation status, rate adjustments, and capital improvement plan review. "Long term, we need new wells." There is an effort to look for new wells in Barnstable and West Barnstable to serve this water system.
Key Points
- New Board Member: Carlos Barbosa was introduced as the newest board member.
- Staffing: Charlie Buckingham was welcomed as an intern from Upper Cape Technical School. Juan Duran was congratulated for passing his distribution one exam. The department has been fully staffed for the first time in five years.
- Operations: The operations report detailed numerous service leak repairs, water main breaks (including a radial crack on Craig Beach Road), hydrant replacements, and carbon exchanges at various wells due to PFAS contamination.
- PFAS Contamination: The board discussed the high cost of carbon exchanges due to PFAS contamination, costing approximately $60,000 per well per year. All wells have some level of PFAS, with those closest to the fire training academy having the highest concentrations.
- Capital Projects: Updates were provided on several capital projects, including the new well exploration program, Mary Dunn pilot testing, the new Straightaway Water Treatment Facility, lead service line replacement, Route 28 projects, Ocean Street water main project, Mary Dunn form well building, Midun 16-inch transmission main, and Mary Dunn tank one rehab project.
- Straightaway Water Treatment Facility: Bids are being reviewed for the new Straightaway Water Treatment Facility and replacement of the Port Simon wells.
- Lead Service Line Replacement: Outreach is ongoing for the lead service line replacement project, with efforts to contact customers and offer inspections.
- Mary Dunn Form Well Building: Construction is on track for completion by the end of June.
- Water Conservation: The Cape and Islands remain in a Level 2 drought. The board is proceeding with state-mandated water supply conservation measures, including public outreach.
- Water Quantity vs. Quality: While the Cape has a large aquifer, the main issue is water quality, particularly related to PFAS. There is discussion about water needs for new housing.
"Long term, we need new wells"
"We're looking in West Barnstable, we're looking in Barnstable."
- Rates: The board reviewed the fiscal year 2026 rates, which are currently under review by the town manager. There is a discussion about how the Water Supply Board looks at rates differently than the Town Manager who ultimately sets the rates. The Town Manager balances various department needs when setting water rates.
- Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): The town council will hold a public hearing and vote on the CIP on Thursday, June 6th. Two projects are up for vote: the annual pipe replacement upgrade program ($1.5 million) and the pump station and treatment plant repair and upgrade program ($200,000).
- Public Water Plant Tours: Public water plant tours are scheduled for June 7th at the Maher facility.
- Board Member Recognition: Amy was thanked for her service on the board.