Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Water exploration project and Newmarket supply

The commissioners agreed they were not interested in connecting to Newmarket's water supply. No vote count was given.

At the May 19, 2026 workshop, the commissioners talked about moving forward with the water exploration project. A representative of Underwood Engineering spoke about connecting to Newmarket's water supply. The commissioners agreed they were not interested in that connection.

Resident's sewer bill abatement request

A commissioner moved to abate $474.69 from the sewer portion of the April invoice. It was seconded and passed 3-0.

A resident asked for an abatement (a reduction) of the sewer part of her bill. She got an unusually high April bill, called a plumber, and found a slow leak from an outside hose. The commissioners agreed to remove $474.69 from the sewer portion because the wasted water did not get treated.

Accessory dwelling unit water lines

The commissioners agreed the choice belongs to the property owner. No vote count was given.

For accessory dwelling units (ADUs, small second homes on a lot), the commissioners agreed it is up to the property owner to either split off the same water line or install a separate line.

Public hearing on water ban amendments

A commissioner moved to approve the amendments to the regulations. It was seconded and passed 3-0.

The chair opened the public hearing at 6:40 PM and closed it at 7:00 PM without objection. Changes to the water ban rules: remove "per 100 gallons" so filling swimming pools is prohibited, and copy that to all levels; copy washing streets and driveways to level 2; copy washing vehicles and boats to level 3; level 4 includes all of the above. The commissioners agreed the district should be at level 2. The operator will monitor the wells, and the commissioners can meet to change the level. The chair suggested a wooden sign to show the current ban level.

Well drilling and bedrock well option

The chair said the district's engineers, Hoyle, Tanner and Associates, worked with a well driller who prefers gravel-packed shallow wells. When the driller hit bedrock at 13 feet, he stopped, and there was no backup plan. A commissioner said a property owner 300 to 400 feet from the Society site has a bedrock well dug 225 feet deep that makes 75 gallons of water per minute. The information will be texted to the Underwood Engineering representative.

Rate setting program

A representative of Underwood Engineering asked if the district needed help with rate setting. The chair said the district uses the WaterWorth program and should be all set with setting the rates.

District rates, meter fee, and tiers

A commissioner estimated the district needs about $172,000 from rate revenue to support its budget. The billing program allows tiered rates (different prices at different amounts of use). There is no minimum water fee for being connected and no special rate for municipal buildings. The meter fee goes from $15.00 to $25.00 per quarter, and the 10,000-gallon base will end. Sewer will be charged for each gallon treated. The water base rate will be $25.00. Units for commercial properties were also discussed.

Bond fees and rate inclusion

The commissioners discussed whether to keep the bond payment separate from the rate or include it. The blending facility bond charge ($51.00) and the water tower bond charge ($33.00) are separate and not in the rate. The two current bond fees will stay separate. The commissioners will decide later whether to include the $2.9M bond fee in the rates or keep it separate.

Town building water charge waiver

The town hall and fire department are not charged for water for 10 years as payment for the 75 Main Street building. The district will start charging the town in October 2032.

Recovering prior-year budget shortfall

A commissioner said the district needs to make up $100,000 from last year's budget. Another commissioner said that amount should not be made up in one year and should be spread over a few years.

Area town connection fees review

A commissioner researched connection and investment fees in nearby towns. He said Dover has a good example.

Connection to district water system

The commissioners discussed connecting to the district's water system. The chair said a state law (RSA) requires connecting to the sewer system if a property is within a set distance of the sewer line. It does not require connecting to the water system, and anyone can drill a private well on their property. The last lot on Scanlon Way wants to connect to sewer. It must file an application, set an inspection time, and follow the district's rules and regulations.

Asset management grant application

A commissioner will fill out the asset management grant application, which is due June 1, 2026. The treasurer will also ask HTA whether they have copies of the district's tie cards and maps.