Water & Sewer District ยท Meeting
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Decided
$2.9 million bond for water system upgrades
The commissioners voted 3-0 to recommend Warrant Article 2, the $2.9 million bond.
The district asked for a $2.9 million bond. $1.4 million would pay for water treatment upgrades: carbon filters (GAC) to remove PFAS and separate treatment for arsenic. $1.5 million would pay to find and develop new water sources after recent drought. A state Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) representative said $1 million of the $1.4 million is eligible for 100% loan forgiveness, and the other $400,000 is eligible for 10% forgiveness. She said the district must bond the full amount to pay contractors, and the state would repay the eligible parts. She also said the district may get about $71,000 in PFAS lawsuit settlement money. The district's engineer said the bond includes a 20-25% cushion for cost overruns and that the existing treatment building has room for the new equipment. At the hearing, residents asked about a solid waste facility in Epping, the project timeline, funding, water bills and who can vote. Officials said the project must go forward now because this is the last year to apply for this extra funding. They said voters must live in the district, be registered with the town, and attend in person. There is no absentee voting.
Warrant Article 4: $9,000 for sewer reserve fund
The commissioners voted 3-0 to recommend passage of Warrant Article 4.
Warrant Article 4 asks voters to put $9,000 into the Sewer Capital Reserve Fund, a savings account for future sewer costs. The district also separated its water and sewer accounting for the first time, to track costs and manage rates.
Warrant Article 5: 2026 operating budget
The commissioners voted 3-0 to recommend passage of Warrant Article 5.
Warrant Article 5 asks voters to approve a 2026 operating budget of $908,938. Commissioners said the district separated its water and sewer accounting for the first time. They said it is using Waterworth software to set a baseline for assets and expenses, which is meant to level out future cash flow and keep rates steady.