Well exploration and engineering

Jan 5 · AgendaFirst mention

The agenda lists updates on looking for new well sites and on engineering firms for the work.

Jan 5 · Agenda

The agenda lists an engineer RFQ (request for qualifications, a notice asking engineering firms to share their experience) as a new item.

Jan 13 · Minutes

At the Jan. 13, 2026 meeting, a state Department of Environmental Services (DES) fund manager said $1.4 million is available from the State Revolving Fund (SRF, a state loan program) for Pfas fixes (Pfas are chemicals that can pollute water). The minutes say $1 million of it is forgiven (does not have to be repaid), plus 10% of a $400,000 forgiveness amount. Another $926,000 is available to the District for finding and developing a new water source, at an interest rate of 4.1% plus 1% during construction.

Jan 13 · Minutes

Another next step is to write a warrant article (a question for voters). It was suggested to word it broadly enough to cover other cost-effective options such as a connection to another system, and to raise the amount as far as possible in case a better business case appears. The minutes mention $2.4 million and a 20% contingency, with a question mark. The minutes say authority to spend the money comes first. Documents are due to NH DES in May, and Governor and Council approval takes 3 to 4 months. Money can be spent earlier at the District's own risk, but it cannot be spent on construction consultants or preliminary design.

Mar 2 · Minutes

Two Underwood Engineers staff and a state Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) staff member met with the commissioners. Underwood gave a general engineering services agreement. Once signed, each job would get its own task order sent to the commissioners. The commissioners may have their lawyer review the agreement. The NH DES staff member said engineering and preconstruction costs paid now could be reimbursed from the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan, but she could not promise that bond counsel would approve them. She said she has not seen bond counsel deny eligible costs.

Mar 2 · Minutes

The district's lawyer helped write the warrant article (a question for voters) for a bond for well exploration. The commissioners wanted help choosing a dollar figure. The engineer suggested $3 million, and said $2.9 million may be easier to support. He said that with the SRF, the district only spends and repays what it needs. NH DES said the number could rise to $2.9 million if the commissioners send a letter adding a 25% contingency (extra money set aside for unexpected costs). The engineer said he would write a letter supporting that. The engineer suggested adding an interconnection option (linking to another water system) to the article. NH DES offered to review the article language and any public outreach before release. The district's systems operator asked NH DES to hold the SRF offer letter until after the article passes, and she said she could. The offer would likely be a $926,000 loan and a $1.4 million offer. Voting is at the annual meeting.

Mar 2 · Minutes

The engineer said that if the warrant article passes, next steps would be to compare options: seek new wells, look at other possible wells, rehab (repair) existing wells, and explore interconnection. Underwood would estimate what each source could provide and its capital costs, list pros and cons, and research funding. A commissioner listed options: a deep rock well on the Society property off Baker Street, treating arsenic in Well #6, treating dissolved organic carbon in Well #5 (now offline), revisiting the Goldsmith Well, and studying conservation land on Summer Street and Pleasant that shows a stratified aquifer (layered underground water layer). NH DES said $1.4 million in funding, with $1 million at 100% loan forgiveness, comes from the emerging contaminants fund because the work treats PFAS. That forgiveness would be lost if only arsenic in Well #6 were treated. She said the forgiveness was tied to the Society well site, which did not work out. She expects 10% forgiveness on $400,000 of the $1.4 million. The group also said a copy of a 1986 Maher report could not be found, and Underwood and NH DES will look for one. NH DES said asset management plan grants usually open in the fall.

May 4 · Minutes

The chair will contact Keith Pratte of Underwood Engineers to set up a meeting to start the water exploration project. He will offer May 19 at 4 or 5 PM, or May 27 at 4 or 5 PM. The systems operator said Keith is the project contact. A commissioner asked that Keith send a task order contract for the exploration work 4 to 5 days before the meeting so the Commissioners can review it.

May 19 · Minutes

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.

Jun 16 · Agenda

The district's work session agenda lists a contract with Underwood Engineers for well exploration. A well exploration is a search for a place to drill a new water well.

Aug 4 · Minutes

The systems operator said there is a moderate drought and several wells have had low levels. Rain has helped the shallow wells. He suggested cleaning out Well #6 this fall. Commissioners agreed not to give Underwood Engineers the rate study data, because the firm is under contract to find water, not to do utility rate studies.

Oct 6 · Agenda

A consultant from Underwood Engineers and another presenter, joining by video, are listed to give an update on the water exploration project. The district is looking into possible new sources of water.