Water District Meeting — August 26, 2026

The Swansea Board of Water Commissioners met on August 26 to discuss operational updates, major infrastructure projects, and district financial matters. The board approved previous minutes, reviewed monthly bills and communications—including confirmation of a State Revolving Fund application for Bushy Road and receipt of a $162,354.62 settlement payment from 3M—and authorized Superintendent Jeff to sign the final pay application of $49,641.19 for Hydro Utilities, concluding the water meter replacement project roughly $250,000 to $300,000 under budget. The commissioners also discussed handling 137 non-responsive customers regarding meter replacement, opting to send certified warning letters with potential shut-offs.

On capital projects, the board received an update on the Somerset interconnection, agreeing to pause further engineering and pump station design until Somerset completes its rate study and MEPA issues a ruling. The commissioners reviewed the preliminary engineering evaluation and pilot study for the proposed Bushy Road/Borge treatment plant (estimated at roughly $15 million with contingencies pushing it up to $21 million) and discussed public outreach strategy to address brown water and manganese issues. For upcoming debt management, the board scheduled a brief meeting for September 14 at 3:30 PM to approve a $3.8 million bond renewal note, applying $800,000 in unspent funds from the meter and tank projects ($250,000 and $550,000, respectively) toward principal.

The board also voted 2-1 to reduce seasonal water restrictions from Level 2 back to Level 1 odd/even watering, following state drought guidelines. In other actions, commissioners approved an $82.94 abatement for meter parts at 79 Cedar Avenue, granted the superintendent signatory authorization to procure a replacement variable frequency drive (VFD) exceeding $10,000 for high service pump number 2 at the desalination plant, and reviewed preparations for transition to quarterly billing before voting unanimously to adjourn into executive session regarding real estate negotiations.

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