SOUTHWICK – The town will comply with a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mandate starting Monday when a leak detection survey begins.
Kevin Soper of the Water Department told Southwick Water Commissioners last night that M2 Water Services will perform the survey of the town’s 51 miles of water lines.
Soper said the town is at 9.8 percent of unaccounted for water. When it reaches 10 percent, the DEP steps in to remedy the problem. Despite the unaccounted for water, Soper said he believes Southwick’s water system is in good shape.
“I think we have a pretty tight system,” he said.
Soper did say he would not be surprised if there were concerns on the north end of town, on Sheep Pasture Road, and on Granville Road.
There was $10,000 in capital funds budgeted for the survey, however, Soper said the bid from M2 came in significantly under budget at $4,900.
Soper also updated the commission about the water main replacement on Cottage Street. He said the new line is in and should be ready to go if the water passes its second test.
An initial test performed this past Monday found small amounts of bacteria in the water.
“We re-chlorinated and took another sample today,” said Soper. “I should hear back tomorrow and if it’s okay, we can tie-in the homes to the new pipe.”
Soper was not able to give a formal report to the commission because the Water Commission meeting scheduled for last night had to be re-scheduled until next Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. Items set for last night’s agenda will be continued to next week, including the Whalley Park water bill issue.
Commissioners are expected to take a vote on whether or not to accept an offer of $50,000 to cover a nearly $70,000 water bill at the park.
Of that $50,000, $15,000 would come from the Southwick Parks and Recreation Commission and the remaining funds would come from various year-end balances identified by the Finance Committee.
