The Kingston Water Commission announced a major financial milestone Tuesday, reporting that a newly aggressive shut-off program has successfully recovered $100,000 in delinquent water bills over the last three weeks. Office staff member Stacy informed the board that the intensified collection effort is gaining momentum as the department targets accounts that have long ignored payment notices. That amount has increased since last week, she noted, highlighting the effectiveness of the department’s recent policy shift. Vice Chairman Robert Kostka attributed the success to a more urgent timeline for overdue notices. I think shortening the notice period helped, Kostka said. We used to give them 30 days and they'd forget. Now it's two weeks. Water Superintendent Chris described the enforcement process as an agonizing task, but praised staff for their diligence in stabilizing the department’s revenue.

The commission also moved to protect the town’s supply as the warmer months approach, voting unanimously to re-institute mandatory outdoor watering limits from May 1 through September 30. Chairman Robert Erlandsen clarified the restrictions for residents, noting, Just for clarification, it's one day a week. Motion Made by R. Kostka to institute non-essential outdoor water use limits from May 1st to September 30th. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

In a complex request for new service, representatives for 40 Landing Road appeared before the board seeking water for a shed located on a lot that currently lacks the required frontage. Engineer Bill Shaw explained his goal was to find out if I can get water to the shed back there because it's a separate lot. Retired attorney Larry Wer, representing the owner, argued that existing regulations might allow for an easement through an abutting property. However, Superintendent Chris warned that the department typically requires a 6-inch water main abutting any lot requesting service to ensure clear access and meet frontage requirements. If you plan to live in the old shed, that's an issue, Chris noted, adding that the area is currently served by a seasonal line that is shut off during the winter. The applicants agreed to rework the lot lines and return to the commission after seeking a Planning Board endorsement to secure the necessary 100 feet of frontage.

The long-term future of the town’s water infrastructure was also in focus as Kristen, a consultant with Resilient, provided an updated timeline for the new well project at Route 44. While pump testing is scheduled to begin this week, the full permitting process through the Water Management Act may not be finalized until April 2027. Kristen urged the board to seek construction funding at the Fall Special Town Meeting to ensure the project remains on track for a summer 2027 start. Commissioner Richard Loring expressed some hesitation regarding the financial request. Without a design, it's very hard to come up with numbers that we can really feel comfortable going to Town Meeting with, Loring said, questioning the wisdom of asking voters for construction costs before plans are finalized. Kristen assured the board that construction estimates would be ready by November, and the commissioners agreed to push the Board of Selectmen to prioritize a fall meeting for the necessary appropriations.

Budgetary transparency remains a point of friction between the department and Town Hall. Erlandsen reported on a recent meeting with the Town Administrator regarding "allocated costs"—including a disputed IT assessment that has previously hampered budget approvals. We're not looking to gum up the budget process, but we expect that if there was a savings to be had, we want that back, Erlandsen said. He indicated the department is seeking a transparent formula from the town’s interim accountant to justify charges for central services. Despite the ongoing budget dispute, the board moved forward with critical warrant articles for the upcoming Town Meeting. Motion Made by R. Kostka to approve three Town Meeting articles for tank maintenance, vehicle replacement, and well cleaning. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The board also reviewed the 2025 Annual Water Quality Report, noting that all tested contaminants, including nitrates and PFAS, remain well below regulatory thresholds. Commissioner Loring raised the issue of rising nitrate levels in certain areas of town, asking, Should we be talking about nitrate levels as it relates to potential expansion of sewer up towards South Street? Kristen noted that moving residents from septic systems to a sewer plant specifically designed to remove nitrates would help mitigate long-term impacts on the water supply. Motion Made by R. Loring to approve the 2025 Annual Water Quality Report. Motion Passed (3-0-0).