The Kingston Water Commission opened a joint session with sewer officials on Tuesday to address a long-standing administrative imbalance regarding billing and shared department costs. Richard Loring highlighted that the water department currently manages the majority of billing inquiries and delinquency notices for both services without compensation from the sewer enterprise fund. Loring noted that a fair amount of effort from this department is consumed doing billing and answering phone calls of people that are complaining about bills. A department representative presented data showing that sewer accounts make up roughly 35% of the total billing volume and over 50% of the delinquency shut-off workload, prompting officials to target the fiscal year 2027 budget for a more equitable cost-sharing agreement.

The conversation transitioned into a proposed universal water meter replacement program designed to address revenue loss and improve residential leak detection. Robert Kostka observed that current aging meters are likely underreporting usage, stating the meters are underrated... it's costing you money as well as costing us money. The new technology would provide residents with real-time alerts for leaks, potentially preventing the massive bill spikes often seen when 20-year-old meters fail. Officials emphasized that while the project would be expensive, it would likely be presented at a future Town Meeting as a multi-year capital improvement project to modernize the town's infrastructure.

Consultant Kristen provided an optimistic update on the new well project, revealing that shifting the test well location to ensure a compliant zone has yielded significantly better results than previously expected. Kristen informed the board that the preliminary test well... indicates that more flow would be available at this new site than at the prior test well location. While the original permit sought 680 gallons per minute (gpm), the new site could reach 1,000 gpm if the board opted for a larger 50-slot screen. Robert Erlandsen pushed for the higher capacity, noting the importance to maximize, especially when we're just building it now. To achieve this, Motion Made by Robert Kostka to increase the size of the screen and the pump capacity even with the delay. Motion Passed 3-0. The decision will push the drilling schedule back approximately five weeks to wait for the specialized equipment.

Field updates from department staff Chris detailed the physical preparations required at the steep well site, explaining that we work out there with the guys to... make the radius in there so a drilling rig can safely access the hill. In other business, the commission reviewed a draft Memorandum of Understanding with the Highway Department regarding road opening permits. The commissioners expressed a desire to clarify that in emergency situations, the department must only provide "notification" rather than seek "approval" to begin repairs. Finally, the board addressed outstanding debt by formalizing residential liens. Motion Made by Richard Loring to accept the liens for water bills for FY25 and prior to a total of $80,598.32. Motion Passed 3-0.

The board concluded the meeting with a brief discussion on sewer expansion priorities, focusing on the South Street wells to mitigate rising nitrate levels in the public drinking water supply. Officials also authorized one-time abatements for residential leaks at 13 Old Colony and Hilltop. Motion Made by Robert Kostka to reduce the rate to the lowest rate this one time for both properties. Motion Passed 3-0.