The newly constituted Water Advisory Board (WAB) is pleased to submit this first report to our customers. The WAB is charged with the advisory oversight of the Water Division Capital Plan also known as the Water Main Replacement Program and the financial condition of the Belmont Water System.
We are pleased to report that the Water Main Replacement Program from its inception in 1995 thru 2004 has replaced 15 miles of deteriorated unlined water main thus improving water system integrity and aesthetic water quality. These 15 miles of new water main represents 37.5% of the Water Main Replacement Program total of 40 miles of pipe to be replaced within a 30 year period and 16.5% of the entire water distribution system. The Water Main Replacement Program is both under budget and ahead of schedule!
The water utility industry is in a period of rapid change in response to customer expectations and regulatory requirements. A new element in the overall equation is emergency preparedness for not only customary water system failures such as water main breaks but also in the event of a major natural disaster or a deliberate act of aggression. Our professional staff in conjunction with the regulatory agencies and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) has prepared contingency plans for these potentialities.
The MWRA is engaged in a massive and important program their water treatment, storage and distribution systems. As these projects are constructed, the costs are charged to the MWRA member communities via the MWRA water assessment. We anticipated the significant financial impact by communicating to the Town that substantial increases in the water assessment were at hand. This translates into a probable significant water rate increase for Fiscal Year 2006.
As the amalgamation of the water utility function continues with the evolution of the new Department of Public Works, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the highly dedicated and skilled employees of the Water Division for continuing their excellent work. We look forward to the challenges of the future and working together with the other divisions of the Department of Public Works.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank E. French, Jr., Chairman
| 
