Harwich residents should prepare for mandatory outdoor water use limits starting next month as the region remains gripped by a Level 2 significant drought. During Friday’s meeting, Water Superintendent Jason Trepanier warned that while groundwater levels have seen a slight recovery, the town remains nearly a foot below the threshold required to avoid state-mandated conservation measures. We're still in a Level 2 drought, so we will most likely enter a water restriction in May, Trepanier told the Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners, noting that the order will likely restrict lawn watering to just two days per week.

Commissioner Doreen Dunn provided visual data showing that while the town gained 1.2 feet in groundwater during March, the Brewster observation well still sits at approximately 30.4 feet, failing to reach the 31.05-foot mark required by the state. We're in better shape than a month ago, but still in bad shape, Dunn observed, adding that the state’s strict targets make it feel as though we’re never going to be out of water restrictions. In an effort to bolster conservation, Board Chair Dian suggested a public outreach campaign to local businesses. Regarding restaurants, we can ask them not to give water unless requested. That can cut down usage, she noted, prompting the board to seek a draft policy for review at their next meeting.

The meeting also addressed a significant financial reconciliation involving the wastewater fund. Dunn highlighted a public statement from the Town Administrator regarding approximately $300,000 in accounting errors within the wastewater enterprise fund’s retained earnings. While the town is working to reconcile the funds by the end of the fiscal year, Dunn expressed frustration over a lack of communication from other town leaders. We wrote a letter in January requesting a full audit of the wastewater funds. We never got a response from a single Select Board member. I found the whole thing very unprofessional, Dunn said. Despite the silence from the Select Board, the town’s new finance director is reportedly moving forward with a request for a five-year forensic audit of the fund from its inception to the present day.

A recent department-wide audit of zero consumption accounts has resulted in the town clawing back thousands in previously unbilled revenue. Staff member Wellesley explained that meters occasionally stop registering usage due to sand or grit interference, which is particularly common in Harwich. Because of the nature of where we live, it's extremely tricky to know what's non-registering and what might be a demo or a property that is not lived in, Wellesley said. The audit identified several non-functioning meters, leading the board to approve back-billing for those properties. Motion Made by D. Dunn to approve third quarter water internal adjustments in the amount of $12,783.47. Motion Passed (3-0). The board also moved to clear up minor discrepancies in the wastewater accounts. Motion Made by D. Dunn to approve internal wastewater adjustments for $49.67. Motion Passed (3-0).

The commissioners also granted relief to property owner Justin Palace, whose vacant home slated for demolition was the site of a massive 167,000-gallon leak. Palace explained that a frozen meter had cracked and flooded the basement. I got a call from you guys about over-usage. I checked the property and the water meter had cracked and was spewing water, Palace said. Although the leak was extensive, Palace told the board, I'll be happy to pay for the water in the basement for the days it took to fully shut off the old street valve. The board agreed to apply a disaster rate to the bill to ease the financial burden of the accident. Motion Made by D. Dunn to adjust the bill for 150 [Street] to the 3.8 disaster rate, totaling $292.14. Motion Passed (3-0).

In major infrastructure news, Trepanier reported that the cost estimate for the Route 28 Phase 1 East project has reached $7.49 million. The department has received the necessary MassDOT permits, and construction coordination is expected to intensify this summer. Phase 1 West... will be starting in September, Trepanier noted, explaining that the department is currently waiting on a final project schedule from state officials and contractors to minimize the impact on local residents. Commissioner Dunn urged the department to prioritize transparency as construction nears. My personal view is we do everything we can to be the best for the residents. Less impact is better, she said.

The board also reviewed routine quarterly finances, finalizing several adjustments for the current period. Motion Made by D. Dunn to approve water usage abatements for the third quarter in the amount of $2,543.24. Motion Passed (3-0). To streamline future operations, the board agreed to grant staff the permanent authority to establish payment plans for struggling residents without requiring a formal board vote for every instance. I think it's unnecessary for you to wait for us. You have the expertise, Dunn told staff members Trepanier and Wellesley.