By Paul Conyers
The Utilities Committee made water a central priority last July with an expansion of the Pennichuck water system to new homes. As part of the project, Town Manager, Mike Malaguti, was in talks with the state of NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) to discuss the possibility for the state to help town residents still connected to well water sources.
“I had the privilege of talking to the DES Commissioner, Scott, together with Councilor Dunn and Chairman Farrell and members of his staff,” said Malaguti. “We talked about the $9.7 million bill to fund a water crossing to get Pennichuck supply across the Merrimack River.”
While the initial $9.7 million grant has already been confirmed, DES Commissioner, Robert Scott, also offered what he called “once in a lifetime” funding from the state, with support from the federal government to help with the project if approved by the town. As part of a 2019 settlement, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics is already installing new water lines in the area, and the Town Manager hinted that the company might be able to help with some expansion work.
There are currently six smaller water systems coming online across town that already tie into Pennichuck. As is, the system has enough water to meet increased demand with the new piping.
“It’s very important, very significant in getting additional supply into Londonderry, which ultimately will be needed,” added Malaguti. “This work is essential towards taking the next steps.”
The bill is part of a larger plan to expand the water system meant to provide clean drinking water to residents currently tied to wells in the Saint-Gobain remediation area. The total project will cost $20 to $25 million. Although much of the funding for this project is available with help from outside sources, Malaguti warned utility members that “Londonderry will have to pay” for part of the expansion.
He strongly emphasized both the importance of the expansion and the need for community support to cover the costs of expansion. Londonderry voters supported an initial warrant article in favor of more funding for the water system last year.
“The DES said they’d be willing to come and meet with our citizens up to five times, even on a weekend in September or October to let us know what they need and have to have” added Councilor and State Representative, Ron Dunn.
Some details are still unclear, including ownership of the line or potential tax burden to Pennichuck. All planning is in the preliminary stages, although DES assured the Utilities Committee and the town of Londonderry their full support moving forward.
Malaguti described the current proposal as “getting the water to the border,” only piping across the Merrimack while more work will be required to get it to properties in need for the coming years. He expressed hope that there would be more discussion on work during the upcoming budget season.