DIXFIELD – Selectmen reviewed two proposed budgets for Dixfield’s Water and Sewer departments Thursday.

They also learned about a new liquid chemical solution that’s expected to resolve ongoing problems with the municipal water system.

The board worked its way through a proposed 2005 Water Department working budget of $384,145, paring $6,800, for a total of $377,345. However, more changes are expected when the director of the Water and Sewer departments, Duane Powers, firms up costs to purchase CalciQuest, Town Manager Nanci Allard said.

CalciQuest, selectmen learned, is a liquid designed to inhibit corrosion in drinking water systems, Powers said.

It’s also food-safe, unlike caustic soda, he added.

“It’s even 10,000 times safer than fluoride,” Powers said.

He sought permission from selectmen to order CalciQuest, which costs $2,500 a year or $6 a day.

He said CalciQuest Liquid 5050 has helped to reduce red water complaints, and to meet lead and copper limitations.

Dixfield has long had a problem with meeting state lead-level testing requirements.

“Lead is not in the water, it’s in the home, mostly coming from brass fixtures and solder,” Powers said.

Currently, Dixfield is trying to resolve its lead problem with soda ash. But, Powers said, using CalciQuest would allow him to lower the soda ash amounts.

However, the new solution will not be used until this spring, after water customers can be notified.

The board briefly reviewed the proposed 2005 Sewer Department budget of $163,502, making minimal changes.

Selectmen, who are also trustees of the Water and Sewer departments, are expected to complete the two budgets at their 4:30 p.m. meeting Monday, Nov. 22, in the town office.