DIXFIELD – By a 4-0 vote Monday night, selectmen hired independent water rate analyst Gordon LaBay of Old Orchard Beach.
Board Chairman Eugene Skibitsky said the board agreed to hire LaBay to review the board’s adopted water budget.
Additionally, Skibitsky said, LaBay is to advise them on what the town’s water rates should be, and to give the board ideas about how much the rate would have to be increased if selectmen have repair work done to the water system’s piping infrastructure.
Town Manager Nanci Allard said that Dixfield has yet to receive its Water Department audit.
Selectmen, who are also Dixfield’s Water and Sewer Department trustees, pushed through a 21 percent water rate increase in 2003.
Darlene Brann, administrative assistant to the Water and Sewer departments, said Tuesday that the rate went from $44 for 1,200 cubic feet of water to $54.45.
According to the Water Department’s Web site, Dixfield’s water system has yet to pass lead level testing. The system serves 600 customers.
In November 2003, the site stated, routine sampling detected lead in excess of the maximum level allowed. Four out of 20 samples exceeded the state’s action level for lead.
Drinking water regulations require that samples be taken from homes with a high risk potential for lead in the plumbing.
Brann said the next round of testing is to occur in May.
In November, Water and Sewer departments Director Duane Powers said he would begin using CalciQuest instead of caustic soda this spring to try to reduce the lead problem.
CalciQuest is a liquid designed to inhibit corrosion in drinking water systems. Before it is to be used, however, selectmen are expected to convene a public meeting in April to provide information about CalciQuest and usage plans.
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