The Nestle Corp. would like to pump water from the Rumford aquifer that supplies public water, offering cold cash in a cash-scarce time.

But Nestle will take more than water. The well is in a rural neighborhood. Quiet by day and downright silent by night, trucks suddenly winding uphill from the site will disturb dozens of homes; headlights will flash across backyards.

In Hollis, Nestle promised trucks arriving every 15 minutes. The current rate? Every 1.25 minutes — an increase from four to 48 trucks per hour.

Nestle may also take Rumford’s water security and ability to expand. The Water Board would try to calculate the volume Nestle could safely take, but the future is unknown.

Nestle has facilities in drought-stricken California. One municipality requested Nestle suspend pumping. Nestle declined. It must please shareholders, not communities going dry. Nestle is a Swiss, not California, company.

If a job-heavy, water-thirsty company eyes Rumford but Nestle holds the water, what then?

Nestle supplies no jobs. Its Fryeburg well has created one half-time position.

Some say Nestle cash will help Rumford fund the upcoming water, sewer and sidewalk project. But Rumford has already funded the project.

Concerned Rumford residents should attend Rumford’s Water District Board meeting Wednesday, July 6, at the Water District on Spruce Street. The Board is charged with operating in the town’s best interest, but that interest can only be guessed at if the townspeople do not express it.

Jon Starr, Rumford