RUMFORD — A spokesperson for about 30 people asked selectmen Thursday night to consider a moratorium on water contracts made by the Rumford Water District.

Kerri Arsenault made the request during a 40-minute presentation regarding Nestle Waters North America’s desire to explore spring water sources on Water District land.

“I’m requesting a moratorium to study the impact such an agreement this would have on the town’s water supply,” Arsenault said.

Board Chairman Jeff Sterling said when looking at the town charter, “In my opinion, it seems clear that such a decision would be between the Water District and whoever.”

He said perhaps “down the line” the board could have the town attorney look at “where we stand with this.”

Town Manager John Madigan said he briefly discussed the moratorium question with town attorney Jennifer Kreckel, who said the Water District is a separate entity, like Med-Care and the Northern Oxford Regional Solid Waste District.

He said consideration of a moratorium would have to go before the Planning Board, which would have to consider land use regulations as it relates to issues such as overburdening or creating a shortage of the town’s water supply. A moratorium could not be longer than 180 days and would require a town vote.

Arsenault said such an agreement would create a profound shift on the use of the town’s water supply, and that community, health and environmental concerns this presents requires “much deliberation.”

Group member Jon Starr said that having an estimated 70 trucks hauling water every day in the Ellis River Valley would be a “noise nuisance to neighbors and impact community life” in that area.

“At this point, there are more questions than answers. Be patient and let’s move on with this process,” Sterling said.

On July 6, most members of this citizens’ group attended a meeting with the Rumford Water District board of trustees, where about 100 written questions were accepted by the board regarding the potential partnership with the Poland Spring Water Co., whose parent is Nestle Waters North America.

Superintendent Brian Gagnon said those questions will be answered in time for a trustee meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, in the Rumford Falls Auditorium.

In other news, selectmen unanimously agreed to reappoint longtime Water District Trustee Jim Thibodeau to a three-year term on the board, joining Chairman Harrison Burns and Jolene Lovejoy.

The discussion began after Selectman Mark Belanger nominated Joseph Martin to the post during boards and committee appointments. He said he believed people with new ideas and views were needed for some of these positions.

Martin’s nomination failed by a 2-3 vote, with Belanger and Jim Windover voting for Martin. Afterward, Thibodeau was nominated and elected.

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