RUMFORD — Rumford Water District trustees will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday in in the Rumford Falls Auditorium.

An issue that may come up is Poland Spring’s Water Co.’s presentation in December on drawing water from the Ellis River watershed.

The trustees, under their charter, have the right and responsibility to decide whether to allow Poland Spring to carry out such a venture.

After their regular business, trustees may hold an executive session with legal counsel on their rights and duties.

The public will be allowed to comment during the meeting.

At the Water District meeting Dec. 7, some 175 ratepayers and residents heard Poland Spring’s presentation.

Mark Dubois, a geologist and natural resource manager for the company, led a team of four people who pitched a 15- to 20-year contract to the Water District to draw up to 150 million gallons a year from two new wells on district property off Route 5. In exchange, Poland Spring could pay the district more than $400,000 annually in lease and water payments.

Following the presentation, several people called for a voluntary six-month moratorium on this issue.

“We’re here to do what’s right for the customers and the district,” James Thibodeau, chairman of the trustees, said. “We don’t look at things as greed. We look at things as black and white. Any decision we make will be made on business, not personal feelings.

“The district will only consider an agreement to sell water to Poland Springs if the agreement: (1) allows the District to continue to provide a safe, reliable source of water to all its customers without harm to the sustainable yield of the Ellis River aquifer; (2) stabilizes or even lower rates for its customers; and (3) creates economic and social benefits for the community.”

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net

Copy the Story Link