Officials from the West Paris Water District and the town will go door to door beginning next week to collect surveys from residents indicating their income level.
Surveys were previously mailed to residents in a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
The information collected may allow town officials to apply for a grant under the federal Community Development Block Grant program. The money would help offset the cost of a proposal to replace the deteriorated water storage tank.
“Over the past years the Hypalon cover has experienced rips and tears which have compromised its primary function of protecting the water from external pollutants,” West Paris Water District Chairman David Walton and Maine Rural Water Association contact Kirsten Hebert wrote.
The Maine Drinking Water Program requires the Water District to replace the tank by Dec. 31, 2027.
Eligibility for the grant is based on at least 51% of the customers living in households earning 80% or less than the area’s median family income, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Hebert said the median household income for the town is $55,670.
If the water district meets the funding requirements, it will apply for a $1 million grant. If awarded, it would reduce the amount of money the district needs to borrow for the project.
Questions about the survey should be directed to Water District Chairman David Walton at [email protected] or Maine Rural Water Association Kirsten Hebert at [email protected] or 207-841-8920.
