To End Contamination Problems––

P&Z Backs Public Water Supply For Middle Gate School

By Andrew Gorosko

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has endorsed a public school system proposal to extend a public water supply to Middle Gate School on Cold Spring Road in Botsford.

Ronald Bienkowski, the school system’s business manager, told P&Z members June 5 that extending a public water line to the elementary school would provide the school with a safe, reliable drinking water supply. Mr Bienkowski termed the matter a “high priority.”

Middle Gate School has had water quality problems in the past. Last year, the school experienced serious coliform bacteria contamination of its well water. The school also has had water contamination problems involving uranium and radon.

During one water contamination episode, the school had to use bottled water for six months, Mr Bienkowski told P&Z members. The school has a water treatment system to deal with water contamination, the school business manager added.

The last episode of water supply problems at the school resulted in $10,000 of unanticipated spending, he said. “If we have [a water contamination] episode, it becomes very costly,” he said.

To resolve the various water problems, the school board wants to connect the school to United Water’s public water supply, Mr Bienkowski said.

United Water’s source of water is a wellhead into the Pootatuck Aquifer, along South Main Street near Sand Hill Plaza.

United Water’s water supply system currently terminates at Riverview Condominiums, a 49-unit condo complex off Bryan Lane, behind Sand Hill Plaza. Under the school system proposal, a public water line would be extended from Riverview Condominiums along Bryan Lane to Middle Gate School on Cold Spring Road.

The section of dirt road, along which the water line would be extended, would not be paved after the water line is installed, Mr Bienkowski said. That road, now known as Bryan Lane, formerly was known as Washbrook Road.

P&Z member Lilla Dean asked why the school’s well water supply is problematic, to which Mr Bienkowski responded the matter remains a “mystery.”

“It was a real mystery,” he said. In the past, the school well contamination problems required multiple chlorinations to decontaminate the water supply, he added.

Having a problematic water supply requires much maintenance, Mr Bienkowski said. The well is tested regularly, he said. The attention required by the balky water system has proved “cumbersome,” he said.

 Having a public water supply in use at the school would make for a safer situation, he said.    

 The school system is seeking a low-interest loan to finance the cost of extending United Water’s water supply to Middle Gate School, he said.

On that note, P&Z members endorsed the proposal to extend a public water line to the school.

The matter had come before the P&Z as a “mandatory referral,” under which the P&Z formally comments on a proposed public works project.