Facing a Level 2 drought and dwindling levels at the Brewster wells, the Harwich Water/Wastewater Commissioners authorized mandatory water restrictions to begin May 1. The new rules shift the town from a voluntary three-day schedule to a strict two-day-per-week irrigation cycle. Residents with even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while odd-numbered addresses are assigned Wednesdays and Sundays. All watering must occur before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM.

Superintendent Jason Trapia explained that the town has triggered mandatory action under the Water Management Act after monitoring well levels for three months. We are below the trigger on the Brewster wells we monitor and have been for 90 days, Trapia told the board. While the department intends to lead with warnings, Commissioner Judith Underwood emphasized the need for a functional enforcement strategy, noting that fines have recently increased to $100 for a first offense and $300 for a second. We need to work on the enforcement piece, Underwood said. It's a burden for the department, but we shouldn't just let it go. Motion Made by A. Thompson to initiate mandatory water restrictions effective May 1, allowing irrigation two days per week (Even: Tue/Sat; Odd: Wed/Sun) before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also performed a significant fiscal recalibration, adjusting the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to account for a town-wide increase in Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). The Select Board recently bumped the COLA from 2% to 4%, a move reflecting Harwich’s broader effort to remain competitive as housing costs in town require a $220,000 annual income for homeownership. Chair Noreen noted that the shift required rescinding previous budget figures to accommodate the higher payroll costs. Motion Made by A. Thompson to approve the new Water Budget in the amount of $4,968,049. Motion Passed 5-0. Additionally, the board set the wastewater operating budget at $78,825. Motion Made by A. Thompson to approve the new Wastewater Budget in the amount of $78,825. Motion Passed 5-0.

Modernizing the town's infrastructure data was also a priority, as the board allocated $77,500 for a comprehensive hydraulic model update. Lauren Underwood of Apex/Environmental Partners informed the board that the town’s current model has not been updated since 2002. The 2002 model is a starting point, but we can now use billing data to attribute real usage to parcels rather than spreading demands equally, she said, explaining that the simulation will help prioritize main replacements. Commissioner Bob Young questioned the durability of the town's oldest pipes, some dating to the 1940s. Ian Mead of Apex responded that the model helps identify which pipes actually need a $2 million replacement versus those that simply need cleaning. Motion Made by A. Thompson to approve the hydraulic model proposal from Apex for $77,500. Motion Passed 5-0.

In a preview of upcoming infrastructure disruptions, the board discussed the Phase 2 expansion of the Route 28 project, which will run from the Herring River Bridge to South Street. While the project was initially approved for $17.5 million, Noreen noted that recent estimates have dipped as low as $11 million. To avoid the coordination friction seen in other recent town projects, the board scheduled a business-focused outreach meeting for Tuesday, May 13, at 6:00 PM at the Community Center. Cindy Williams of the Harwich Chamber of Commerce, participating via phone, urged the board to act quickly. By late August, businesses are in the height of the season and can't attend, Williams warned. Commissioner Young, a local restaurant owner, agreed that transparency is vital. As a business owner, I want to be aware it's coming, Young said. More outreach is better.

The board also heard from citizen petitioner Patrick Otton, who is bringing three environmental bylaws to Town Meeting regarding fertilizers, pesticides, and tree protection. Otton characterized the Water Commissioners as a vital ally in protecting the town's estuaries. There's no other group in Harwich closer connected to the problems of water than you all, Otton said, urging a reduction in yard spraying. While board members expressed interest, Noreen suggested Otton provide more concrete alternatives for homeowners. For people in the middle, having a list of 'better' products would help, she noted. Young offered to collaborate with Otton on sustainable business practices, noting his own success in finding affordable alternatives to plastic. I'd like to sit with you, Patrick, because the argument is that it's too costly, but I found wooden stir sticks are actually cheaper, Young said.

Finally, the board showed little leniency for a resident at 3 Street seeking a late fee abatement. Tracy Alves, the board secretary, noted the resident had a history of four or five late charges and had already used the department’s one-time internal adjustment. Motion Made by A. Thompson to deny the abatement request for the late fee at 3 Street. Motion Passed 5-0.