Harwich water officials moved quickly Friday morning to counter public claims that the town’s drinking water supply is under threat, characterizing recent statements from a neighborhood board member as inaccurate scare tactics. The special meeting of the Board of Water/Wastewater Commissioners was prompted by a presentation made to the Select Board regarding the Great Sand Lakes area, where a resident suggested that pond degradation could soon endanger the water supply for 10,000 local homes. Chair John Goff called the session because the department did not feel the presentation was a true representation of the facts.

Commissioner Bob Young led the push to reformulate the town’s formal response, insisting that data-backed assurances of safety must be the priority in a letter being drafted for the Select Board. Residents should be assured our water is continuously monitored and meets all safety standards, Young said, adding that while he supports sewering, he felt the recent presentation took some liberties with our water quality. Young requested that the response lead with a clear statement on the department’s safety record to ensure the message isn't lost in technical details. Commissioner Allan Thompson echoed the sentiment, noting Good points. Me too.

The board expressed concern that the public is already reacting to the alarming claims. Goff noted that the department has already received numerous phone calls from worried residents. People get nervous when they hear things about the drinking water supply, Goff said. He clarified that even if a future threat existed near the town’s collection wells, the engineering solution would involve sewering the immediate area surrounding the wells, not a neighborhood located three miles away. He emphasized that the Great Sand Lakes project cannot be justified by claims of harm to the drinking water system.

Scott, a resident of the Great Sand Lakes area, suggested that the original presentation was likely highlighting the potential for future water table issues rather than an immediate crisis, sparked by rising cyanobacteria levels. He noted the high stakes of the discussion, pointing to the $31 million to $32 million in Clean Water Revolving Fund allocations currently designated for the project. Commissioner Judith Underwood suggested looking at Brewster’s success with phosphorus-removing septic systems as a possible alternative for the neighborhood, stating It’s a different solution that you should at least explore short-term.

Water Superintendent Jason reminded the public that all testing results are fully transparent and available in the department’s annual Consumer Confidence Report. Anyone who doesn’t have access to the web can come down here and we have reports for them, he said. The board reached a consensus to finalize a formal rebuttal and factual statement to be presented at the upcoming Monday night Select Board meeting to reassure the community that the public drinking water remains safe and high quality.