July 12, 2007

Attendees: David Crosby, Chair; David Hearne; Paul Lauenstein; Rory McGregor,
secretary; Jack Sulik

Others: Eric Hooper, DPW Superintendent; Bob Weeks, resident

1.  Minutes of the May 31 meeting were approved.  Bob Weeks offered to
investigate the issue of recommended iron levels in fertilizer (Item 4 in
Minutes).  Objective is to decide if WMAC should make recommendation on allowable
levels.

2.  David Crosby asked that we review the draft document he prepared and
circulated on Mission Statement and provide written comments before next meeting.

3.  David Crosby requested that we revisit the Water Resources Management
Plan for the town.  WMAC voted to have Eric Hooper prepare a scope of work for
discussion at next meeting.  Last time the Plan was prepared from scratch is
1996, so it's time to revisit.  Eric's objective is to keep town consumption 10%
below permitted capacity of 650 millions of gallons per year.

4.  Eric advised that new town water withdrawal permits may be stream flow
based.  Eric does not believe that Sharon will be granted additional withdrawal
capacity by DEP.  In fact, Sharon and many other towns have not been granted
new permits, even though ours expired in 2005.  This reflects the indecision
within DEP for the future direction they will take.

5.  The potential well site at Sharon Commons will be useful for backup only;
iron content is high.  Edge Hill Road pump site toward the Canton town line on
the Golf Course side of the road is promising; however, Canton has not turned
on its nearby Well #9 due to concerns for impact on stream flow, for which
DEP has significant restrictions.  If we pursue the Edge Hill site, there will be
an expensive investment in land (4 lots adjacent to the Golf Course) and
pumping (100 foot rise would be required).

6.  Eric will prepare a matrix of potential well sites, listing pros and cons
of each.

7.  Eric mentioned the possibility of teaming up with Neponset River
Watershed Association to provide education program within the town for storm water
management and conservation programs.

8.  SCADA system is now controlling pumps based on Hampton Road tank level. 
Feedback loop using the Upland Road tank took too long to sense needs for
pumping.

9.  250 new water meters have been installed in homes.  Some acoustic leak
detectors have also been installed.  Eric would like to accelerate the work and
complete within 18 months vs. the current 3 year plan.  The advantage is to
get better consumption data sooner and use this to drive conservation programs. 
Paul Lauenstein will draft letter to this effect, send to David Crosby for
review, and then send to selectmen for their consideration.

10.  Eric has scheduled the  Tufts University Group from the Riverways  Program  to present on the stream flow
monitoring project which they have initiated in Sharon.   This presentation will take place at the Town Hall on
Thursday, August 9th at 7:30pm .

11.  Paul Lauenstein presented a proposal for a High Efficiency Toilet
giveway program to create more visibility for this conservation initiative.  We will
review again at next meeting with feedback encouraged from WMAC members.

12.  Next meeting is Thursday, Aug 2nd at 7:30pm in the Town