Water Line Offers

A Permanent Solution

To the Editor:

The Legislative Council may vote soon on a plan that names the Middle Gate Elementary School water line extension the highest priority among the capital improvement projects for 2004–2005.

The Council last week heard about the Middle Gate water situation from the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, and from an official from the state Department of Public Health. From the information they provided, it is easy to conclude that if the water line is installed, then the school, and the town’s taxpayers, will be able to eliminate the need and expenses for: ongoing use of bottled water; testing for coliform bacteria, an occasional contaminant whose source has never been identified; construction of a new school well; replacement of the school’s water tanks; ongoing operation of the school water’s radon treatment system; ongoing operation of the school water’s uranium treatment system.

Other costs and risks would be eliminated or reduced, and the town would no longer have the responsibility as an operator of a public water supply for this school.

My hope is that the council approves the plan, and commits itself to provide, during the 2004–2005 year, a permanent solution for the Middle Gate water situation. I know a number of other Middle Gate parents who share this hope, and who agree with the decisions by the Board of Education and the Board of Finance to give this project the highest priority.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Vodola

9 Meadow Woods Lane, Sandy Hook                      February 11, 2004