The New Shoreham Town Council meeting on October 21, 2024, highlighted significant advancements in the town's water infrastructure, with officials reporting a successful summer and ongoing construction projects aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency.

Key among the discussions was the completion of a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) project, which automates operations at the town's water treatment facility. This upgrade, funded by leftover USDA grant money, is expected to improve safety by allowing the plant to operate more effectively during off-hours, reducing the need for manual oversight. "It really changes the ballgame of how we operate the plant," one official noted, emphasizing the enhanced safety measures that will be in place.

In addition to the SCADA project, the council announced the commencement of a new water storage tank project, which is already underway. The contractor, Ian Acello, has begun excavation and will soon start pouring concrete for the tank's foundation. Officials reassured residents that safety measures, including bollards and shrubs, will be implemented to protect the site, which is located close to the road.

The council also discussed plans for drilling two new wells on the Schmidt property, with operations expected to begin in December. This initiative aims to bolster the town's water supply, although officials cautioned that the wells may not be operational until the following summer due to the depth of the aquifer.

Overall, the meeting underscored the town's commitment to improving its water infrastructure while ensuring public safety and operational efficiency. As these projects progress, residents can anticipate enhanced water services in the near future.