The Acton Water District is in early-stage planning to secure long-term water supplies, commissioners and candidates said at the forum, including an exploratory consortium and consultant study to evaluate options through 2050.

Barry Rosen, a candidate and long-time water-district volunteer, said the district is investigating both in-town and out-of-town properties and has organized a multi-municipal consortium to share study costs. “We actually organized a consortium… and we are hiring a consultant that is going to help us look at some of these issues,” Rosen said, naming towns that have joined the consortium during discussion (including Concord, Westford and Bedford) and noting legal or site-specific alternatives remain confidential in executive sessions.

Commissioners emphasized source-protection and demand-reduction measures as immediate priorities. John Peterson, a candidate with a science background, said protecting local sources and reducing salt and demand are “job one” for the district even as long-term supply options are explored.

Rosen said no decision has been made about a future source and that any major change would involve public outreach and ultimately public approval: “We are absolutely not going to do anything that the public doesn't want us to engage in.” He added the consortium study will examine logistics, costs, funding sources and potential hybrid supply scenarios.

Water district speakers acknowledged uncertainties and executive-session discussions about possible sites. The district said it would present study results to the community and that any recommended supply change would require further review and public input.