Water project unearths antique fittings If the water main project has been a little delayed at times, it's because the crew has been digging up some unusual fittings.

"They've been slow getting the connections in because of all the strange stuff they're finding in the ground," explained Water Board Supervisor David Simmons at a Water and Sewer meeting Tuesday, Dec. 14.

Some of the lines go nowhere — but with many homeowners away, it's not always an easy thing to establish, so there's been testing to do along the way. Many of the fittings are copper, not the more modern plastic. All are being replaced, in a process that "will get faster as they learn," Simmons said.

The project got a few grumbles at Tuesday's meeting because it's not always well marked, and traffic control has been patchy. "It's confusing to drivers," said Water Board Chair Steve McQueeny, adding that at least one car had hit a hay bale that was in the road near a storm drain and wasn't well marked. More warning cones and caution tape have been ordered. Also, "people shouldn't drive so fast," said Sewer Commission Chair Cliff McGinnes Sr.

Updates

•When the new drainage system and sidewalks are in on High Street, reported Public Works Director Nancy Dodge, homes and businesses will be able to tie in at each individual's expense. Letters will go out some time in the spring to let people know.

•A bid for improving processing at the Wastewater Treatment Plant has been awarded to Process Engineering. The project will include two apartments for water and sewer workers.

•The Water and Sewer boards appear to be gearing up for another stab at the problem of hotels in Old Harbor that use private wells, yet want to tie up to town water for sprinkler systems. Having two water sources is a threat to public health, many board members agreed, but the state Department of Health has dragged its feet legislating the problem. The matter is likely to come up again next March.

•New sewer employee Joe Begin will start work at the end of the month, reported Sewer Commission Supervisor Ray Boucher. —Pippa Jack