Commercial water siphoning inspires call for tighter curbs

The second time Carol Lees saw a commercial truck pumping water out of Winnecunnet Pond, she decided to take action.

"I called the police to say people were stealing water and found out we actually have no law against that occurring," the Norton resident said.

Lees and others who live on the pond say they hope that situation will change after next month's Town Meeting. Voters will be asked to approve a bylaw that prohibits siphoning water for commercial uses from any body of water in town.

Norton Town Manager James Purcell said the bylaw is being modeled after a similar regulation passed by the regional Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee, as well as bylaws in surrounding communities, including Easton and Foxborough.

It was proposed last month following complaints from several residents who said trucks from at least one local hydroseeding company frequently pump water from Winnecunnet and the Norton Reservoir. They say the trucks often leave behind green fertilizer material floating on top of the water.

"That only makes it worse because we're fighting the battle of the weeds at Winnecunnet," said Lees, who brought a sample of the material to town officials.

"We're worried about the pollution."

Selectman Robert Kimball said the bylaw would not apply to residents who use water from the pond or reservoir for irrigation, or public safety and emergency personnel who need water in the event of a fire.

A similar proposal did not meet Town Meeting approval two years ago after voters expressed concern over the lack of those stipulations, he said.

"I own land on both sides of the Rumford River, as well as under the river, and I use a pump for irrigation," Kimball said. "Personally, I would have an issue if they said I couldn't draw water from any waterway."

The updates to the bylaw make it clear that it is only commercial withdrawal that is prohibited, Kimball said, and he noted that the town also could consider setting up a metering system or hydrant for use by companies in need of water.

Purcell, the town manager, said the town does not have the authority to fine companies that have pumped water out of the 148-acre pond until a bylaw is in place.

While officials say they are unsure how much water has been taken, Lees said the trucks she saw pumped for about a half hour.

She said she and her neighbors are impressed with town officials for listening to their concerns and moving forward with the bylaw proposal.

"I am pleased that they took action right away and something will hopefully get done to protect our water," Lees said.

Town Meeting has been scheduled for Sept. 27.

Joanna Massey can be reached at massey@globe.com.