Water-Sewer Manager Jed Fenneuff announced Wednesday that Wells 7 and 8 will be taken offline next week for repairs.

In a notice to residents, Fenneuff explained that due to a mechanical failure, both wells will need to be shut down while a contractor installs a new pump in Well 7. Work is scheduled to begin Monday, and both wells are anticipated to remain out of service for approximately six days.

The shutdown comes as the town maintains its mandatory state of water supply conservation that was enacted last year. Persistent drought conditions led the Department of Public Works in March to extend the restrictions until further notice.

Permitted uses during the water restriction include food, fiber and livestock production, hand watering of gardens and “water use essential to the core function of a commercial business.”

Any non-essential water use is subject to written warnings and fines. Continued violations could result in suspension of water service.

“With two of our wells offline, it is critical that all customers comply with the water restrictions to help ensure an adequate water supply is available for essential uses, public health and fire protection,” Fenneuff stated in the notice. He also noted that customers with irrigation connected to the municipal water supply must turn their systems off.

UPDATE, July 1: Water-Sewer manager Jed Fenneuff announced that the Well 7 pump has been replaced successfully. Wells 7 and 8 are now back online and operating normally.

More information about the water conservation actions can be found on the town’s website.