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STAMFORD, Conn. A well-water testing ordinance will go to Stamfords representatives for final approval at their next meeting. The North Stamford Water Supply Committee voted in favor of the ordinance after Wednesdays public hearing.
Karen DeFalco, president of the North Stamford Concerned Citizens for the Environment, once again showed her support for the ordinance. Every day she is stopped and asked about testing and contamination, and she wants it to end, she said.
Isnt contaminated well water something we hear about in third-world countries, not the United States? DeFalco said, urging the board to approve testing. She said the city does not know much about the flow or cause of the contamination, and testing will add more information.
Several residents and representatives supported the ordinance and pushed for its approval, but city Rep. John Zelinsky, D-11, said it is not fair to people who do not have wells. He said the city has never been proven to be the cause of contaminates.
Everything is speculation, he said.
City Reps. Frank Cerasoli and Randall Skigen took issue with Zelinskys argument and said many residents pay for services they dont use, such as people without kids paying for the schools. They also said well-water testing would improve the quality of life in Stamford.
The ordinance states that a maximum of 750 wells a year would be tested by the city, which would include wells that previously tested positive for contaminates. Residents would pay $100 for each test. There is also a two-year sunset clause during which the city could amend, continue or stop it, depending on its effectiveness.
The Board of Representatives will vote on the ordinance at its Sept. 6 meeting. If approved, the ordinance is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.
Are you willing to pay for the city to test wells? Why? Share your thoughts and opinions below and become a part of the conversation.
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