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The committee proposed to extend the ordinance until the end of 2015. The current ordinance was passed in 2011 by the board, with a “sunset clause” for the end of this year, so the board can change, end or continue it.
Before the committee voted on the ordinance, several residents shared their support for extending it.
“We are talking about poison in the water, that our kids are going to be drinking for decades,” Dr. Steve Lo said. He added that if residents know their wells are contaminated, they will get filters put on them or make other accommodations to keep their family safe.
Karen DeFalco said that before the testing someone would bring up the possibility of contamination and then the talk would stop, and she doesn’t want that to happen.
“People in the community will walk away and think everything is fine,” she said.
Board Member Annie Taylor, R. said she wants to see the city be more proactive with the testing results, interpret what they mean and find solutions for contaminated wells.
“If it’s just sitting on a map on the computer it’s not going to help any of us,” she said.
The city’s health department is able to test up to 750 wells per year and residents are allowed to request a test every two years. Residents requesting tests for the first time take precedent over those who have had it done before.
According to the city’s website 1,800 residents have signed up for the city testing, and the city has also started an alternative testing program. Testing results are available on-line.
The proposed ordinance will now go to the full board to vote on at its meeting on Feb. 12.
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