Epsom Village Water District Faces Governance Decisions
Restoring the district’s ability to govern depends on residents stepping forward to fill vacant positions. On Monday evening, September 21, 2026, the Epsom Select Board held an information session on two critical issues affecting the Epsom Village Water District: the shortage of elected and appointed officials, resulting in the district being unable to conduct business, and the need to move forward with a major PFAS water-treatment project.
Following the resignation of several commissioners, the district was left without the quorum needed to conduct official business, including approving expenditures and contracts. Other positions, including clerk, treasurer, and additional commissioner seats, also need to be filled.
State law provides several possible paths forward: Donna Dudley, the remaining sitting commissioner, can petition the Superior Court to appoint another commissioner. Following such an appointment, the commissioners can appoint additional district officers and conduct district business. As Dudley has already petitioned for a second commissioner, and that commissioner has resigned, it is preferable that volunteers come forward to fill the open positions.
Another possibility is for the Town of Epsom to consider taking over the Water District’s operations. Such a transition would not happen automatically and would require approval by a two-thirds supermajority vote at a Town Meeting via a warrant article. However, the Water District would first need to be able to conduct the necessary business to move that process forward.
PFAS Treatment Project
The district is also preparing for a significant water-treatment project to address PFAS contamination. The project was estimated at up to $8.5 million, with grants and principal forgiveness expected to reduce the district's repayment obligation to approximately $2.5 million.
The project is in the final stages of design. Underwood Engineers has presented several options and a functioning board of commissioners will need to review costs and select an option before the design can move forward.
Other alternatives were discussed, including developing a new well or requiring treatment at individual homes. A new well could cost an estimated $6-8 million and might still require PFAS treatment. State requirements also call for two viable water sources. Household treatment is impractical because more than 300 homes would require quarterly testing, and it would quickly become costly.
Epsom Village Water District Volunteers Needed
Restoring the district's ability to govern is the immediate priority. Official district positions must be filled by eligible residents who live within the Village Water District boundaries.
There were calls during the meeting for enough volunteers within the district to come forward to establish a functioning board. By the end of the meeting, close to 10 people had signed up.
Water District residents interested in helping are encouraged to learn more about the available positions and the commitment involved. While engineers, water operators and state officials can provide technical assistance, the district's elected and appointed officials remain responsible for making decisions about contracts, finances and the future of the water system.
To learn more, visit https://evwd.myruralwater.com/recent-news
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