Tilton residents running out of water

By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Some Tilton residents have asked Spaniard’s Bay council for help because their wells are drying up.

At this month’s public council meeting, Deputy Mayor Tammy Oliver said she had spoken with an elderly female resident of Tilton who had described the struggle the area is facing. Oliver noted that, due to global warming, wells are drying up, and getting the water from wells is a difficult task in itself, especially for an elderly individual like the resident in question.

Councillor Paul Ryan said he has seen some of the wells in the area himself and there was no water in them whatsoever.

Mayor Brazil said it would be a big and expensive undertaking to run water and sewer lines under the highway to connect residents in Tilton. He asked council whether there is another option they could consider as a short-term solution.

Deputy Mayor Oliver noted during a discussion earlier that day, Mayor Brazil had suggested they could possibly get an estimate on a deep well system that could supply a number of homes each

“There’s new homes in there. People want services,” said Oliver. “They’re paying taxes in hopes of growing. They’re looking for those services and I don’t blame them one bit.”

Councillor Ryan acknowledged that it was late in the year, but asked if there was any way the Town could put in a line to give the affected Tilton residents access to water.

Brazil pointed out it had cost the town $1.6 million to run a sewer line from near the Town’s gazebo to the bottom of Chipman Road. “And you didn’t have the hassle of trying to get underneath a two-lane overpass,” he added.

Brazil said council put water lines on the Town’s five-year plan, but that would not guarantee they would be able to afford it by then.

“I’m sure they’re anxious just to see us start on something,” said Oliver said.

Councillor Ryan said an artesian well could be an ideal short-term solution. He allows that implementing one would not be an easy task, but insisted that something must be done imminently if residents are without water.

Mayor Brazil suggested the Town hire a consultant to conduct an evaluation and see if one well would be enough to service all the residents in need of water.

Deputy Mayor Oliver made the motion to do just that, which was seconded by Ryan. All voted in favour, and the motion was passed.