Ground Water Withdrawal Info.

Dear Atkinson Residents,

Hampstead Area Water Company (HAWC) has filed an application for a Large Groundwater Withdrawal Permit in the town of Atkinson for the Walnut Ridge Water System (WRWS) with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES).

In the past several years the Walnut Ridge Water System has endured overwhelming stress during the summer months. Customer expansion coupled with declining wells and water quality degradation has put the WRWS in a position where developing new water sources are essential. Presently the WRWS is on an odd / even outdoor watering schedule to promote water conservation and protect the existing WRWS wells.

In 2006 the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) mandated a course of action for Hampstead Area Water Company to determine the adequacy of supply to meet regular and peak water demands in the WRWS. Looking into the overall system stability it was determined that the WRWS is in serious need of additional sources of water. To ensure the WRWS can safely provide its customers with water and maintain compliance with NHDES, additional water sources incorporated with a comprehensive source management plan needs to be implemented.

The proposed new wells will allow for the WRWS to operate in a much more efficient manner while maintaining compliance with NHDES. The new wells will allow for the Company’s existing wells to operate less frequently, and ensure a safe and plentiful supply of drinking water for Atkinson customers in the years to come without adversely impacting neighboring wells.

Hampstead Area Water Company has an obligation to provide water service within its franchise area. In Keeping with this obligation the Groundwater Development Plan is to provide the residents of Atkinson with an adequate supply of clean safe drinking water now and into the future.

Should you like more information regarding the State’s Large Groundwater Withdrawal regulations, please contact Steve Roy at 271-3918, or sroy@des.state.nh.us, or visit the NHDES website at http://www.des.state.nh.us/dwspp/lgwith.htm.