Town of Dover Receives $120,000 in State Funding for Water Supply System Projects

DOVER – Town Administrator Michael Blanchard and Public Works Director Kevin McCabe are pleased to announce that the Town of Dover will receive $120,000 in the new state budget to support work toward improving its water supply system.

The current system was built in the 1950s when the town’s population was about one-third of today. As a result, the Town faces numerous challenges.

• Water flow can be low during dry seasons,
• Inconsistent water flow affects the Town’s ability to maintain the system through regular flushing.
• Inconsistent water flow also may hinder the ability of the Fire Department to provide a high level of fire protection.
• Potential costs for maintenance and improvements.

The Department of Public Works will use the budget earmark to evaluate the current health of the water supply system, which will inform future steps the Town may take.

Goals include developing a hydraulic model to evaluate fire flows, a flushing plan, and identify the demands of future development; performing valve maintenance and a leak detection study; performing a feasibility study for the Caryl Park pump house; and developing conceptual plans for system improvements for the coming Downtown Dover Revitalization Plan.

These projects will be the basis for development of a comprehensive capital plan to provide a roadmap for future water system investment. 

“A stable and secure water system is vital, so this funding is a significant investment in the Town’s efforts to meet current and future demands,” Town Administrator Blanchard said. “Thank you to Sen. Rebecca Rausch and Rep. Denise Garlick for their support and ongoing efforts on behalf of Dover residents.”