Bedford · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bedford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water system capacity and fire flow
Pennichuck can supply domestic water but only 725 gpm of fire flow at Jackson Square, short of the town's typical requirement. Residents questioned whether the undersized system can absorb more users, and irrigation limits came up.
Greenfield Parkway sewer system deterioration
The 20-year-old private-era sewer system at Greenfield Parkway is in rough shape — bad original workmanship, failing valves, and almost no records of what was installed. The town is seeking a clean water grant to fund a full assessment and has the project in the CIP as a backup.
Sewer master plan update and future sewer district boundaries
The committee weighed which areas should stay in the sewer master plan: the Pines, Boynton Street, and Sebbins Pond stay (Sebbins Pond as a priority due to water quality), while the Route 101/Nashua Road to Covenant Way corridor is recommended for removal over traffic and density concerns.
Elevated sewer bills from BOD/TSS and Alpine Court flow discrepancies
High BOD/TSS readings and inflated flow measurements were driving up Bedford's sewer bills to Manchester. Both problems were traced to fixable causes — siphon settling and a grease blockage in Manchester's meter — and bills are returning to normal, with a credit being pursued.