The town’s policy of billing water consumers, even when their pipes are dry, was questioned at the Selectmen’s July 9 meeting.

Resident Jeff Paula, of Point Road, purchased his home in 2009 with the intent of using a 500-foot well on the property for his water.

Shortly after, he received a municipal bill. Not knowing he was responsible for basic charges, even though his home was not using town water, Paula ignored the bills until his bank told him a lien would be placed on his home. After that, he’s paid the basic water charges every year, but sought relief from Selectmen.

“I think it’s kind of crazy I have to pay for it,” Paula said. “I think I’m being held responsible for something the prior owner did on the property.”

Originally, the well was designed to pump water for the home’s heating system. Paula had the well tested and found it suitable for drinking water. The Board of Health didn’t approve that use for the well though. Before Paula can disconnect from town water the health department needs to inspect and approve the well.

In its role as Water and Sewer Commission, Selectmen did not dispute Paula’s assertion he was not using town water.

A meter on the property, which Paula learned about for the first time on Tuesday night, showed no water was being consumed, Town Administrator Paul Dawson said. However, since Paula’s home is connected to the town’s water system he is responsible for basic charges, totaling around $450 a year.

Dawson said the money, charged of every person in town hooked into town water, helps maintain the system.

The large number of seasonal residents is the reason for the basic charges, Dawson said. Otherwise, the town would find it difficult to maintain and repair the system.

Paula said he wanted to stop paying the charges. To do so, Dawson said Health Agent Karen Walega would need to approve the well. If approval is denied, Paula may appeal Walega’s decision to the Board of Health, Dawson said.