Development prompts concerns about Lakeville water supply

Jul 21, 2024

LAKEVILLE — A developer’s request for increased water supply has raised concerns that Lakeville’s current water allocations aren’t enough to meet incoming demand.

At a recent Select Board meeting Rhino Capital, the developer of the former Lakeville Hospital property, informally requested to increase water allocation to the property based on predicted needs. 

Rhino Capital plans to request another 27,000 gallons of water per day, bringing total water allotment to the property to 75,000 gallons-per-day. 

The request, which has not been formally submitted, had Lakeville Select Board members questioning what the town’s current water allocation limits are and if there is enough water to approve the request. 

Lakeville receives its water from the City of Taunton. 

Select Board member Lia Fabian said the town would be left with “probably with 65,000 or 70,000” gallons-per-day to spare if the request were approved. 

Select Board member Maureen Candito said the town’s current water supply is likely not sufficient to meet the demands of all the new developments being constructed in Lakeville. 

The Select Board determined that prior to granting approval to Rhino Capital, it would need to get clarification on what current limits are and ask for an increase in water allotment from Taunton.