WILTON -- A proposal to connect Farmington and Wilton's water lines along U.S. Route 2 by the town line would ensure Franklin Memorial Hospital and a nearby nursing home have water in a short-term emergency.

"This is like an insurance policy. We hope we never have to use it," Tom Holt, superintendent of the Farmington Water Department, told Wilton selectmen Tuesday.

Wilton officials are willing to look at the request "if it is seamless, safe and at no cost to the town," said Chairman Paul Gooch.

The superintendent of Wilton's water department, however, is set against it.

"Wilton has a plant that was sized for our district's customers," said superintendent Russell Mathers.

"If you cannot meet your demand, you should not be building buildings," he added, addressing his comments to Holt seated in the back row.

Selectman Irving Faunce said the idea should be explored.

"I don't agree with the notion that we are in this alone and to hell with everyone else," he said. "The hospital belongs to all of us and we have a responsibility to make sure it has what it needs. I am willing to look at this -- as a member of this county and of this region -- because we all send our sick people to the hospital and our elderly to the (Sandy River Center for Health Care)."

Selectmen unanimously voted to have Dirigo Engineering of Fairfield bring back a proposal, cost estimates and possible grant sources.

"This would be for emergency back-up only," said Dirigo's engineer, James Lord. "There is a very long, dead-end water main to the hospital and if there is a break, there would need to be back-up."

Wilton's water main ends at the new Comfort Inn, about 1,400 feet away. Lord said the connection could benefit Wilton, as well, in the event of an emergency on that end.

The Farmington Water District is a quasi-municipal business that is independent of the town.

Betty Jespersen -- 778-6991

bjespersen@centralmaine.com