Public bathing places and wells will be monitored more closely in the coming months.

After code official Wayne Richardson and health inspector Gary Pariseau brought concerns over public health to the Town Council, the board passed a new Bedford town health ordinance, effective on Jan. 1.

Richardson said the state does not have enough personnel to monitor some aspects of public health in New Hampshire and they feel the town should take the matter into its own hands.

“The state has a tendency to be hesitant on current regulations,” he said. “I’m not taking over the state’s job, I’m only looking at things the town in concerned about.”

The purpose of the ordinance is to unify multiple aspects of Health Department functions and to specify the regulations regarding monitoring and regulating wells and public bathing places in Bedford.

“Public health is taking on a more active role in public opinion and I thought this could be building blocks for the future,” said Richardson.

He made clear that the new town health ordinance will not require any new personnel.

“We’re not requiring any additional manpower,” he said.

Richardson said the town will keep a closer look on wells and require a $10 permit for new or replacement well installations.

“If we can maintain some control over the location of drilling for a well, we will decrease the likelihood of people hitting the same vein,” he said.

Currently the town has no records of where wells are drilled.

In addition, they will test well water to check for bacteria a well as arsenic and magnesium.

“The new regulation requires a bacterial test and a list of what else is in the water, for informational purposes only,” said Richardson.

“Residents of Bedford should at least be aware of what else is in their wells.”

The new town health ordinance also means the town will take over the inspection services for public bathing places in Bedford.

“Currently, there are no preventative inspections going on in Bedford,” he said.

There are 18 existing pools and spas and two more will be located in the new hotel on South River Road.

Richardson said there have been outbreaks in the public bathing places. He pointed to one incident this summer where 15 to 20 people got an “unsightly rash.”

“It’s become a real problem,” he said.

The state officials think the health ordinance is a great idea and has given their support, said Richardson.

“If we rely on the state (to do the testing), they will only be involved in problem situations. I think it’s the best thing for the town to do this,” said Richardson.

Town Councilor Bob Young voiced concerns over a potential liability on the town if it picked up the inspections.

“The only time the town would endure liability would be if we did an inspection, found something wrong and said nothing,” said Richardson. “We’re there as a reminder when they fall into bad habits.”