$345,000 Sewer Infiltration Borrowing Approved to Combat Rising MWRA Costs
Key Points
- Authorizes $345,000 in borrowing for sewer system repairs
- Aims to reduce groundwater infiltration to lower MWRA assessments
- MWRA formula now charges communities based on flow volume
- Passed with the required two-thirds majority
Town Meeting approved Article 22, authorizing the town to borrow $345,000 for a sewer infiltration and inflow reduction program. The measure is a response to changes in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) funding formula, which now places greater emphasis on actual flow rather than population when calculating community assessments.
The Chair of the Board of Selectmen explained that the town must reduce the amount of groundwater and runoff entering the sewer system to avoid unnecessary treatment costs. We do not want to pay the MWRA to treat rain and snow,
he stated, adding that all communities are now rushing to perform similar infiltration work to keep costs low. The borrowing authorization required a two-thirds majority, which was achieved through a unanimous vote.
Motion: To borrow $345,000 for sewer rehabilitation.
Vote: Passed Unanimously