Much of the nation’s infrastructure was installed in the early 1900’s and needs to be replaced. Old pipes lead to a lot of problems: leaks, clogs, rust, lead, and backups are just a few. The unfortunate reality is that fixing the problems comes with a price tag and many think that paying more for water and sewer is inevitable. In Wareham, MA, Sewer Department Superintendent Guy Campinha commented that although water departments in need of upgrades know that additional costs to customers will not be popular, there are few options other than increased rates if the repairs are to be made.
Until the time comes when the necessary repairs and updates can be done, the quality of drinking water becomes of paramount concern. Chlorination is an effective way of safeguarding the water but comes with a less-than-desirable taste. Ultimately, to ensure the safety of the water, repairs must be done.
Who is going to pay for the repairs?
In January, House bill number 769, sponsored by state House Representative Carolyn Dykema, was introduced that would establish a $1 Billion Water Infrastructure Bond “for a capital outlay program of maintenance and improvements to municipal drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.”[1] Additional legislation was also introduced that would support “water banking” which according to the MWWA (Massachusetts Water Works Association) can help communities deal with many water-related challenges such as balancing water budgets, addressing increased demands, and “ensur[ing] an adequate level of service is available for the provision of potable water as well as the treatment and management of wastewater and stormwater.”[2] The legislation would enable communities to collect fees to counter impacts to the municipal systems and deposit them into another account to be used in support of the water systems. But will it be enough?
According to Onset Water District Supervisor Kevin Sampson, the public must accept that in order to maintain the safety and availability of drinking water and sewer service, budgets must reflect the costs for such improvements. He states, “A capital improvement plan is paramount. In addition to that you need to have the money set aside in order to maintain it,” Sampson said. “The only way, unfortunately, is to increase rates on the taxpayer.”[3]
[1] Sexton, Thomas. “MWWA Legislative Priorities Set for 2019 MA Congressional Session.” Plymouth County Water Works Association, 24 Jan. 2019, www.pcwwa.org/mwwa-legislative-priorities-set-for-2019-ma-congressional-session/.
[2] Sexton, Thomas. “MWWA Legislative Priorities Set for 2019 MA Congressional Session.” Plymouth County Water Works Association, 24 Jan. 2019, www.pcwwa.org/mwwa-legislative-priorities-set-for-2019-ma-congressional-session/.
[3] McKenziemmckenzie@wickedlocal.com, Mary. “The Science of Keeping Water Clean.” Wicked Local Wareham, Wicked Local Wareham, 3 June 2019, wareham.wickedlocal.com/news/20190602/science-of-keeping-water-clean.
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