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Lowell officials present $99.8 million five‑year water CIP; loan orders set for public hearing
Summary
City staff outlined a five‑year Water Enterprise capital plan totaling $99.8 million, tied to sewer‑separation work and Rourke Bridge utility needs; council referred related loan orders to a public hearing on April 15.
Lowell City officials on the council meeting described a proposed five‑year capital improvement plan for the Lowell Regional Water Utility totaling $99,800,000 and asked the council to consider loan orders that would fund parts of the work.
The plan covers multiple large projects including a $23.5 million treatment‑facility upgrade, about $10.4 million in utility work to support the Rourke Bridge, $26 million in water improvements timed with the sewer‑separation (CSO) project, and additional funding for cast‑iron main replacements, lead service work and meter replacements. City staff said some previously authorized loan dollars will be rescinded and re‑issued in a single, updated financing package.
Why it matters: Councilors and department leaders said the work is intended to protect water quality, improve fire protection, reduce unaccounted‑for water and capture economies by coordinating water work with upcoming sewer and roadway projects.
City staff presented the plan and fielded detailed questions from council members about usage trends, financing and the mix of state and local borrowing. Stevie Deshanes, identified in the meeting as representing the Lowell Regional Water Utility, described the program and its priorities, and CFO Baldwin explained the financing approach and options for low‑interest loans through the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust.
Officials said the proposed borrowing and projects include: - $23,500,000 for a facility upgrade at the Lowell Regional Water Plant; - $10,400,000 to support utility work related to the Rourke Bridge project, with the city responsible for cross‑connection costs; - $26,000,000 for water improvements tied to the sewer‑separation work; - roughly $5,500,000 for lead service replacements and about $3,700,000 for meter replacements, plus cast‑iron main rehabilitation and other distribution needs.
CFO Baldwin said the city intends to pursue low‑interest loans from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust and noted that the water enterprise fund — supported by user rates and by sales to outlying communities — will be used to support the debt service. "We're able to submit application to be on the intended use plan, and then get low interest loans through the trust at a rate of 1, sometimes 2%," Baldwin said.
Councilors pressed staff on how recent meter‑replacement and loss‑reduction work had changed usage. Deshanes reported that average daily treated water declined from about 15–17 million gallons per day in earlier years to roughly 11.5–12 million gallons on average, and noted seasonal peaks in summer. He also highlighted needs for modern online instrumentation at the plant and the long‑term public‑safety and reliability benefits of replacing aged mains and hydrants.
Formal steps: The council voted to place the CIP presentation on file and referred two loan orders for public hearing and further consideration at a public hearing scheduled for April 15, 2025.
What happens next: The council will hold the public hearing on April 15 on the loan orders and may authorize debt issuance afterward. Staff said coordination with the sewer‑separation timeline is intended to reduce future re‑mobilization and overall construction cost.
