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Finance committee opens broader study of Aquaria treatment plant purchase as a path to lower water costs, but members warn of risks
Summary
Officials presented costs and scenarios for Brockton to acquire the Aquaria Water Treatment Plant and operate it as a regional source of PFAS-free water. Staff said owning the plant could reduce the city—s current ~$8.8 million annual contract cost; councilors pressed for detailed inspections, regional options and public input.
The Brockton Finance Committee on Feb. 3 heard a detailed staff presentation on options for regional water supply, including acquiring the Aquaria Water Treatment Plant in Dighton.
DPW Commissioner Patrick Hill and CFO Troy Clarkson presented updated cost estimates and regional demand research. Clarkson said an acquisition analysis included both market-rate financing and a state revolving fund (SRF) loan scenario; a 30-year loan at 4.5 percent produced higher annual debt-service estimates than a 1.5 percent SRF loan. Hill said prior rate studies and updated operation-and-maintenance estimates suggest the city could staff and operate the plant and push approximately 2 million gallons per day through the facility at an estimated O&M cost of about $3.6 million per year.
Commissioner Hill emphasized the present fiscal burden of Brockton's existing contract with Aquaria: “That contract currently costs $8,800,000. That—s 44% of the overall water budget,” he said, noting Brockton currently pays for plant capacity though it receives little potable water. Hill said Brockton—s contract holds rights to 3.8 million gallons per day of Aquaria—s capacity and added that Easton, Avon and East Bridgewater have expressed interest in purchasing treated water.
Officials underscored PFAS as a driving factor. Hill pointed out recent changes in PFAS standards and the high cost of bringing wells into compliance: he cited a past Easton well upgrade to remove PFAS at roughly $27 million.
Councilors raised legal and financial concerns. Councilor Farwell reminded colleagues of the 2017 home-rule petition that altered residents— right to vote on a water-source purchase and urged caution about assuming pipeline and liability costs. Several councilors requested a detailed plant inspection, pipeline assessment and a public, nonbinding referendum if the city proceeds to a purchase decision.
After extended questions, the committee voted to recommend favorably the resolve directing staff to update the council on regional solutions. Officials said any loan order or purchase would require the mayor—s initiative and full council action. Staff will continue technical reviews and legislative outreach and return with more detailed cost analyses and written proposals.
