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Needham staff report pump failures, lead‑service testing and looming PFAS costs
Summary
Town water staff reported repeated well pump failures and ongoing lead‑service and meter testing; they also flagged an anticipated, potentially costly PFAS treatment upgrade to meet a 4 ppt target by 2031, noting impacts on production and energy costs.
Town water and sewer staff updated the Water and Sewer Rate Structure Committee on multiple infrastructure issues at the March meeting, including repeated well pump failures, a program to test and replace large meters, and an impending PFAS treatment analysis that could reduce plant output and increase energy and capital costs.
Mike Gretzky, superintendent for the Water & Sewer Drain Division, said crews completed the main water‑main work on South Street and are finishing punch‑list and stormwater items. He reported the I‑95 sewer interceptor rehab is in final design and will be put out to bid, and that the annual water service renewal contract will be rebid in May to address remaining lead service connections. Gretzky told the committee there are four known lead water services left and an estimated 40–65 unknown services that staff plan to test.
On pumps and wells, Gretzky said Well 1A suffered a thrust‑bearing failure and the pump and motor were removed and returned to the manufacturer; he said replacement pumps typically cost about $44,000–$45,000 and that a full pump/motor plus VFD/control replacement would be in the order of $80,000. Committee members asked about warranties and maintenance contracts; staff said warranty coverage on earlier pumps was limited and procurement and inventory strategies are under consideration to reduce future downtime.
On treatment, a town staff speaker noted the Charles River Water Treatment Facility has a newly installed dehumidification/HVAC system for its treatment area and that its performance will be evaluated in summer humidity. The same staff member warned the town will likely need a PFAS treatment project to meet an EPA‑referenced level discussed in the meeting (“4 parts per trillion by 2031”), and that any treatment alternative could reduce the plant’s output and raise energy and capital costs.
The committee asked staff to continue providing cost estimates and timelines for repairs and regulatory compliance work so they can incorporate those needs into the enterprise fund cash capital plan and rate scenarios.
The article relies on figures and timelines stated by presenters and committee members during the March meeting; when exact dates or contract terms were not given in the transcript they are reported here as “not specified.”
