Middleborough Water Department Named 2025 Utility of the Year by New England Water Works Association

MIDDLEBOROUGH — The Town of Middleborough is proud to announce that the Middleborough Water Department has been selected by the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) to receive the 2025 Utility of the Year Award.
 
The prestigious award recognizes water utilities that have made significant improvements to the water system infrastructure, customer service, staff training, and/or operations to further protect the public health of the customers they serve. Middleborough received the award in the medium-sized utility category.
 
Over the past year, the Middleborough Water Department has made major strides to modernize and strengthen the Town’s water system. Key accomplishments include replacing and upgrading critical water mains, advancing plans for two new treatment plants to remove PFAS, iron, and manganese, and rehabilitating the 5-million-gallon Barden Hill standpipe.
 
The department also completed a full inventory of service lines under new federal lead and copper rules, improved connections to neighboring water districts, and began important well replacement evaluations. These projects — alongside ongoing investments in infrastructure — will ensure cleaner, safer, and more reliable water for residents for years to come.
 
“This is an incredible honor for the Water Department and our community,” said Water Superintendent Michael Bumpus. “Our team works every day to ensure that Middleborough residents have safe, reliable drinking water. This recognition also reflects the strong leadership of our Select Board, who have made the protection and stewardship of our water resources one of their top priorities.”
 
The 2025 Utility of the Year Award will be presented at NEWWA’s Annual Conference in September, where Middleborough will be recognized alongside other top-performing utilities from across New England.
 
“We take seriously our responsibility to protect public health and ensure clean drinking water for every household and business in Middleborough,” said Select Board Chair Mark A. Germain. “Our success is the result of careful planning, smart investment, and a dedicated team of professionals who put the needs of the community first.”

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