For Immediate Release

Monday, Oct. 22, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Lynnfield Center Water District Provides Additional Information About Treatment Plant Proposal

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Center Water District wishes to offer District customers additional information about its ongoing process to determine infrastructure improvements. 

What is the status of LCWD Water? 

The water throughout the LCWD system is safe to drink, though customers in a portion of the district have reported receiving discolored water. This discoloration is the result of naturally occurring iron and manganese that is present in groundwater, but is not harmful.

What process has taken place to improve the water system? 

Over the last several months, the Lynnfield Center Water District’s Board of Water Commissioners have identified and vetted multiple options at public meetings with the assistance of engineering consultants CDM Smith.

Through that process, which will continue with a public information session on Monday, Oct. 22, the LCWD Board has identified a greensand water treatment plant as the immediate solution it will present to district members for approval.

In addition, the Lynnfield Center Water District has hosted three informational sessions at its public meetings since September.

Is the proposed treatment plant the only option? 

Through its vetting process, LCWD has identified the treatment plant as the most efficient, cost-effective approach to ensure that customers district-wide enjoy clear water. It is the option that the LCWD will ask district members to vote to approve.

However, the district is also engaging in a feasibility study that will evaluate longer-term options that could include drawing supplemental water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority via South Lynnfield, or digging additional wells.

How much will the proposed treatment plant cost, and who will pay for it? 

The treatment plant will cost between $4.5 million to $6 million, which will be funded through a rate increase.

To help alleviate some of that cost, the LCWD is actively working to obtain a no-interest loan through the state.

Does LCWD have the resources it needs to meet demand? 

LCWD has more than enough water to meet its current and foreseeable future needs. The feasibility study is meant to evaluate potential new sources of water that could supplement the town’s existing supply during peak demand periods.

How can I offer feedback on this proposal? 

The LCWD board will hold an informational session at its open public meeting on Monday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Lynnfield Middle School. While this meeting will be the final opportunity to hear from the engineering consultants, the LCWD will continue to hold its semi-monthly meetings through November.

When will a final decision be made on the proposed treatment plant? 

Lynnfield Center Water District customers will be asked to vote on the proposal at a Special District Meeting on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at Lynnfield Middle School.

###