Weymouth Council Advances MWRA Water Application, Eyes 2030 Delivery

WEYMOUTH -- May 15, 2023, Weymouth Town Council backs MWRA water application process and opens public hearings on $196.8 million FY24 budget. Mayor Robert Hedlund, House Speaker Ron Mariano, and MWRA Executive Director Fred Lasky presented the case for joining the authority, citing a projected demand of 7.35 million gallons per day at full Southfield buildout against the town's current 5 million gallon daily limit, and noting an entry-fee waiver worth up to $25,247,000. Three pipeline routes to the MWRA system in Quincy were outlined, with construction costs ranging from roughly $56 million to $86 million and first water delivery projected for 2030. Council President Arthur Matthews raised pointed concerns about wastewater capacity, citing a 2022 MWRA study finding that the Braintree-Weymouth pump station and Nut Island Headworks are already at or above capacity in major storms, and stated flatly that he will not support routing Abington or Rockland wastewater through Weymouth's system. The council unanimously approved three civic appointments and referred 19 budget-related measures and appointments to committee.