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.