Hingham explores MWRA water connection to unlock South Shore development potential
Regional study shows pipeline could cost up to $240 million, with Hingham's share estimated at $20-28 million for access to additional water capacity needed for major commercial projects.
HINGHAM - July 29 - Hingham is exploring a connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water system as part of a regional effort that could unlock development potential on major South Shore properties, according to a study presented to the Select Board on July 29.
The collaborative study involving seven communities shows a potential pipeline project costing between $130 million and $240 million, with Hingham's estimated share ranging from $20 million to $28 million based on projected water needs.
Assistant Town Administrator of Operations Art Robert said the additional water capacity is essential for supporting large-scale development in South Hingham, particularly on properties controlled by the Bristol family and A.W. Perry that together represent nearly 500 acres of potential commercial and residential development.
"The availability of surplus water supply to support Hingham, particularly South Hingham development, has been long understood as an impediment," Robert said during the presentation.
The MWRA announced in 2022 that it has substantial excess water capacity available - about 51 million gallons per day - with up to 20 million gallons per day designated for new communities that currently lack access to the system.
Ryan Allgrove, a principal at consulting firm Apex who led the regional study, explained that Hingham and other participating communities face significant water supply deficits when projected out 20 years.
"If you look at the other communities, Hanover, Abington, Rockland, Weir River water system and Norwell, those, if you sum them up, you end up with a deficit of 2.16 million gallons per day," Allgrove said.
The study examined eight potential pipeline routes ranging from eight to 13 miles, with pipe diameters varying from 12 inches to 36 inches depending on the configuration and participating communities.
Water System Director Russ Tierney emphasized the importance of having backup water capacity, noting recent challenges during emergencies.
"One of our biggest fears is if we lose our biggest source, we start to get very stressed," Tierney said. "Just a small thing, like a large fire like we had, unfortunately, on Recreation Road, I was personally out for like two hours making sure the fire department had enough water."
The timeline for potential water availability extends to 2032 under ideal circumstances, contingent on Weymouth's progress with its own MWRA connection application. Weymouth's project would need to be completed first, as it would provide the pipeline infrastructure that other South Shore communities could connect to.
Select Board member Bill Ramsey expressed frustration with the lengthy timeline, noting the town's need for development revenue to offset rising municipal costs.
"I have said for the last six years, in order to get development on those [Bristol and Perry] parcels, that two things need to happen. First of all, we need sewer/water infrastructure, MWRA, and we will probably need zoning changes," Ramsey said. "So you look at this 2032 timeline, and it's super frustrating to me."
The MWRA has waived entry fees for successful applicants through December 2027, representing potential savings of approximately $4.3 million for Hingham based on preliminary estimates. However, town officials don't expect to complete the application process by that deadline and plan to seek an extension.
Maloney outlined several financing options under consideration, including state appropriations, financing through state agencies, district improvement financing that would leverage revenue from new development, and potential contributions from property owners who would benefit from the infrastructure.
The Route 3 corridor, which runs through the heart of the proposed development area, carries about 95,000 vehicles daily, indicating strong market potential for commercial development, according to Maloney.
The Bristol family controls approximately 150 acres north of Route 3 between Route 53 and Old Derby Street, while A.W. Perry owns about 340 acres south of Route 3 in the South Shore Business Park, with roughly 160 acres undeveloped.
Sewer Commission Chair Clark Frazier raised concerns about wastewater infrastructure needs, noting that the town's comprehensive wastewater master plan dates to 2007-2009 and that the MWRA currently restricts sewer connections outside the existing Hingham sewer district.
"I wonder if there's anything in this negotiation we could do to change that, particularly with South Hingham," Frazier said.
Town officials plan to convene meetings with executives from participating communities in coming weeks to determine next steps. Communities ready to move forward will work together to engage with MWRA staff and the legislative delegation to build support for the project.
The study was funded through American Rescue Plan Act dollars, with participating communities including Scituate, Cohasset, Hanover, Abington-Rockland Joint Water Works, Hull and Norwell, in addition to Hingham.
Other major items from the meeting:
• Plymouth County presented Hingham with a final $221,717 check from the American Rescue Plan Act, bringing the town's total ARPA funding to over $8.25 million
• The board proclaimed Aug. 9 as Farmers Market Day, recognizing the market's 46th season as the third-oldest in Massachusetts
• Chipotle Mexican Grill received approval to extend operating hours from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week
• Special one-day liquor licenses were approved for two upcoming events at Weir River Farm
• Assistant Town Administrator Michelle Montague attended her final Select Board meeting after seven years with the town