NORWELL - September 17 - The Norwell Select Board unanimously voted against pursuing a regional water connection with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) after water commissioners presented analysis showing costs between $36-50 million for the town's participation in a multi-community water supply study.
The Full Story
Water Commissioner Fred St. Ours, joined by Commissioner Peter Dillon and Superintendent Jason Federico, presented findings from a regional MWRA feasibility study that examined bringing MWRA water to seven South Shore communities including Norwell. The study revealed multiple connection scenarios, all requiring substantial infrastructure investment and years-long timelines that don't address Norwell's immediate water treatment needs.
"It looks like the Norwell's participation could cost between $36 and $50 million. We've got 3,800 customers. So if you want to divide that out, that's a lot of money," St. Ours told the board. The commissioners emphasized that even at the lowest cost estimate, the town has more affordable local alternatives available.
Federico explained that the MWRA study used population projections from the Donahue Institute showing Norwell growing to 16,500 people by 2050 - a 50% increase he called unrealistic. These inflated projections drove up projected water demand and associated costs. The study allocated costs based on projected demand, with Norwell receiving a higher share than other participating communities.
The commissioners noted that Norwell has existing capacity options, including the previously-designed Well 11 facility that could provide an additional one million gallons per day at an estimated $24 million in current dollars - significantly less than any MWRA scenario. That well field, located behind the South Street treatment plant, was fully designed and bid in 2006 but shelved when construction costs exceeded projections by 50%.
Select Board member Andy Reardon questioned whether MWRA membership would address Norwell's wastewater capacity constraints, noting the authority only supplies water without handling the discharge side. The commissioners confirmed that MWRA participation would not solve sewerage issues and would only serve as supplemental supply, not replacement capacity.
Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan had initially viewed MWRA connection as potential emergency backup capacity, but Federico explained that Norwell's three existing water sources provide adequate redundancy. "We can survive with one facility offline if everybody stops watering their lawn," he said, noting that only maximum demand days create potential issues.
The board also continued discussions about the pending foreclosure of 271 Washington Street, with Town Attorney David Coppola and Community Housing Trust Director Robin Daniels outlining next steps. Under new state foreclosure laws, the town must decide within 60 days whether to retain or sell foreclosed properties and conduct appraisals to determine if surplus equity is owed to former owners.
Coppola advised that the town should be prepared to immediately assess the contaminated former gas station property once foreclosure is complete. The Community Housing Trust is exploring affordable housing development potential, though Daniels noted the limited developable area may not support viable affordable housing projects.
Cemetery Committee Chairman Chad Forman requested approval of three policy changes: increasing foundation fees for upright monuments from $100 to $150 per linear foot at Washington Street Cemetery, converting underperforming flat marker sections at Stetson Cemetery to traditional headstone areas, and standardizing cremation burial rules across both cemeteries. The board unanimously approved all recommendations.
Health Agent (and website lead) Ben Margro and Thomas Jean from Revize provided a website migration update, reporting 29 department content creators are being trained and meeting minutes from 2024 and 2023 are being uploaded. The town is exploring options for archiving older documents through E-code's public document service while determining whether to spend approximately $30,000 for professional file renaming services or continue using senior worker Joan Wall, who has completed about 25% of the 10,000-document backlog.
The Select Board restructured the Open Space and Recreation Committee, removing the dissolved Athletic Field Committee representative and adding two new at-large seats filled by promoting current alternate members Wendy Bawabe and Fred Bousquet to full membership.
Sullivan concluded the meeting by outlining potential articles for a special town meeting, including establishment of pension and health insurance stabilization funds to help manage volatile costs in future budgets. The board requested detailed information before their next meeting to evaluate whether the special session is necessary.
Why It Matters
The MWRA decision saves Norwell taxpayers from a multi-decade financial commitment that could have cost each of the town's 3,800 water customers between $9,500 and $13,000. Instead, the town will pursue local water supply solutions that can be implemented more quickly and cost-effectively while addressing immediate PFAS treatment needs that the MWRA connection would not have resolved in the near term.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve tonight's agenda as posted. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:04)
Motion: Approve executive session and open meeting minutes from 9-3-25. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:14)
Motion: Support Water Commissioners' recommendation not to move forward with MWRA water capacity study. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 21:49)
Motion: Accept Cemetery Committee recommendations dated August 18, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 54:30)
Motion: Delete Athletic Fields Committee representative from Open Space and Recreation Committee members list. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:33:09)
Motion: Add two at-large seats to Open Space and Recreation Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:33:44)
Motion: Appoint Wendy Bawabe and Fred Bousquet to permanent seats on Recreation and Open Space Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:33:58)
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:45:57)
What's Next
Water commissioners will continue addressing immediate PFAS treatment needs through local solutions. The 271 Washington Street foreclosure will proceed with environmental assessment and appraisal once land court issues final judgment. Cemetery Committee changes take effect immediately. Website migration continues with department training sessions. The Select Board will evaluate potential special town meeting articles at their next meeting after consulting with the Finance Director.