BOSTON, MA — The Chelmsford Water District was awarded a $150,000 Asset Planning Grant from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust after the trust’s Board of Trustees approved several new grants and low-interest loans at its Oct. 5 meeting.

Officials at the water district, which provides safe water and necessary fire flows, said the funds will be used by the agency for long-term planning for the replacement or rehabilitation of its 200 miles of drinking water distribution pipes.

The Trust, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), helps communities build or replace water infrastructure that enhances ground and surface water resources, ensures the safety of drinking water, protects public health and develops resilient communities.

Last week, the trust’s board of directors approved $82,957,009 in new grants and low-interest loans to cities, towns and water utilities through the Massachusetts State Revolving Funds (SRFs).

Andy Reid, water superintendent at the Chelmsford Water District, said much of his agency’s ductile iron and cast material pipes were constructed in the 1950s and 60s and have a 100-year, or less, useful life.

That is why the district must start long-term planning for the replacement or rehabilitation of the system, which is commonly known as a capital improvement plan (CIP).

According to Reid, the district has initiated the process of funding the CIP by establishing an infrastructure fee on bills, and the grant will help further that process

“In industry lingo, this is a balance of level of service and risk —in this case, we’re talking risk associated with failure — versus the investment,” Reid told Patch. “This effort will provide the framework and justification for where the funding will go to support this long-term replacement and rehabilitation program, with a goal to do this as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.”

Reid continued: “Ultimately, having a well-maintained distribution system provides safe water and the necessary fire flows, which protects residents and industry as well as keeping insurance rates low, and in general is a cornerstone for a healthy and developing community.”

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Originally Appeared Here