dave.watkins@waylandpost.org
In a detailed public statement, Chiang said the proposal reflects years of engineering analysis and planning aimed at ensuring both the quality and reliability of Wayland’s drinking water.
The plan centers on two major components: construction of a new water treatment plant at the Happy Hollow wellfield and a connection to the regional MWRA system. Together, the approach is intended to create a dual-source supply that can meet increasingly strict regulatory standards while providing backup capacity during droughts or system disruptions.
The push for action follows the detection of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, in local drinking water sources. Testing at the Happy Hollow wells found concentrations exceeding the state’s maximum contaminant limit of 20 nanograms per liter. A new federal standard of 4 parts per trillion is expected in 2029 to further tighten compliance requirements. Wayland can meet those requirement timelines if building begins in 2027.
“These findings have intensified long-standing concerns about whether Wayland’s existing wells can continue to serve as the most safe, reliable, and cost-effective supply,” Chiang said in his statement.
Town officials have been studying water system options for several years, working with consultants and the Department of Public Works to evaluate treatment technologies and supply alternatives. That process led to the recommendation of a dual-source system designed to improve resiliency while maintaining the town’s existing groundwater resources.
Under the proposal, the new treatment plant would use granular activated carbon filtration to remove PFAS and other contaminants. The MWRA connection would provide supplemental water and emergency backup, reducing the risk of service interruptions if local wells are offline or constrained by environmental conditions.
The town expects to rely primarily on its own wells, with approximately 85% of water coming from local sources and about 15% from the MWRA system, depending on seasonal demand.
Chiang emphasized that the redundancy built into the system is a critical feature.
“If one system is offline for maintenance or impacted by drought, the other can continue to serve our community without interruption,” he said.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $38.6 million, covering the treatment plant, new water mains, and a pump station needed to connect to the MWRA network. Town officials are pursuing financial assistance to offset the cost, such as grants tied to PFAS remediation.
One significant incentive under consideration is a potential MWRA admission fee waiver valued at roughly $7 million. Officials have said acting promptly could help secure that benefit while avoiding construction cost increases.
The proposal comes as Wayland continues to face broader infrastructure and regulatory pressures, including evolving water quality standards and long-term supply planning challenges tied to growth and climate variability.
Chiang framed the project as both a public health measure and a strategic investment.
“This project is not just about meeting regulations; it’s about protecting public health and planning responsibly for the next generation,” he said.
Town leaders have also linked the project to resiliency concerns, including the ability to maintain service during drought conditions or emergencies that could affect groundwater availability.
The recommendation to pursue a combined local treatment and MWRA connection reflects a shift from earlier approaches that considered either standalone treatment or full reliance on imported water. Officials say the hybrid model preserves the value of existing wells while adding flexibility.
Chiang, who has more than six decades of experience in water supply and wastewater engineering, said the plan represents a “balanced, forward-looking solution” grounded in technical analysis and community input.
He urged residents to stay engaged as the project moves forward, emphasizing the importance of public understanding and support.
“We encourage all residents to stay informed, ask questions, and support the town’s efforts to secure our water future,” Chiang said.
The proposal is expected to continue through the town’s review and funding process, with potential votes and financing decisions ahead as officials seek to advance the project and secure outside funding.
