After 10 years of planning and design, on October 16, 2024 the Commission hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Parish Water Treatment Plant. This $293 million construction project marks an exciting milestone in modernizing the Springfield region’s water infrastructure.
Highlights from the Ceremony:
The event featured powerful speeches from local, state, and federal leaders who underscored the significance of the new facility for our community:
Senator Edward Markey emphasized the fundamental right to clean drinking water, stating, “One of our most essential responsibilities as elected representatives is to safeguard the fundamental right of all of our constituents to have access to safe and clean drinking water. That is what today is all about.”
Congressman Richard Neal reflected on the history and importance of Springfield’s water system. “Arguably, this is the best water system in America,” he said, lauding the legacy and the dedication of those who have maintained it over the years. “It doesn’t come for free, and it’s based upon hard work.”
Honoring the Legacy of the Past
The groundbreaking ceremony was also a time to honor the legacy of the old water treatment plant, once considered revolutionary. As Senator Markey recounted, “When the original West Parish Filters were built in 1909, the plant's technology was cutting edge. Professors and engineering students from Harvard came to study it as among the best operated in the United States and the world.”
A Look Toward the Future
The new plant will integrate modern technology to enhance water quality, reduce energy use, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Senator Markey highlighted these advancements, noting that the new facility would include a fossil fuel-free HVAC system that reduces energy costs by 50% and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 70%.
With that eye toward the future, the Commission invited students enrolled in the Environmental Pathways Program at Springfield Public School's Renaissance School to participate in the ceremony.
Learn More
For more insights into the groundbreaking and project details, explore the following articles:
