Activists say water systems will need $8b upgrade
By Globe Staff
The systems that pipe fresh drinking water into people's homes across the state are aging and in need of major upgrades in coming years, activists say.
Clean Water Action says that by 2022 the state should invest $8 billion into its drinking water infrastructure as the "dawn of the replacement era" hits the state.
"Our water systems and the components that they're made of are, in fact, wearing out," said Becky Smith, a spokesman for the group.
The activists held a news conference this morning. Among those attending were several lawmakers.
"I think it's essential that we move ahead to replace some of those systems," said Sen. Pam Resor, an Acton Democrat, who supports formation of a 15-member commission to study how to finance the improvements.
"They're infrastructure needs and they've been neglected by many administrations and it's time we do something about it because the pipes, the water mains, and the storage tanks are at their life's end," said Rep. Frank Smizik, a Brookline Democrat, who chairs the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.
