Town Meeting Votes to Replace Both Water Towers-This Day In Norwood History-November 1, 2023

Town Meeting members approced a major infrastructure project to replace its two aging water storage tanks, located between Highland Cemetery and Norwood High School.

These tanks, a 4-million-gallon steel reservoir from 1958 and a smaller elevated steel tank built in 1939, are essential for local water storage. However, recent inspections have identified significant rehabilitation needs, leading to the decision that full replacement is the most cost-effective solution.

The project, overseen by Public Works, will be funded through a combination of Water Fund resources and borrowing, with an estimated budget of $14,176,950.

Norwood currently sources all its water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), making efficient and reliable storage critical for long-term sustainability

The Town of Norwood has outlined a multi-phase plan to design and replace the aging water storage tanks. The design phase, funded in advance, will take place from September 2023 to July 2024, followed by the bidding process from July to October 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2024 and continue through December 2028.

Financing for the project follows the State Revolving Fund Loan Program, which defers payments until completion, with the first payments starting in 2029. Project costs will be distributed over several years:

• CY24: $1,310,141
• CY25: $3,494,238
• CY26: $3,634,007
• CY27: $3,773,777
• CY28: $1,884,788

This timeline ensures a structured approach to replacing the tanks while managing financial commitments efficiently.