Investing in the Future of Lunenburg’s Water System

Proposed Water System Improvements


The Lunenburg Water District is evaluating a series of infrastructure improvements intended to address current and anticipated drinking water treatment requirements, while improving the reliability and flexibility of the District’s water system.


The proposed project focuses on water treatment upgrades, new transmission infrastructure, and expanded system connections between existing water sources.


Why Water Treatment Improvements Are Being Considered


State and federal agencies continue to update drinking water regulations related to PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS. Massachusetts currently regulates PFAS at 20 parts per trillion (ppt). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted a standard of 4 ppt, and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is expected to require communities to meet the revised limit. MassDEP has directed public water suppliers to prepare for compliance with future PFAS treatment requirements, including:


  • Design completion by the end of 2027
  • Construction completion by 2031


Current Water Sources and Testing Results


The Lunenburg Water District operates three primary water sources. Recent testing indicates varying levels of PFOS and PFOA across the system.


Lancaster Avenue Wells

  • Four active wells 
  • PFOS annual averages range from 2.12 to 2.78 ppt 
  • PFOA annual averages range from 2.85 to 6.53 ppt 


Keating Well

  • PFOS annual levels range from non-detect to 1.44 ppt 
  • PFOA annual levels range from 3.85 to 5.95 ppt 


Hickory Hills Well

  • PFOS annual average: 10.10 ppt 
  • PFOA annual average: 8.95 ppt 


Treatment Requirements Under Evaluation

Lancaster Avenue and Hickory Hills would require treatment for: 

  • PFAS
  • Iron
  • Manganese 

Keating Well would require treatment for: 

  • PFAS


Proposed Project Overview


The proposed project would:


  • Connect the Hickory Hills and Keating Wells to a centralized treatment facility at Lancaster Avenue 
  • Construct transmission mains to move water between facilities 
  • Build a new water treatment plant 
  • Treat water prior to distribution throughout the District 


The project is intended to improve:

  • Drinking water treatment capabilities 
  • Long-term system reliability 
  • Operational flexibility across the District 


Funding and Financing

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has approved a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan totaling approximately $41 million at an interest rate of 2.35%. The approved funding would support:

  • Construction of a raw water transmission main connecting Hickory Hills to Lancaster Avenue 
  • Construction of a treatment plant for PFAS, iron, and manganese removal 


The District is also considering an additional approximately $6 million connection to the Keating Well.


Total Project Under Consideration

  • Approximately $47 million
  • Residents will vote on whether to authorize the full project.


Potential Cost Impacts

Project costs would be financed over the term of the SRF loan. Water rates may increase over time as project phases move forward. The District is currently evaluating several rate structures and pricing tiers.


Estimated Quarterly Water Bill Impacts

  • Minimum users: approximately $75–$100 per quarter 
  • Average household users: approximately $125–$150 per quarter 
  • High-volume users: approximately $225+ per quarter 


Actual impacts may vary depending on final project costs, financing terms, and future water usage.


Proposed Timeline if Approved

If approved, the project schedule is expected to include:


  • 2026 Engineering and final design work 
  • Early 2027 State review and approvals 
  • Spring 2027 Construction bidding process 
  • June 2027 Awarding of construction contracts to maintain SRF funding eligibility
  • Construction and implementation would occur over multiple years.


Considerations if the Project Is Delayed

If the project is not approved at this time:

  • The District would continue evaluating treatment options and future funding opportunities 
  • Additional PFAS regulations, testing results, or legal developments could affect future project requirements 
  • Construction costs and interest rates may change over time 
  • Future state funding opportunities may differ from current programs 
  • Additional federal or state assistance programs may become available 

The District would continue reviewing available options and regulatory requirements before moving forward with future treatment plans.


Ongoing Planning and Evaluation

The Lunenburg Water District continues to evaluate long-term infrastructure needs, regulatory requirements, financing options, and treatment strategies as part of its ongoing responsibility to provide public drinking water service to the community.