MassBenchmarks

Donahue Institute Completes Metro South Regional Water/Sewer Analysis

Mark Melnik, Daniel Hodge, Lindie Martin, Hinlan Wong, Carson Goeke.

The Economic and Public Policy Research group at the Donahue Institute completed a significant analysis of regional water/sewer issues and opportunities in the Brockton and Metro South region. This two phase study first focused on understanding the variation in water/sewer costs, supply and demand among Metro South communities, including the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant in Brockton to handle waste from other nearby communities. The study examined best practices to regionalizing water and/or sewer facilities, including innovative approaches in Massachusetts, Connecticut and nationally. The study was praised by the Metro South Chamber and laid out a short-term and long-term implementation scenarios for the region. In short, the research found that there are strong reasons for water and/or sewer collaboration in Greater Brockton, including environmental, economic development, and operational cost savings. That said, leadership is needed from elected officials and the business community to promote regionalization, including comprehensive cost and feasibility studies around water and sewer needs in the region.