City plans $7.4 million in upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure 

The city plans to upgrade lead water pipe connectors as part of a $7.4 million water and sewer infrastructure project.

The City Council at its Monday night meeting started the approval process to spend the money.

The project will replace the gooseneck connectors that the city believes contain lead; these connectors are located between the city’s water mains and service lines. 

The project also includes other maintenance, such as replacing older sewer lines and cleaning sewer and drainage mains.

City Engineer Robert Winn said many of the connectors to be replaced are in the Hardy Pond area, explaining that the project is a part of the city’s ongoing plans to upgrade and improve its infrastructure.

Most of the $7.4 million will go to a comprehensive contract with N. Granese & Sons, who will tackle the water and sewer pipe updates. The city also set aside $60,000 for individual homeowners who may have to replace corroded pipes on their own properties as a result of the city’s work. Winn predicted this would only apply to about 10 residents and said the city would cover up to 50% of their work costs up to $3,000.

The city will transfer $646,305 in funds available from other infrastructure projects to pay for the pipe upgrades. City officials proposed taking a $6,753,695 10-year interest-free loan from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to finance the remaining costs.

The City Council’s Finance Committee voted to set aside the existing funds and begin the process of approving the MWRA loan; the City Council ratified that decision.

In a letter to Waltham residents included in a 2024 MWRA report, Waltham Public Works Director Michael Chiasson said the results of lead tests conducted by the city are significantly below the MWRA’s action levels. The city has no service lines that are made of lead, galvanized steel contaminated with lead or unknown materials. 

However, Chiasson also said in his letter that the assessment does not take into account gooseneck connectors and noted that the city replaces goosenecks containing lead when exposed by new construction.

In other infrastructure changes, the City Council

• authorized a $2,861,967 loan for street resurfacing. 
• voted to accept a total of $415,520.15 in grants from the State 911 Department for training, equipment updates and staff support for 911 operators in Waltham.
• approved $20,000 of funding for a flashing yellow turn signal going northbound on Lexington Street in front of Waltham High.
• approved $9,700 for a rectangular rapid flashing beacon for the new Stow Street crosswalk near Milton Street and Ravenswood Road.