Councilor Ed Flynn to Call for Hearing on Water and Sewer Infrastructure in Boston 

BOSTON – Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is filing a hearing order at this week’s City Council meeting to discuss our city’s water and sewer pipes, and measures to ensure the safety of this important public infrastructure.  Water and sewer pipes are critical in maintaining the sanitation, public safety, public health, and quality of life for our residents. The hearing will aim to bring attention to the importance of maintenance and the integrity of the system, as well as discussing any issues or concerns relating to the issue.

The City of Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, and its water and sewer system began construction in the mid-1800s. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission was created in 1977 to oversee Boston’s water system, as conditions of the pipes have deteriorated by the 1970s. As the city has undergone a development boom in recent years, we need to consider how these added buildings and infrastructure can impact the maintenance and integrity of the system. When pipes rupture, it not only causes a flood, but can also affect wood pilings that support the foundations of many buildings in neighborhoods built on filled land. Any leakage can decrease the groundwater level that submerges these wood pilings, and cause them to rot and impact the buildings above. Moreover, there are many private alleys and sewers in the city where property owners are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of pipes, which can be costly and adding difficulty to the maintenance of our water and sewer system.

“Our water and sewer system is critical in ensuring not only the cleanliness of our water supply, but also the public health and safety of our residents,” said Councilor Flynn. “We need to ensure that our water and sewer infrastructure is well maintained, and that we have measures in place to make sure that the capacity of our water and sewer pipes are not overwhelmed as we add new developments in our city. I look forward to this discussion, and working with neighbors, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, and other stakeholders on this issue.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and  [email protected].