In recognition of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission’s (BWSC) long-term quality and reliability of water and sewer services in the City of Boston, the Commission received two awards from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) in celebration of National Drinking Water Week.
The BWSC was awarded the Regional Recognition Award for outstanding performance and achievements in 2015 for being a model public water agency that puts forth exemplary efforts in every area of water treatment and distribution, including the Lead Service Replacement Program.
The BWSC also received the Citation for Consistent Performance for continued excellence in delivering safe drinking water in 2015, a first-time award from MassDEP.
“The Boston Water and Sewer Commission has the important task of ensuring long-term quality of our water and sewer services, and they continue to perform this task with excellence,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “With their recent expansion of services to promote the health and safety of our water services, the Commission continues to provide the very best services for our residents and I look forward to continuing our efforts towards creating a safer and healthier city.”
Building on the Administration’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of Boston’s residents, Mayor Walsh in April announced the expansion of the BWSC’s Lead Replacement Incentive Program to encourage Boston’s property owners to replace private lead water service at their property.
The program expands eligibility to properties of all types including commercial properties with lead service lines two inches or smaller. The expansion doubles available financial assistance in the form of a credit of up to $2,000 to property owners who utilize a BWSC contractor to replace lead pipes on their property. Another incentive includes an interest free loan for up to 48 months for eligible property owners.
“This award is a reflection of the unwavering leadership, direction and support that the Commission receives from Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and of the tireless work performed by the employees of the Commission, enabling us to provide quality services to over 1.2 million people every day,” said Henry F. Vitale, Executive Director of the BWSC.