Hingham households will soon see a major shift in how their water usage is tracked following the authorization of a $2,298,153.78 contract for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The agreement with Tai Sales LLC, finalized during Tuesday’s Board of Water Commissioners meeting, replaces manual readings with a cloud-based system capable of detecting leaks and broken meters in real-time. Procurement staff member David explained that the 36-month contract followed a competitive process involving seven technical proposals, noting that the overall recommendation was to award the work to the Shrewsbury-based firm after a professional peer review.

The transition leverages $1.13 million in existing transition and upgrade funds to begin the rollout. Superintendent Russ Tierney noted that the upgrade is particularly efficient because many residents already have compatible Neptune meters installed since 2020. As soon as they turn these collectors on, we will get 50% of the meters right away, Tierney said, emphasizing that the system provides daily monitoring rather than waiting for a monthly billing cycle to catch issues. If someone's meter decides it's going to stop working, we'll get an alarm that day.

Commissioner Julie Staley asked for clarification on the practical benefits for the town, prompting Tierney to explain that the software will pinpoint abnormalities instantly. Commissioner Bill Ramsey spoke in favor of the modernization, noting, Sounds like a good upgrade. I know it's going to help read abnormalities and water usage, help identify unaccountable water. Ramsey’s comments highlight a significant trend for the department; Tierney reported that unaccounted-for water has dropped to 14.8%, a sharp decline from the 23% loss recorded when the town first acquired the water system. Motion Made by J. Staley to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the agreement with Tai Sales LLC for a new water utility advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system in an amount not to exceed $2,298,153.78. Motion Passed (3-0-0)

Chair Liz Klein questioned the long-term funding strategy for the project, asking Tierney to explain where the balance is coming from for the years following the initial $1.13 million investment. Tierney indicated that the remaining costs would be integrated into the department's ongoing capital planning. The new technology arrives just as the region enters a Level 1 Mild Drought. Water Department staffer Brian reminded residents that mandatory odd/even watering restrictions are now in effect, with no irrigation permitted between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Current drought status of the southeast region is a level one mild drought, Brian said, detailing that odd-numbered addresses may water on Mondays and Thursdays, while even-numbered addresses are restricted to Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Operational updates from Veolia Project Manager Darren Darth confirmed that system-wide hydrant flushing was completed on May 8 and several wells at Free Street have returned to service following rehabilitation. Free Street 2, 2A, 4, and 5 have all been rehabilitated and completed back in service, Darth reported, adding that the Prospect Street well is also nearing a return to functionality. Regarding water quality, Tierney assured the board that Hingham remains in compliance with PFAS regulations. Recent testing showed finished water levels at 5.10 parts per trillion (ppt), significantly lower than the state’s 20 ppt limit. The settlement money is going to be specifically used for PFAS studies, current treatment upgrades and maintenance, and potential replacement wells, Tierney added.

Finally, the board received an update on the upcoming transition to combined billing with the Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant (HMLP). Residents can expect to receive a postcard and a detailed explanatory letter in June, with the first combined utility bills scheduled to arrive in August 2026. This move follows a period of significant infrastructure planning across both departments as the town seeks to streamline utility operations and improve customer service.