The Hingham Board of Water Commissioners advanced several major water infrastructure projects during its January 13 meeting, highlighted by the awarding of a significant contract for a new water tank and booster pump station. Board members also extended a long-standing water supply agreement with the Town of Cohasset and set a date for a public hearing on a proposed rate increase. A key decision was the unanimous vote to move forward with Apex Companies LLC for the final design and construction of the Strawberry Hill Tank and a new booster pump station on Kilby Street. Procurement Officer David Sucera outlined the scope, noting, "The term of the contract is December 31st of 2027. So, we are looking at a two-year project." Water and Sewer Superintendent Russell Tierney confirmed the ambitious schedule, aiming for a June 2026 construction start. When asked by Chair William Ramsey about the timeline, Tierney stated, "They're both going to be completed and up and running by December of 2027." **Motion Made by Julie Streley to approve the agreement with Apex Companies LLC by and through its wholly owned subsidiary, Environmental Partners Group, LLC, for the Strawberry Hill Tank and Booster Pump Station, BPS final design bidding and construction services for the Weir River Water System in an amount not to exceed $1,310,000. Motion Passed 3-0.**

Of particular interest to Cohasset residents, the board unanimously extended a 20-year water supply and operations agreement between Hingham and Cohasset concerning Lily Pond. Tierney explained the arrangement is a "balancing act," where Hingham supplies water to the Lily Pond area and receives an equivalent amount from Cohasset's water system. The extension runs through December 31, 2026, allowing more time to explore a more permanent, consolidated agreement. **Motion Made by Liz Klein to authorize the town administrator to sign the agreement for the extension of the water supply agreement and operations agreement between the town of Cohasset, Massachusetts and the town of Hingham, Massachusetts in regards to Lily Ponds effective through December 31st, 2026. Motion Passed 3-0.**

Financial matters were also on the agenda, as the board recommended two articles for the town warrant. One seeks authorization to use approximately $2 million from a PFAS legal settlement exclusively for PFAS-related studies and treatment. Board member Liz Klein expressed her support, stating, "I am in favor of putting this on the warrant. We've talked about the PFAS funds before and I'm glad we were part of that class action suit and can use these settlement funds proactively." A second article requests funding for capital projects, including extensive water main replacements along Route 3A. **Motion Made by Julie Streley to recommend favorable action on article T, water appropriation of PFAS funds. Motion Passed 3-0.**

Following this, a **Motion Made by Liz Klein to recommend favorable action on article U, water capital projects. Motion Passed 3-0.** The board also scheduled a public hearing for January 28, 2026, to review a proposed 3% rate increase and a $65 surcharge effective July 1, 2026. Board member Julie Streley noted, "I echo what Liz says. I look forward to taking this up as a select board member in the future." **Motion Made by William Ramsey to schedule a public hearing on January 28th, 2026 to review the proposed FY27 usage rate increase effective July 1st, 2026. Motion Passed 3-0.**

During the superintendent's update, Mike Ley of Veolia happily reported on winter maintenance, including that the "painting of the interior pipes at the treatment plant has been started. They look awesome." Russell Tierney also addressed recent letters sent to residents regarding lead service lines, clarifying the initiative is part of a federally mandated inventory program. He reassured residents, stating, "It's not saying we have lead in our water. We're saying that the pipe may contain lead," and urged homeowners who received a letter to schedule a free inspection to identify their service line material. The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 p.m.