The Finance Committee of the New Bedford City Council unanimously approved two bond authorizations last month to fund critical water infrastructure improvements across the city. The projects, totaling $70.3 million, address long-standing challenges in public health, environmental quality and regulatory compliance. In addition to modernizing essential systems, the upgrades will enhance the city’s harbor and waterfront for recreation and tourism.
For nearly 30 years, New Bedford has been tackling the legacy of its outdated coastal water infrastructure—removing lead pipes, reducing sewage discharges into waterways and clearing wastewater from bays.
The city’s lead service line replacement plan, launched in response to federal mandates, has been underway for six years and is currently in its third phase, now out to bid. When the current projects reach completion in phase five by 2029, New Bedford will have replaced 8,000 lead service lines—well ahead of the 2027 EPA deadline for having a lead replacement process in place.
With state and federal aid declining, the city is turning to other funding sources, including the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust and local contributions, which now account for nearly 50% of project financing.
New Bedford’s proposed water infrastructure and lead pipe projects—totaling $38 million —include:
Lead service line replacement: $24.9 million to remove approximately 6,965 lead pipes by 2029, primarily targeting older homes and businesses. This is part of phase four of the city’s lead replacement program, projected to achieve 87% completion by the end of this stage.
Water main upgrades: Replacement and reinforcement of aging water mains—some over 100 years old—to improve reliability and reduce service disruptions.
Roadwork coordination: Aligning water main projects with roadwork schedules to avoid repeated excavations and associated costs.
The city’s second bond sale will fund wastewater and stormwater system improvements, which are:
Combined Sewer Overflow Mitigation: Reduces sewage overflows into New Bedford Harbor and Buzzards Bay by separating stormwater from wastewater systems.
Sewer system upgrades: Focuses on the city’s oldest sewer infrastructure, including $12 million for improvements in Clark’s Cove and the Upper Acushnet River.
River Road Sewer Project: $11 million to replace significant sections of the sewer system near the Acushnet River, including roadway reconstruction and upgrades to the Howard Avenue pumping station.
Green infrastructure enhancements: Incorporates permeable sidewalks, catch-basin cleaning and tree planting to naturally manage stormwater and reduce strain on the sewer system.
Final approval for the bond measures is scheduled for June 12—just ahead of the state funding application deadline.
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