Hanover’s Water System Faces Aging Infrastructure and Rising Costs
Hanover officials are raising concerns about the town’s aging water system, which is facing increased regulatory scrutiny, rising maintenance costs, and the growing challenge of contaminants such as PFAS. During the January 29 meeting of the Hanover Advisory Committee, Director of Public Works Victor Diniak stressed the importance of maintaining the system before small issues escalate into major failures.
“We have an aging industry both in Hanover and regionally and nationwide, and there’s a shortage of people,” Diniak told the committee. “This is just what we’re going to have to deal with.”
The Advisory Committee consists of nine registered voters appointed by the Town Moderator for three-year terms. It reviews town meeting warrants, budget estimates, and submits annual financial recommendations.
Aging Infrastructure and Water Quality Concerns
Hanover’s water system consists of miles of underground pipes, treatment facilities, and wells, many of which were installed decades ago. Some of the town’s cast-iron water mains date back to the 1930s and are now nearing the end of their expected lifespan. Over time, these pipes corrode, leading to an increase in leaks, service interruptions, and discolored water.
“The slow deterioration—you’re going to hit a point where you bottom out, and now the pipes are starting to fail, and they’re going to need major reconstruction,” Diniak warned.
Water quality is another growing concern. PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals found in consumer products, has been detected in local water supplies, prompting the town to consider costly filtration systems. The state’s regulatory limits on PFAS are tightening, forcing Hanover to take additional measures to ensure safe drinking water.
“We are already treating for iron and manganese, but now we’re adding PFAS to the list of contaminants we have to mitigate,” Diniak said. “That means new treatment systems, new costs, and new challenges.”
Hanover Town Manager Joseph Colangelo emphasized the financial challenge, noting that any additional funds would need to be approved by Town Meeting.
Funding Challenges and Rate Implications
With the town’s water infrastructure requiring significant upgrades, funding remains a key challenge. The cost of replacing aging pipes, upgrading treatment facilities, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations is rising. Hanover is expected to receive some state and federal funding assistance, but it will not cover the full cost of necessary improvements.
Town officials have discussed potential rate increases for water users to offset these costs. Currently, Hanover’s water rates remain relatively low compared to some neighboring communities, but the need for investment may drive rates higher in the coming years.
“We need to think about sustainability of the overall operation,” Diniak said. “About thinking about, if you take that one dollar that each person pays in taxes, how much can you really allocate to debt, how much can you really allocate to daily operations, and how much can you allocate to your overhead, and live within that means?”
Hanover Fire Chief Jason Cavallaro highlighted the critical role of reliable water infrastructure for emergency response, saying, “Our system depends on a stable water supply, and any major failure in the system could have serious consequences for public safety.”
In addition to infrastructure costs, the town is struggling to retain qualified water system operators. A shortage of licensed professionals in the industry is making it difficult to maintain consistent service levels, and Hanover’s benefits package is reportedly less competitive than those offered by other municipalities.
The Cost of Delays
Delaying upgrades to Hanover’s water system could have severe consequences. As pipes continue to age, the frequency and severity of leaks will increase, leading to potential service disruptions and higher repair costs. Without improved treatment systems, water quality concerns may grow, impacting public health and forcing even greater emergency expenditures down the line.
“We’re at the point where we now need to make real decisions about investing in our system,” Diniak said. “These investments aren’t optional—they’re necessary for maintaining the level of service Hanover residents expect.”
Advisory Committee member Sandra Hayes raised concerns about affordability for residents, noting, “We have to find a balance between necessary upgrades and what our residents can reasonably afford. There has to be a structured plan to ensure sustainability without overwhelming taxpayers.”
Officials are considering multiple funding options, including state grants, infrastructure bonds, and incremental water rate adjustments to spread out the financial burden. They hope that by planning proactively, Hanover can avoid emergency measures that could be even more costly.
What’s Next?
The Advisory Committee is expected to further evaluate water infrastructure funding proposals ahead of the next Town Meeting, where residents may have the opportunity to weigh in on major capital projects. Town officials stress that while repairs and upgrades may be expensive, failing to act will only lead to greater expenses in the future.
“We can either pay now or pay more later,” Diniak concluded. “We need a responsible approach that balances affordability with the long-term health of Hanover’s water system.”