Fighting for transparency from the Springfield Water & Sewer Department

Please view the video below to learn about the Springfield Sewer & Water Commission’s proposed FY24 budget, which calls for a 6.5% increase in water and sewer rates. Listen to the 1 hour 9 minute mark to hear my comments advocating for greater transparency from the SWSC, including an increaed on elevated HAA5 in our drinking water and the long term impacts of consuming water with elevated levels. Further below, you can read my press release in full, including my recommendations for greater transparency from the SWSC.

Springfield, MA (05/30/2023) – At Large Springfield City Council candidate Juan F. Latorre III is calling for greater transparency from the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission (SWSC) ahead of their virtual public meeting on Wednesday, May 31st to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The Springfield Water & Sewer Commission has proposed to increase the cost of water and sewer rates per 1000 cu. ft. of usage by 6.5%.

“As we approach five years of elevated HAA5 levels in our drinking water, combined with water and sewer rates that have increased by over 35%, it’s time for SWSC to expand their public outreach” said Latorre III. “I am alarmed that an increasing number of Springfield residents refuse to drink or use our water. SWSC can and should be doing more to educate the public about HAA5, and what is being done to improve water quality. I believe our water is safe to drink, but a growing number of residents do not.”

Mr. Latorre believes that with additional outreach, more residents would gain confidence in SWSC’s strategy for addressing HAA5 in drinking water. He has identified several ideas to improve their communications with their customers, and has expressed them in prior public meetings with SWSC. They include:

• A formal commitment to present to every civic association in Springfield on an annual basis

• An infomercial on Public Access Channel 17 to better explain what HAA5 is

• A monthly column in local newspapers to provide construction updates on the West Parish Station

• Regular, in-person community forums in accessible areas of Springfield

• Regular, public meetings with the Springfield Department of Health & Human Services and the Springfield City Council Health & Human Services Subcommittee

“While I appreciate that SWSC has taken some steps to communicate their plans to improve our water quality, an annual presentation to the City Council, a quarterly violation letter, and presentations to some civic associations are not sufficient to rectify a growing crisis of confidence. Ten years is a long time to ask the residents of the City of Springfield and surrounding communities and businesses to live with elevated levels of HAA5.”