Submitted by John Struzziery, Hull Director of Wastewater Operations

It has been 50 years since the passage of the Clean Water Act (CWA) in October 1972. Anyone in this area who was around at the time remembers that Boston Harbor was one of the most polluted bodies of water in the country. Hull beaches would often get littered with debris discharged from Boston and surrounding communities.

Hull’s sewer treatment plant from above…

Much progress has been made in Boston and other major cities throughout the country. The Deer Island treatment facility is a showcase and notable example of what can happen to turn a polluted harbor into a thriving resource for boating, fishing, swimming, and aquatic life. Tremendous improvements can be seen in the waters off Hull and Boston Harbor because of these efforts.
Hull was one of the early leaders on the South Shore to take advantage of the funding that became available by the CWA and was fortunate to receive one of the early grants, funded at 90%, to construct much of our sewer system and wastewater treatment facility.

Today, we continue to upgrade and improve our investment knowing this is a long-term need that cannot be neglected. We know it is our responsibility to maintain our system and provide the cleanest water possible so that we, and generations from now, can all enjoy the most valuable resource of why we all live in Hull.
The next 50 years will continue to show marked advancements in technology that will likely change what gets upgraded and changed out as part of the next major upgrade in our system. Focus will also be on taking measures in adapting to climate change primarily related to sea level rise and by building resiliency to protect the facility.

We’re proud to be doing our part. Let us celebrate 50 years of clean water!