Construction Project Update: October 2026
Construction for our Immediate Needs Facilities Upgrades project is progressing here at the water filtration plant and remote reservoir sites. We are coordinating and executing process and equipment shutdowns of multiple treatment components while they undergo much needed rehabilitation.
Construction Progress to Date:
- 100% complete with the replacement of sludge collection equipment within our Sedimentation Basins.
- Completion of all shutdowns of critical piping systems within the treatment plant for piping and valve replacement.
- Successfully rebuilt 6 out of our 8 total 1978 rapid-sand filters with new filtration media, backwash troughs, surface wash equipment, and underdrain system.
- Installation of new chemical feed control panel for the future integration of existing treatment chemical systems into SCADA.
- Replacement of the fluoride chemical feed system, including storage tanks, pumps, controls, and increased containment volume within the room.
- Demolition of the Putnamville Reservoir Gatehouse, which will be replaced with grade-level access hatches and extended security fencing.
- Excavation of the Longham Reservoir Transmission Main for installation of a Meter Vault for measuring water transfers to Wenham Lake.
The rehabilitation of these treatment and source water processes is crucial for the Board to meet our goal of providing safe and reliable drinking water to the Cities of Salem and Beverly. Plant staff have been and will continue to work diligently 24/7 to manage and optimize our treatment processes while balancing the effects of construction activities at our aging facility.
