Sewer Rates Hold Steady, But Farmington Faces Infrastructure Challenges
The Farmington Water Pollution Control Facility convened its annual budget hearing on March 12, 2025, with a predictable opening: a motion, a second, and an all-in-favor chorus of “aye.” Yet, beneath the routine approvals of budgets and operational reports, the town’s aging infrastructure took center stage.
Major upgrades to pump stations, nitrogen removal efforts, and the looming impact of rising Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) fees were at issue—concerns that could significantly shape future sewer costs.
Budget Overview: A Temporary Financial Breather
Farmington’s 2025-2026 sewer operating budget sets residential rates at $366 per year and commercial rates at $3.17 per hundred cubic feet—both reflecting a 0% increase from the previous year. “We’ve worked hard to keep rates stable despite rising costs,” said Kevin McAllister, town finance director. “By optimizing operations and prioritizing essential maintenance, we’ve managed to hold the line without increasing the financial burden on residents.” The residential sanitary sewer assessment will also remain unchanged.
While the lack of an immediate rate hike is welcome news, the discussion quickly pivoted to long-term financial pressures. Officials acknowledged that maintaining this stability may become increasingly difficult as costs for infrastructure maintenance, MDC fees, and regulatory compliance continue to rise.
Infrastructure and Upgrades: Pump Stations, Touchscreens, and Bio-Solids
Farmington’s wastewater treatment facility processes an average of 2.8 million gallons daily with a 97% efficiency rate. “Maintaining this level of efficiency requires constant monitoring and upgrades,” said Mark Davidson, the facility’s operations manager. “Aging equipment and unpredictable weather events challenge us daily, but our team is committed to ensuring the system runs smoothly and meets environmental standards.” for biological oxygen demand (BOD) removal. “With older equipment, even minor malfunctions can cause significant disruptions,” Davidson added. “That’s why routine maintenance and proactive upgrades are so critical to keeping everything running smoothly.” However, key components of the system are showing their age.
The town is preparing to gut and rebuild electrical systems at various pump stations, replacing outdated Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), automatic transfer switches, and touchscreens—many dating back to the 1990s. Updated components will improve efficiency and reliability, though supply chain issues and tariff-related pricing remain hurdles.
The Tunxis pump station, in particular, faced an emergency repair after a touchscreen failure coincided with a February windstorm. Similar issues occurred at the wastewater treatment plant, underscoring the vulnerability of aging control systems.
Beyond electronics, physical components such as check valves and flanges are also being replaced due to corrosion. Some pump stations are experiencing minor leakage, prompting additional maintenance work.
Nitrogen Management and Regulatory Compliance
Farmington continues to make strides in nitrogen removal, reporting an 86% reduction in effluent nitrogen—46 pounds below the permitted threshold. However, regulatory expectations remain stringent.
To maintain compliance, phosphorus and E. coli testing will commence on April 1. Additionally, sodium permanganate injection will be relocated from West Farms to a newly enclosed pump station, reducing corrosion-related problems at the Patterson facility.
West Farms and MDC Fees: A Growing Concern
West Farms Mall’s wastewater demands have long been a priority, but officials are now evaluating ways to alleviate pressure on its pump station. Plans are in place to construct a fully enclosed facility, complete with a 1,000-gallon chemical storage tank to improve odor control and reduce corrosion.
Meanwhile, MDC rates are becoming a larger financial burden. “We’ve seen these fees nearly double in just a few years,” said Tom Reynolds, a town infrastructure planner. “This puts pressure on both residents and businesses, and if the trend continues, we’ll need to explore alternative funding strategies or risk significant rate hikes in the future.” One official reported that MDC’s fees have increased from $75 to $160 per unit over the past five years, and another 50% hike may be imminent. This would significantly impact non-MDC towns like Farmington, which rely on the district for wastewater treatment connections.
“There’s no easy way around it,” one official remarked, “but we have to prioritize where we spend our money—whether that’s infrastructure upgrades or finding ways to minimize MDC costs.”
Pump Station Projects and Long-Term Planning
Officials identified several high-priority projects, including:
- Patrick Flood Pump Station: Plans are underway for a $2.5 million upgrade, replacing outdated suction-lift pumps with more efficient submersibles. This shift will reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability.
- Middle Road and Munson Interconnects: A new force main, estimated at $750,000-$800,000, will be constructed to improve wastewater flow and reduce future risk of breaks.
- Wood Pond Sewer Expansion: While the full expansion would require multiple new pump stations—potentially in residential front yards—planners are weighing a more cost-effective alternative. One proposal involves rerouting flow through Helm Drive to reduce the need for additional stations.
Ghost Odors and Chicken Manure?
Several residents have reported unpleasant odors near the treatment plant, prompting inquiries into potential wastewater-related causes. “We had some concerns raised about odors last month,” noted one official. “We’ve increased chemical treatments and will continue monitoring, but at least some of the complaints seem to be linked to manure spreading in nearby fields.” However, town officials noted that nearby farms have been spreading chicken manure imported from New York or New Jersey, which may be contributing to the issue.
“You can always tell the difference,” one official quipped. “Sewer odors and chicken manure don’t smell the same—but not everyone’s nose agrees.”
Looking Ahead
While Farmington residents can breathe easy for now with stable sewer rates, the town’s wastewater infrastructure is due for significant upgrades. “We know these improvements aren’t optional,” said one official. “They’re necessary to keep the system running efficiently and to avoid emergency repairs that could cost even more in the long run.” As MDC fees continue to rise and pump stations reach the end of their lifespan, discussions about future funding—whether through increased rates, state grants, or budget reallocations—are inevitable.
The next update is expected at the April meeting, when officials will review finalized quotes for upcoming projects. Until then, the Farmington wastewater system continues to flow, albeit with an increasing number of patches and planned overhauls.
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About the Author
Jack Beckett drinks his coffee black, just like his humor. When he’s not covering town meetings, he’s probably debating whether a sewer pump upgrade or an HVAC repair makes for the better headline. (Hint: Neither, but you’ll read it anyway.)
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