Voters at the April 10 Wareham Fire District Annua Meeting will be asked to approve $12.5 million to build a state-of-the-art water treatment plant to eliminate iron and manganese, a mineral that discolors water and may cause health issues.

Additionally, Fire District officials are seeking approval for a $5.5 million item that would install a system which would use ultraviolet disinfection to reduce bacteria and the amount of chlorine used to treat water.

Aware that water users may balk at the cost, the district is spreading the word about the proposed projects via mail, sending an informational newsletter to every water customer in town.

Wareham Water Department Superintendent Andrew Reid said he hopes customers will review the information and show up with questions at a public workshop. The session is set for Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Wareham Town Hall auditorium, 54 Marion Road.

According to Reid, the new plant will go a long way toward meeting state requirements related to reducing the level of manganese in the water. If levels aren’t reduced, Reid said the Department of Environmental Protection may issue a consent order, forcing the issue for the district.

The second item would pay for the installation of a granular activated carbon filter to remove synthetic organic compounds, which are a result of clandestine dumping and agricultural activities near the wells, according to Reid.

Should voters approve the $12.5 million agenda item, Reid said users will see an increase on their bills. Reid noted the average customer uses 53,000 of gallons every six months. The bill over that time period is roughly $300. Building a plant will add approximately $70 to that bill. If both articles are approved, Reid said the average user's bill over six months would increase by about $110.

“Dollar wise, it’s not a lot,” said Reid. “If this is what the voters want we can have better quality water and peace of mind.”

To view the mailing, click on the link below. For more information or questions, contact Reid at 508-295-0450 or visit facebook.com/warehamwater.