LITTLETON – The new Littleton Common Sewer System is fully operational after nearly two years of construction to install sewer mains and construct a water resource recovery   facility. The system has already sparked economic development in the town center and will improve groundwater quality by reducing reliance on septic systems.

The $45 million project started in the spring of 2023 and finished on schedule in the fall of 2025. The project was awarded $11 million in MassWorks grants and $2 million federal funds. The remaining cost will be paid by sewer users and not local tax revenues.

Local and state officials, the project contractors, and others gathered at the wastewater resource recovery facility on a cold January day for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“For many years, our town has dreamt of a sewer system to serve the Common, and today it is a reality because of the support of the people of Littleton and the leadership of the Board of Water Commissioners and the professional staff at the Littleton Water Department,” said Ivan Pagacik, Chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners. “Even before a shovel broke ground, the plans for the system were sparking development projects on King Street and Great Road, proving its potential for increasing economic activity.”

“This new sewer system will benefit economic development and the environment for generations to come. A project of this size and scope is made possible with assistance from many state, local, and private partners. We are grateful to the Board of Commissioners and all the town boards, committees and departments; the Littleton Town Meeting voters; state Rep. James Arciero and his legislative colleagues; and the Mass.

Department of Environmental Protection, MassDOT, and other state agencies and officials,” said Nick Lawler, P.E., General Manager of LELWD.

The sewer system is permitted by the MassDEP for up to 243,000 gallons per day. The Littleton Common Sewer District will serve 58 commercial-business properties, including several town buildings. The mixed-use development at 550 King Street will be the system’s largest user, followed by the Town of Littleton buildings.

About 50 residential properties are eligible to connect to the system. After a commissioning period in the fall, the sewer system and plant are operational and serving municipal buildings. Properties within the district are now able to connect to the system. The sewer betterment fee, required to connect to the system, is about $40,000 per Residential Equivalent Unit, a standard billing and measurement unit used to compare the impact of different properties to that of an average single-family home.

Even before the completion of construction, sewer planners have been considering future expansion. LELWD is in discussions with MassDEP about increasing the system’s permitted capacity. In addition, the potential exists to expand the district boundaries to serve other areas of Littleton.

The sewer collections system runs from the Westford town line south on King Street, and from the business area on Great Road west to the Common. From there, the system travels south on King Street to Shattuck Street and across lots to Russell Street. It meets the WRRF at 242 King Street, and after treatment, effluent travels to the discharge site adjacent to Littleton High School.

Sewer systems provide benefits to economic development and the environment. The Littleton Common sewer system is expected to spur the development of underutilized properties that have greater potential when connected to the system. This will increase local tax revenues, create new jobs and services, and add needed workforce housing. Sewer systems also improve groundwater quality by replacing septic systems. The Littleton Common area is within the Zone 2 Aquifer Protection Area surrounding the Beaver Brook drinking water wells.

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