Centennial Water Treatment Plant

Project Scope 

The Centennial Water Treatment Plant is a surface water treatment plant located in Pelham that provides up to 1 million gallons per day of treated water to the Amherst water system. The existing facility is in need of replacement, due to the age of the facility, as well as changes in the water quality that make the existing treatment process less effective.  This project includes construction of a new Centennial Water Treatment Facility with effective and efficient treatment technology. 

The Amherst drinking water system has numerous water production sources, including the Atkins Water Treatment Plant, and the five wells within the Lawrence Swamp Aquifer.  The Centennial Water Treatment Plant is a valuable source that adds resiliency and adaptability to the Amherst drinking water system. 

Funding Acknowledgement 

Construction of the new Centennial Water Treatment Plant is being financed by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).  The DWSRF program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) with joint funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the MA DEP.  This project will improve resiliency of the Amherst drinking water system for community residents and businesses in and near the Town of Amherst.  DWSRF programs operate around the country to provide states and communities the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources nationwide. 

Project Basics 

  • Project Engineer – Tata & Howard, Inc. 
  • General Contractor – RH White Construction Co, Inc  
  • Project Cost - $21,000,000 
  • Construction start date – May 2023 
  • Anticipated completion date – May 2025 

Current Project Status 

Construction began in May 2023, and the contractor has been working to secure the site, to obtain necessary permits for the work, and to order the large equipment or equipment with long lead times.  Demolition of the existing Centennial Water Treatment Plant is nearly complete.  

(Updated August 16, 2023) 

Questions? Contact the Amherst Department of Public Works at (413) 259-3050 or by email at publicworks@amherstma.gov