A Look Inside the MWRA’s Key Performance Metrics
Did you know that the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) issues a detailed quarterly report that helps keep the agency running smoothly? Known as the Orange Notebook, this concise Key Performance Indicator report—spanning just a few pages—covers everything from the operational performance at critical facilities like the Deer Island Treatment Plant to key community support and infrastructure initiatives. This month’s Board Brief shines a light on this essential tool through a recap of the presentation delivered by Michael O’Keefe, Senior Program Manager, Planning, at the February 12, 2025 Board of Directors meeting.
At the February 12, 2025, Board of Directors meeting, Michael O’Keefe, Senior Program Manager, Planning, presented the quarterly “Orange Notebook” report. This comprehensive report provides critical insights into the agency’s operational performance, offering a transparent look at key metrics that guide MWRA’s strategy and accountability. The Orange Notebook serves as a vital tool for evaluating performance across a broad range of operational areas, from water and wastewater management to financial services and community support programs.
Operations and Maintenance
The Operations and Maintenance section of the Orange Notebook includes a broad range of topics crucial to MWRA’s infrastructure and service delivery. Key areas covered include DITP Operations, focusing on power use, plant flow, disinfection dosage, and maintenance. The section also delves into Residuals Processing, Metering & Reliability, Water Distribution Systems, Wastewater Pipeline Management, Metro Facility Maintenance, Renewable Electricity Generation, Toxic Reduction, Field Operations, and Laboratory Services.
This quarter, highlights included activities at the Deer Island Treatment Plant (DITP), where power usage, on-site renewable energy generation, and maintenance projects maintained 100% compliance with its NPDES permit. As one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in the U.S., Deer Island treats an average of 280 million gallons of wastewater per day, serving over 2.5 million residents. The Residuals Processing Facility performed well, achieving budget compliance and maintaining average sludge detention times of 23.8 days. The FOD Metro Facility continued effective asset management with a 99% completion rate of preventative maintenance tasks, while renewable energy initiatives generated $1.26 million in savings, contributing to MWRA’s sustainability goals.
Drought conditions significantly impacted operations, with precipitation 16% below average, leading to 22% below-average flows at Deer Island. The Quabbin Reservoir’s volume also dropped by 7.1%, moving to ‘below normal’ by February. MWRA proactively advised communities to prioritize leak detection and prepare for continued dry conditions. The agency’s renewable energy initiatives, including wind turbines, solar panels, and biogas recovery, not only enhanced sustainability but also supported operational cost savings.
Construction Programs
The Construction Programs section tracks the progress of major infrastructure initiatives, including Projects in Construction, Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Updates, and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Expenditures. This quarter, MWRA advanced critical projects like SCADA improvements at the Carroll Water Treatment Plant, pipeline replacements, and ongoing CSO control initiatives in East Boston, Somerville, and the Fort Point Channel. The Carroll Water Treatment Plant SCADA project, a $13.7 million initiative, is aimed at modernizing control systems and improving operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the agency’s CSO Control Program achieved an 88% reduction in sewer overflows, significantly improving water quality in Boston Harbor and surrounding rivers.
Drinking Water Quality and Supply
The Drinking Water Quality and Supply section addresses Source Water Monitoring, including microbial results, turbidity, pH, and alkalinity. It also reviews Treated Water Quality, focusing on disinfection effectiveness, algae management, customer complaints, and compliance with disinfection by-product standards. This quarter, MWRA maintained excellent water quality, with all metrics meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements. The agency continued proactive management of source waters and effective disinfection practices. The Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, which supply drinking water to 3 million residents, remained well managed despite drought conditions. The agency employs strategies such as bird management and algae control to maintain high water quality.
Wastewater Quality
The Wastewater Quality section focuses on NPDES Permit Compliance at both Deer Island and Clinton Wastewater Treatment Plants. Deer Island maintained 100% compliance, showcasing effective operational management, while Clinton faced challenges with copper concentration limits due to drought conditions. The section also covers effluent quality, toxicity testing, and sludge management practices, with MWRA addressing molybdenum (Mo) exceedances by refining distribution strategies for sludge fertilizer pellets. During the drought, copper levels at Clinton exceeded permit limits due to reduced dilution of household plumbing corrosion by-products. Normal inflow and infiltration (I/I) typically dilute copper in the sewer system, but dry conditions minimized this effect. Increased rains in November and December improved compliance by enhancing natural dilution processes.
Community Flows and Programs
The Community Flows and Programs section reviews Water Use, Wastewater Flows, and Community Support Initiatives. These include the Infiltration/Inflow (I/I) Local Financial Assistance Program, Local Water System Assistance Program, Lead Service Line Replacement Loan Program, and Community Water System Leak Detection and Conservation Outreach. Community water use increased by 3.6% compared to last year, while sewer flows decreased by 7.7%. MWRA’s community support programs continue to provide valuable resources through financial assistance initiatives and proactive conservation measures. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program remains a priority, with MWRA allocating $43.8 million to assist communities in replacing outdated lead pipes, ensuring safer drinking water for residents.
Business Services
The Business Services section outlines activities related to Procurement, Materials Management, MIS Program Developments, Legal Matters, and Internal and Contract Audits. This quarter, MWRA focused on enhancing procurement efficiency, managing legal compliance, and maintaining robust IT and audit processes to support operational resilience. The agency processed 1,794 purchase orders valued at $14.8 million, nearly double the previous year’s total. Legal and compliance activities were also robust, with six new lawsuits filed in Q2, including notable cases involving the Clinton Wastewater Treatment Plant and Nut Island’s odor control improvements.
Other Management
The Other Management section covers Workforce Management, Workplace Safety, Job Group Representation, MBE/WBE Expenditures, Current Expense Budget (CEB) Expenses, Cost of Debt, and Investment Income. MWRA’s financial performance remained strong, with expenses under budget by 2.9% and revenues exceeding expectations by 0.4%. The agency remains 102 employees below budgeted levels, contributing to under-budget payroll expenses. Workplace safety metrics continue to show positive trends, with injury rates remaining below historical averages.
Conclusion
The Orange Notebook stands as a cornerstone of MWRA’s commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring the agency remains on target with its operations. As renowned management consultant and author Peter Drucker wisely noted, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” By delivering measurable insights—from performance metrics and compliance data to community support outcomes—the Orange Notebook empowers MWRA to continuously refine its strategies and maintain excellence in service delivery for the communities it serves.
📙 View the Q2 FY25 Orange Notebook here!
