Aquarion Tells Hingham: 'Our Company Is Not For Sale'

Aquarion Water Company will hold an Open Meeting for any town resident or business owner at 7 p.m. on April 10 in the , 1103 Main Street, to provide factual information regarding a proposed $500,000 study that could lead to a takeover of the local water company.

The annual Town Meeting is scheduled for April 23, and Article 19 allows the Selectmen to borrow $500,000 from the Town’s Fund Balance to be used for professional fees and costs, including, but not limited to engineering, financial, valuation and legal services, to investigate the feasibility of purchasing Aquarion Water Company.

“Our company is not for sale,” said Harry Hibbard, vice president of Aquarion. “The $500,000 will be a small down payment for Hingham’s taxpayers. If the Town pursues this, it will be a long, costly and divisive takeover attempt of our company. I believe the community has more important priorities for $500,000.”

Hingham taxpayers are urged to attend and get the facts about Article 19 and the proposed study. The meeting is also open to residents of Hull and Cohasset.
Aquarion is also encouraging attendance by Town Administrator Ted Alexiades, Board of Selectmen, members of the Advisory Committee, the recently formed Water Study Committee and members of the Water Supply Committee.

“This is the first step in what may be a very protracted process that will lead to higher water rates, more taxes or both,” said Hibbard. “A takeover will take years to complete and will be a constant distraction to the Town. We’d much rather sit down with the Selectmen and address their concerns,” said Hibbard.

Water professionals from Aquarion are available to speak with any groups and associations in Hingham who want more information. To schedule an informational meeting with your group, contact Hibbard at 781-740-6694.