1. About the Sewer Commission & Wastewater Management Department

The Sewer Commission was established by Town Meeting in 1987 under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 63 as a regulatory body with the powers specified under Chapter 83, Sections 1, 2, 3, 3A, 5, 6 and 14 through 24 and is further empowered to assess betterments and sewer use charges to fund sewer construction.  The Commission members were originally elected to three-year terms but are now appointed by the Select Board for three-year terms under the Town Charter, with 5 members representing each of the 5 precincts and 2 members at-large.  

The Wastewater Management Department comprised of Town staff was established in September 2021 to operate and maintain the sewer systems and wastewater treatment facilities as well as providing oversight of contract operations. The two entities work together to achieve the goals of the Mashpee Clean Water Plan also known as the Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (CWMP) and was approved by the State in 2015.  This document was developed by the Sewer Commission and presents a long-range plan for wastewater facilities and other actions needed to restore water quality in our embayments, estuaries, rivers and ponds.  Both entities are coordinating planning activities with Barnstable, Falmouth and Sandwich, with whom we share the watersheds of Popponesset and Waquoit Bays.