BLANDFORD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- More than $1 million in federal funding will pay for a major overhaul of the town of Blandford’s water treatment facility and distribution system, officials announced at a press conference Friday.

The project is designed to meet permit requirements, ensure safe drinking water, and strengthen fire protection for residents.

Long Pond serves as the source water for Blandford’s treatment plant. Currently, a pipe extends into the pond with a screen sitting about 15 feet below the surface.

“There’s a pipe that goes out into Long Pond and at the end of the pipe is a screen,” said Mike McManus. “This project would extend that pipeline further into the reservoir, into the pond, to have the screen at a deeper elevation where there’s better water quality.”

Local officials said the upgraded system will serve not only Blandford residents, but also travelers using the MassDOT service plaza on I-90, which relies on the same water system.

Part of the funding is already going toward a new backup generator to keep clean water flowing during power outages.

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