Middletown’s wastewater is cleaned at the Mattabassett Sewage Treatment Plant in Cromwell.

MIDDLETOWN — Work to implement much-needed upgrades to the city’s water and sewer systems will begin next year, thanks to federal funds earmarked for the city through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Middletown received approximately $20 million in federal funds, with a few stipulations on how it must be used. One of these was that some of the money must be used for infrastructure needs, including sewer and water systems.

Mayor Ben Florsheim said such projects are a top priority. “We anticipate about half of that $20 million will go to infrastructure needs, and that’s mostly sewer work. That’s certainly not a bad way to spend the money.”

He said while Middletown’s water and sewer systems compare favorably to other towns in the state, it’s still an issue that needs to be addressed.

“I think we’re in a good position in Middletown, where we aren’t in as dire of a need as some other towns, so, we’re not in our crisis yet, but we can see it coming,” Florsheim said.

He cited a few reasons why the need for improved systems has only gotten more severe, including COVID-19 and other health concerns. “Having advanced water and sewer structure can have a positive impact on public health,” the mayor said.

The need for improvements has also increased with severe storms that have taken place in recent years.

Locations where rainwater enters the sewer drainage system is one specific area that needs upgrading, and, with each serious storm, the risk grows, Florsheim said. “That, in turn, can be very dangerous and expensive.”

The city’s task force formed to ensure these federal funds are equitable and responsibly distributed have already approved an initial $2.75 million to fund some of the steps needed to improve sewer and water systems in the city.

Middletown Water and Sewer Department Director Joseph Fazzino said the first step will be a series of evaluations to determine where “rain-induced infiltration” is taking place, along with other issues. These are expected to begin in 2022.

The rest of the process, including a timeline for the project, will be determined based on the results.

He also indicated that a water main line on Saybrook Road will be replaced, and that any residents that might be affected will be contacted by contractors long before any disturbances would occur.

“They’ll be some impact to people, but it will be like any construction project,” Fazzino said.

Florsheim said this will likely be just the start of a two-fold approach, first to address the most urgent needs, and then to work with the rest of the Mattabassett District on a long-term, comprehensive plan.

Middletown is one of several towns, including New Britain and Berlin, that sends its sewage to the treatment plant in Cromwell.

More details will be discussed at the next meeting of the American Rescue Plan Act Task Force Jan. 12.