MANSFIELD - The town is on the hook for more than $6 million in water department upgrades after receiving new guidelines from the state.

Most of the cost centers around two major upgrade projects to the Cate Springs Well and Walsh Wellfield Water Treatment Plant, which must be brought up to the new standards of the state's Ground Water Rule.

The rule was enacted to increase the protection of municipal water supplies from bacteria contamination after incidents in Milford and Gloucester.

The two projects would cost an estimated $6 million, but officials are hoping to limit the cost by using town workers on certain portions instead of outsourcing.

The state has also adopted more stringent requirements for chemical safety control, alarming and safety at water treatment facilities, meaning the town must make upgrades to five town wells and a water treatment plant. These upgrades would cost an estimated $175,000 and can be completed prior to the June 30 deadline. The town has applied for a low-interest state grant to pay for these upgrades, and officials have said they will try to avoid raising rates significantly.

If approved by town meeting voters in May, the projects would begin next summer.

Despite the required upgrades, department officials say the town's water supply is safe, and residents should not be concerned.