Water rates are reviewed throughout the year and are typically adjusted once per year. Two components are factored into calculating water rates:

• the Water Department budget which is approved at Town Meeting
• a revenue forecast for the coming fiscal year which is based on historical water use and anticipated growth.

The service fee and rates in the increasing block rate structure are adjusted so the forecasted revenue is equal to the approved budget.  When a rate increase is needed, multiple rate scenarios are developed and presented to the Board of Water Commissioners.  The Board reviews the options presented sets the water rates & fees at a public rate hearing.

Due to an anticipated half million gallon drop in metered usage and 3.3% budget increase for FY2011, the Board of Water Commissioners voted to increase some of our water rates and fees for the next fiscal year. The changes from the FY2010 rates are listed below. Click here for a full listing of our rates and charges.

FY2011 Rate Structure:

Fee changes take effect July 1, 2010 and the rate increase takes effect after the first bill in Fiscal Year 2011.

The Water Department is operated as an enterprise system and as such must cover all costs through water rates and fees. After careful examination of the Department's budget, financial obligations and revenue projections, the Board of Water Commissioners voted to increase water rates for FY2010.  The combination of rising costs and decreasing revenue led to the rate adjustment.

The Water Department budget was developed based on guidelines set by the Finance Committee and despite efforts to the contrary, it increased by 5.5 % as compared to FY2009.  The primary reasons for this are:

The Board of Water Commissioners voted to change some of our water rates and fees for FY2010.  The changes are described below. Click here for a full listing of our rates and charges.