Info Session & Public Hearing on Proposed FY19 Water & Sewer Rates, May 14

To provide background, answer questions, and take public testimony regarding the proposed fiscal year 2019 Somerville Water and Sewer Rate Charges, an Informational Session with Q&A followed by a Public Hearing was held on Monday, May 14, at 6 p.m. in the Somerville High School Cafeteria, 81 Highland Avenue.

Proposed Rates     

Pursuant to Chapter 11, Section 11-125 and Section 11-164 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Somerville, the table below outlines the proposed water & sewer volumetric rates for the fiscal year 2019, which runs from July 2018 through June 2019.

The FY19 rates represent no increase in water volumetric (usage) charges, a 5% increase in sewer volumetric charges, and no change to existing base charges in both water and sewer. These adjustments are all consistent with the rate study completed during FY16.

(100 cubic feet is equal to 748 gallons)

(100 cubic feet is equal to 748 gallons)

More Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the Water and Sewer Department at 617-625-6600 ext. 5850.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact should contact Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or [email protected]. 

On July 1, 2016 the City of Somerville Water & Sewer Department instituted a base monthly water connection charge. This amount is factored based upon meter size as shown in the following table. For example, an account with a 5/8” meter will be billed $5.00 per month or $20.00 per bill based on a four month, tri-annual billing cycle. Commercial accounts will continue to bill bi-monthly, thus the appropriate base charge will be applied twice a billing cycle.

The City has also instituted a base monthly sewer charge of $10 per month, adjusted to reflect the same meter equivalent adjustments.

It should be noted that the majority of residential accounts have either 5/8”, 3/4” or 1” meters and thus will fall into the lowest base charge meter factor. This charge will remain level over five years. Additionally, they incorporate the American Water Works Association Standard factors to better align City practices with industry guidelines.

On July 1, 2016 the City of Somerville Water & Sewer Department instituted a base monthly water connection charge. This amount is factored based upon meter size as shown in the following table. For example, an account with a 5/8” meter will be billed $5.00 per month or $20.00 per bill based on a four month, tri-annual billing cycle. Commercial accounts will continue to bill bi-monthly, thus the appropriate base charge will be applied twice a billing cycle.

The City has also instituted a base monthly sewer charge of $10 per month, adjusted to reflect the same meter equivalent adjustments.