The tables below outline the water and sewer volumetric rates for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21). The FY21 rates represent the following changes to the current rates:

1. A 7.5% increase in water volumetric charges;
2. A 2.5% increase in sewer volumetric charges; and
3. No change to existing base charges for both water and sewer.

The following tables list the new rates as well as the impact to average ratepayers. The residential ‘discount tier’ for the first 8 units of usage [8 units x 748 gallons per unit = 5,984 gallons] remains in place.

Table 1: Total Change in Year-Over-Year Cost for Combined Water and Sewer Rates

¹ The examples were chosen in order to provide a range of property types in Somerville.
² Based on billing analysis performed by Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
³ Based on the average usage of the applicable property type in Somerville

Table 2: FY21 Residential Volumetric Charges (Tri-Annual Bills)

*One unit = 100 cubic feet (CCF) or 748 gallons of water

Table 3: FY21 Commercial Volumetric Charges (Bi-Monthly Bills)
 

*One unit = 100 cubic feet (CCF) or 748 gallons of water

Information Session

An information session and public hearing was held at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 22 at the Somerville High School Cafeteria at 81 Highland Ave. Click here to view a PDF of the presentation slides from the information session.

Accepted Rates

Pursuant to Chapter 11, Section 11-125 and Section 11-164 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Somerville, the tables below outline the amended water and sewer volumetric rates for the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20). Given the substantial need for investment in our aging and fragile water and sewer system and the increasingly strict regulatory environment we confront, the Administration’s original rate proposal, submitted on March 25, 2019, included increases of 6% for water and 7.5% for sewer. The Council rejected these rate increases on May 9, 2019.

Though the Administration continues to emphasize that the original rate proposal is the appropriate and responsible choice in light of our system needs, we now submit the following amended rate proposal:

1. A 5% increase in water volumetric charges;
2. A 5.5% increase in sewer volumetric charges;
3. No change to existing base charges for both water and sewer; and,
4. The creation of a Discount Tier for all ratepayers billed tri-annually that aims to provide particular relief to low-volume users.

The first table on the next page describes the updated residential tiers, which reflect the addition of the Discount Tier for any usage under 8 units [748 gallons per unit x 8 units, or 5,984 gallons of water].

If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected].

For additional information about these water and sewer rate changes, please see the rate recommendation memorandum from our consultant, Woodard & Curran.

Accepted FY20 Residential Volumetric Charges (Tri-Annual Bills)

*One unit = 100 cubic feet (CCF) or 748 gallons of water
 

Accepted FY20 Commercial Volumetric Charges (Bi-Monthly Bills)

*One unit = 100 cubic feet (CCF) or 748 gallons of water

(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.