Belmont's New Water, Sewer Rates Explained

Last spring, the Belmont Department of Public Works commissioned a water and sewer rate structure analysis.

The study incorporated the following planning objectives, including customer fairness and equity, affordability, adequate funding of system operations and maintenance, adequate funding of infrastructure reinvestment for current and future supply and distribution, to satisfy requirements imposed by debt issuances and compliance with state and federal regulations and laws.

The study and its recommendations is available at

http://www.belmont-ma.gov

Because of the study, on July 1, the town has instituted a new water and sewer rate structure, which include:

• Ascending block rates for water, where there is one water usage rate up to 3,000 cubic feet or 22,400 gallons and a higher rate for usage over that amount with each quarter bill.

• There is a separate and higher rate for water irrigation meter usage.

• The "service charge" for both water and sewer customers see on their bill reflects the cost to read the meters, billing and administrative costs.

• The sewer rates do not include ascending block rates.

• Commercial rates have changed and new charges instituted for fire protection charges and private fire hydrants.

All costs associated with providing safe, quality water in adequate quantities for domestic and business use, fire protection, a sewer systems to remove waste and storm water are included in the new rates.

The changes to water rates are to maintain and reinvest in the infrastructure as well as to set the rates to reflect the actual cost of services provided.

Water Rates (1 cubic foot of water equals 7.48 gallons)

Block 1 for under 3,000 cubic feet      $5.19 per 100 cf

Block 2 for more than 3,000 cf             $5.97 per 100 cf

Sewer Rates

Block 1 for under 3,000 cubic feet      $9.58 per 100 cf

Block 2 for more than 3,000 cf             $9.58 per 100 cf

Note: Sewer charges are based on 100 percent of the water that passes through the water meter.

Combined Water and Sewer Rates

Block 1 for under 3,000 cubic feet      $14.77 per 100 cf

Block 2 for more than 3,000 cf             $15.55 per 100 cf

Water Service Charge per quarter (the typical house has a 5/8 meter.)

Water (5/8 meter)   $16.44

Sewer (5/8 meter)   $ 13.55

Lifeline Rates

Water:                                                       $3.89 per 100 cf

Sewer:                                                       $7.19 per 100 cf

Lifeline water service charge:        $12.33

Lifeline sewer service charge:        $10.16

Life Line rate: Property owners who are receiving a non-veteran's statutory exemption on their real estate taxes will quality for the lifeline rate.

Irrigation Water Volume charges

$6.27 per 100 cf

Irrigation service charge per quarter

Based on meter size.

Annual Fire Protection charges (for installed fire suppression systems)

2" and 4" pipes: $248

6" pipe and private fire hydrant: $721

8" pipe: $1,535