News

Danvers sets new water rates

By Ethan Forman
Staff writer
Published: July 2, 2008

DANVERS — Average residential water users will be paying slightly more when they turn on their taps — $5.88 more every three months.

The higher charges are a result of water commissioners setting rates Monday.

Water rates are up about 4.6 percent, and commissioners also increased sewer rates by about the same percentage. The average sewer ratepayer will shell out $7.56 more every three months, Town Accountant Leonard Marshall said.

Under the new rates, the average residential water and sewer user would pay about $300.57 a quarter, up $13.44 over the last fiscal year.

The average Danvers family soaks up 12,000 cubic feet of water, about 90,000 gallons, a year. The water and sewer rates are based on usage of 100 cubic feet, or about 750 gallons, of water.

For the average residential ratepayer who uses 3,000 cubic feet of water every three months, the first 2,000 cubic feet will be billed at a rate of $3.77 per 100 cubic feet, or $75.40.

From 2,001 to 2,400 cubic feet, the rate jumps to $4.18 per 100 cubic feet, or $16.72. The final 600 cubic feet of water would cost $33.66 at a rate of $5.61 per 100 cubic feet. The water rate also includes an $8.01 base charge.

The rates went into effect yesterday.

This is the second year Danvers has used a graduated or tiered rate, instead of a flat one, aimed at rewarding conservation.

Why didn't the water rate stay the same?

Town Meeting voted on increases in the Water Department's budget, Marshall said. The $8.2 million budget includes $5.5 million to be raised through water rates, $1.5 million to be borrowed and the rest coming from retained earnings. The $1.5 million being borrowed would pay to replace a water main on Collins Street, Marshall said.

Commissioners also approved increases to a two-tiered water rate for businesses. Businesses will pay $3.77 per 100 cubic feet for the first 4,000 cubic feet of water used and $4.18 per 100 cubic feet above that.

Quarterly residential rates

Amount used Water Sewer

First 2,000 cubic feet $3.77 $5.28

2,001 to 2,400 cubic feet $4.18 $5.47

Over 2,401 cubic feet $5.61 $6.55

The rate runs from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009. Rates are per 100 cubic feet, which is about 750 gallons.