Water rates increasing to cover construction of treatment facility

The Town of Sharon has passed a water rate increase which residents and businesses will see in their April water bill.

The average water bill will rise approximately 12%, between increases to the Capital Project Fee and the Usage Fee.

The Capital Project Fee, a fixed quarterly cost, will increase from $85 to $100.

The Usage Fee will increase approximately 5 to 6%. This fee is a tiered rate. It is calculated based on the amount of water used. It is higher in the spring/summer than in the fall/winter. It also increases as usage rises.

The Capital Project Fee increase is being implemented to cover part of the cost of the new town water treatment plant. The plant is being constructed to meet state requirements to remove PFAS from the town water supply.

The Capital Project Fee also pays for other Water Division infrastructure projects such as water main replacements.

The rate change allows the Water Division to begin paying back the $29 million, zero interest loan funding the new water treatment plant.

“The intent is to incrementally increase rates to finance the treatment plant, then stabilize rates to reflect the cost of treating and delivering water to residents,” said DPW Superintendent Eric Hooper.

The Select Board approved the new rates at its Feb. 27 meeting. The Water Management Advisory Committee also reviewed and approved the new rates at its Jan. 25 meeting.

The rate increase takes effect April 1 and includes water used between Jan. 1 and March 31.

Rates are expected to rise approximately 5% a year going forward.

The most recent water rate increases averaged approximately 5% and were implemented in 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Residents may wish to take advantage of discount programs for those 60+, with disabilities and who meet certain income levels.

The Town of Sharon offers a free town-sponsored Trash & Water Discount Program for eligible individuals, aged 60+ or of any age with disabilities. Verification of income, for all members of the household, and disability (if applicable) is required. For more information, please reach out to the Council for Aging and contact Outreach Coordinator Cristobal Sanchez at (781)784-8000 x 1303 or csanchez@townofsharon.org, or stop by the Adult Center at 219 Massapoag Ave.

If you have questions about the new water rate, call the Water Division at (781) 784-1525 ext.2315.