Fresh Pond Reservoir & Gate House
FY 09 Rate Setting Information
In March of each year, The City Council establishes water and sewer rates, which determine water and sewer revenues for the next fiscal year. Because of the timing requirements, water and sewer rates are set prior to the adoption of both the Cambridge budget and MWRA budget; therefore, revenue needs are based upon estimated expenditures. Historically, water and sewer rates have been established so that revenues generated by them, when combined with other revenue sources, cover projected annual costs.
AMR Update
AMR has been fully implemented. In addition to installing approximately 15,000 meter transmitter units(MTU) to water meters, which provide four daily readings per account, the Water Department has replaced approximately 8,400 water meters. The AMR system t has eliminated estimated water and sewer bills since actual readings are used to determine bills.
In addition, the Water Department initiated the implementation of the "High Read" notification system for customers. This system uses daily meter reads from the AMR system to detect and highlight abnormally high water usage (potential leaks). hen a high read is detected, the Water Department contacts the property owner, which enables the property owner to address the problem when it begins, minimizing high water bills and conserving water. In conjuction with this initiative, all water customers were asked to provide updated contact information(telephone number, e-mail address) to improve the notification process.
FY 09 Rate Chart
The City Council has approved the following block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning April, 1, 2008 and ending March 31, 2009. The chart below reflects the FY 09 proposed water and sewer rates.
|
Block
|
Annual Consumption
|
FY 08
Water Rate
|
FY 09
Water Rate
|
FY 08
Sewer Rate
|
FY 09
Sewer Rate
|
|
1
|
0-40 CcF
|
$2.84
|
$2.90
|
$6.44
|
$6.75
|
|
2
|
41-400 CcF
|
$3.05
|
$3.11
|
$6.82
|
$7.15
|
|
3
|
401-2000 CcF
|
$323
|
$3.30
|
$7.32
|
$7.67
|
|
4
|
2,001-10,000 CcF
|
$3.44
|
$3.51
|
$7.89
|
$8.27
|
|
5
|
Over 10,000 CcF
|
$372
|
$3.80
|
$8.39
|
$8.79
|
* All rates are per CcF. CcF is an abbreviation of 100 cubic feet. One CcF is approximately 750 gallons
Average Change to Combined Water and Sewer Residential Bills
| Residential type |
FY 08 |
FY 09 Projected |
Annual Variance |
% Change |
| Single Family |
$744 |
$773 |
$29 |
3.9% |
| Two Family |
$1,013 |
$1,053 |
$40 |
3.9% |
| Three Family |
$1,498 |
$1,556 |
$58 |
3.9% |
Senior Discount Program
There are currently 2,849 homewoners who qualify for the age 65+ water/sewer 15% discount (not to exceed $90 annually) which is not tied to the homeowners income.
There are also 137 elderly homeowners who qualify for an income-based discount that total 30% (not to exceed $180). To qualify for the 30% discount, a homeowner must be 65 or older and must have been granted the Clause 41C elderly real estate exemption. For FY 07, the income guidelines are as follows: single, income of $20,660 with assets of $41,320 married, income of $30,990 with assets of $56, 815 or less
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