Average Water and Sewer Bill in Norwood to Increase by Three Dollars Monthly-August 12, 1993

That’s an increase of 8.8 percent. The increase reflects the cost of the Boston Harbor cleanup and what Carroll called a perverse effect of water conservation efforts: rates go up when water use declines. Although they grumbled about the increase, the selectmen voted this week to accept Carroll’s recommendation for this year’s rates, and made them retroactive to August 1.

Original projections by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority put this year’s rate increase for Norwood at about 19 percent. Carroll attributed the adjustment to a one-third reduction in the MWRA budget and $18 million in rate relief from the Legislature. Water and sewer rates were increased 15.1 percent last year. While rates have continued to rise in the last four years, the use of water in Norwood has dropped about 15.5 percent, from 168 million cubic feet to 142 million cubic feet.

Carroll and Assistant Town Manager Bernard Cooper explained that the rates go up as usage goes down, partly because increasing costs must be spread over a shrinking number of gallons of water used. “It’s one of the most frustrating parts of dealing with it,” Cooper said. “I think you’ll find most water superintendents hiding under the table at this time of the year because they get blamed.” Carroll said that while the town’s costs for the water and sewer system remain relatively constant, the MWRA’s expenses have continued to increase as a result of the court-mandated Boston Harbor cleanup. “The town has little choice but to pass these costs on to the user,” Carroll said. “This problem is not unique to Norwood. Almost every city and town in the MWRA district is experiencing a similar problem.”

Local costs include about $375,000 to pay water department workers, about $130,000 to maintain water and sewer pipes, $200,000 for construction and $60,000 for equipment. The MWRA charges the town $4.2 million for water and sewer service. Carroll attributed the drop in water consumption to recycling and conservation measures, especially by large industrial and commercial customers. He affirmed that conservation is necessary and in the public’s long-term interest. Selectman William Butters said the public would be amazed at being charged more for conserving water.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger