July 13, 2010 - VOLUNTARY WATER BAN EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! On July 12, 2010 the Board of Selectmen voted to implement a voluntary water ban. Due to the hot, dry weather conditions water usage has been extremely high. In order to maintain our water supply for domestic use and fire protection, residents are being asked to voluntarily abide by the following outdoor watering restrictions:
Odd numbered houses will be restricted to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Even numbered houses will be restricted to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
ALL OUTDOOR WATERING IS TO BE DONE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 5AM TO 8AM AND 5PM TO 8PM ONLY.
NO WATERING ON SUNDAYS
Your full cooperation is requested to help avoid implementing further mandatory restrictions. Please call the Water Department with any questions. Thank you for your assistance.
February 22, 2010 - Board of Selectmen Vote for Water Rate Increase
The last rate increase in Duxbury was in 2004 and as we all know the cost of living and costs to operate and maintain a utility inevitably go up as time goes on. The current rates do not recover the annual operating (direct, indirect, debt service) cost of the utility. The utility is funded by the combination of rates and retained earnings. At the current rate, the Department would use up all of the retained earnings and be at a $334,702 deficit for FY 12.
On February 22, 2010, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to increase the current rates based upon a Water Rate Study conducted this past fall and the recommendations of both the Water Department and Water Advisory Board. The new rates include a base charge of $80.00 annually ($40.00 per billing cycle) and $40.00 for Seniors* ($20 per billing cycle). The new rate structure increased to a four tier (or block) from a three tier structure. These new rates will be effective for meters read after March 1, 2010. The billing cycle would be from September to March or October to April depending upon where you are located within in the town. We measure in thousands of gallons so the rate would be per thousand gallons. The new rates are:
Base Charge $40.00 annually (Seniors) $80.00 annually (Non-Seniors)
0 - 20,000 $4.55 per 1,000 gallons
21,000 - 60,000 $5.83 per 1,000 gallons
61,000 - 120,000 $6.70 per 1,000 gallons
121,000 + $8.05 per 1,000 gallons
What is the impact on the resident? The best way to determine that is to track your water consumption. Record the reading on your water meter (most likely located in your basement) on a weekly basis. We use the first four numbers to determine how much water has gone through the meter (in thousands). Remember, your consumption will more than likely increase in the warmer months if you water your lawn, wash cars, or have the kids home all day (increases laundry and shower usage). An example of an average consumption rate is 90,000 gallons per year (based on DEP recommendations). That sounds like a lot of water and it is! But it is very easy to use that much water without even realizing it. For our example, if we say an average non-senior household used 30,000 in the winter months and 60,000
in the warmer weather, here is how the two bills would calculate:
The first billing cycle would be for 30,000 gallons The second billing cycle for 60,000 gallons
20,000 20 x $4.55 = $ 91.00 20,000 20 x $4.55 = $ 91.00
10,000 10 x $5.83 = $ 58.30 40,000 40 x $5.83 = $233.20
$ 149.30 $324.20
Base rate $ 40.00 Base rate $ 40.00
Total $189.30 Total $364.20
Total for Year $553.50
*To receive the Senior Discount, please call the water department at 781-934-1100 extension 129 or 130 in order to register.
Liquid Assets, a ninety-minute documentary, tells the story of essential infrastructure systems: water, wastewater, and stormwater. These systems — some in the ground for more than 100 years — provide a critical public health function and are essential for economic development and growth. Largely out of sight and out of mind, these aging systems have not been maintained, and some estimates suggest this is the single largest public works endeavor in our nation’s history.
“We have about 2 million miles of pipe in this nation. If you look at what we’re spending now and the investment requirements over the next twenty years, there’s a $540 billion difference.”
—Steve Allbee, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Exploring the history, engineering challenges, and political and economic realities in urban and rural locations, the documentary provides an understanding of the hidden assets that support our way of life. Locations featured in the documentary include Atlanta, Boston, Herminie (Pennsylvania), Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. Click on the link above for more information.
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