The Harwich Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners is moving toward a significant restructuring of local water bills, eyeing a plan that would eliminate the existing Tier 1 usage fees to provide relief for low-volume users. During their Tuesday meeting, the board discussed a new rate scenario that would remove charges for the first 8,000 gallons of water used and instead fold those costs into a higher base rate. Under the proposal, the current base rate would increase by $5, a move designed to stabilize revenue while protecting the town’s most vulnerable residents.

Commissioner Noreen Dunn championed the shift, suggesting that the current system penalizes those who conserve most effectively. I'd like to eliminate Tier 1 and include it in the base rate, Dunn said. It helps elderly people or single people who conserve water. They would know their bill is a flat $55 if they stay under that. Consultant Dan Pelletier of GHD noted that Tier 1 currently generates approximately $304,000 in annual revenue, meaning the shortfall would need to be absorbed by the base rate and higher-volume tiers. Chair Robert Young signaled support for the transition, noting, I'd rather add it to Tiers 2 through 4. I think Scenario 2 is prudent. A public hearing to finalize these adjustments and the FY27-FY31 rate schedule is scheduled for May 15 at 9:00 AM.

The board also received a definitive timeline for the Route 28 East water main project, with construction now officially slated to begin on September 14. Pelletier informed the board that the project will be advertised for bid in late May, with plans available by June 2 and bids opened on June 30. To mitigate the impact on residents and the busy summer harbor season, the department is planning an aggressive outreach campaign. We have reserved the week of June 8th to conduct an initial public outreach, Pelletier said, adding that a second session would follow in August once a contractor is secured. Superintendent Jason Trepanier emphasized the logistical challenges of the work, specifically regarding the boat ramp near the bridge. I have to talk to the harbor master and conservation on the directional drill and how long that's going to shut everything down at the boat ramp, Trepanier noted.

In a move to protect the town’s fragile $92,000 property tax levy capacity, the department opted to delay a scheduled June borrowing until September. Trepanier reported that by waiting for actual bid numbers before taking on new debt, the town could avoid premature interest payments. I told them do not include us in the borrowing in June, Trepanier said. That saves us like a hundred grand. Commissioner Dunn noted that this delay also provides a healthy buffer for the department's retained earnings as it prepares for nearly $1 million in projected shortfalls by FY28 due to escalating debt service for the Northwest Gate Road treatment plant.

Water conservation remains a high priority as the town enters the warmer months. Trepanier announced that mandatory watering restrictions will take effect May 1, limiting residents to irrigation just two days per week. Despite significant rainfall in March, Harwich remains classified as "Level 2 Significant Drought" by the state. We are in much better shape than a year ago, Dunn observed, citing groundwater levels nearly a foot higher than the previous spring. But the state dictates based on the drought map, and we are still listed as Level 2. We'd have to be at Level 0 to lift them. Relief may be on the horizon, however, as Trepanier confirmed that the town’s new well, Pump Station 12, recently received DEP approval and is capable of producing 1.5 million gallons per day.

The board addressed three major bill abatements following a winter blizzard that caused several outdoor spigots to freeze and burst. One resident at 22 Mirasaw Lane faced a massive bill after losing 430,000 gallons of water. While the board expressed sympathy, some attendees questioned the responsibility of property owners who do not use "seasonal service" to shut off water during winter. One audience member argued, If you have a house that massive, you should have someone check on it. Utility Administrator Tracy Alves noted a decline in seasonal accounts, adding, Some people just choose the risk. Ultimately, the board applied the "disaster rate" to the bills, citing past precedents.

Motion Made by N. Dunn to approve an abatement for 22 Mirasaw Lane based on the disaster rate, reducing the bill to $679.96. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Two additional abatements for similar pipe failures were also approved. Motion Made by N. Dunn to approve an abatement for $127.76. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Motion Made by N. Dunn to approve an abatement for $924.83. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The board also moved to close a billing loophole involving approximately 500 residents who use private wells but are connected to the town’s sewer system. Currently, these users pay only a base sewer rate because the town cannot measure their water usage. Trepanier suggested that the town may soon require these residents to install water meters at their own expense to ensure equitable billing. Right now they are getting their first 8,000 gallons for free essentially, a commissioner noted.

Infrastructure planning continued with the approval of two engineering contracts. Motion Made by N. Dunn to approve the contract for vernal pool monitoring with Apex in the amount of $22,000. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Additionally, the board moved forward with long-term planning for Harbor and Mill Roads. Motion Made by N. Dunn to approve the contract for engineering services for Harbor and Mill Road in the amount of $99,500 with Apex. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Trepanier noted that while the engineering is starting now, construction on those roads will likely wait until FY29 to avoid conflicts with the Route 28 project.

The meeting concluded with a poignant moment as Commissioner Allan Thompson announced his retirement after a half-century of service to the town. I'm not going to run for reelection. I'm calling it a day, Thompson said. I'm 85. It's time to follow my fingernails. I've been doing this for 50 years, but it's time to go. Board members praised Thompson for his historical knowledge and dedication, with Chair Young thanking him for providing a taste of history during his tenure.