2024 Massachusetts Water & Sewer Rate Survey Data Now Available
Our firm’s multi-disciplinary service offerings were founded with our water practice over 100 years ago. As part of our leadership in the water industry, we have worked with the Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at the University of North Carolina School of Government to periodically survey water and sewer utility companies in Massachusetts to get a better understanding of industry trends and best practices.
The Water & Wastewater Rates Dashboard, developed by our firm in conjunction with EFC, is now updated with the most recent rate survey data from 2024. This interactive dashboard is designed to assist utility managers and local officials with benchmarking residential water and wastewater rates. It includes rate data for 326 public, quasi-public, and private utility companies, representing approximately 85% of water and sewer utilities in the Commonwealth.
Tighe & Bond prepared an executive summary of the water and sewer rate surveys outlining key findings and trends, including:
- The cost of water and sewer service continues to rise at a consistent rate. Since 2000, the first year we conducted the survey, the cost of water service has risen consistently at a rate of approximately 5% per year, while the cost of sewer service has increased at a rate of approximately 6% per year.
- Water and sewer billing cycles are becoming more frequent. Survey results show that many utility companies are switching from annual or semi-annual billing cycles to quarterly or monthly billing. More frequent billing provides customers with a direct signal between usage and cost – and can help detect customer-side leaks sooner.
- Rate structures are changing. Most water and sewer utilities use rate structures which are based on usage, while the remainder use flat fees. Since 2000, the percentage of utilities utilizing flat fee structures has decreased.
For more information on the Water & Wastewater Rate Survey or the dashboard, please contact Peter Galant, PE.