Who do I call for water and sewer issues that are not bill related? |
Department of Public Works @ 781-393-2421
What are the water and sewer rates and are they the same for all uses? |
Rates are the same for irrigation, pool, residential and commercial uses. The City bills in cubic feet (cf). For the fiscal year 2007-2008 the water and sewer rate is $12.50 per 100 cubic feet.
What are the equivalent gallons for a cubic foot? |
There are 7.48 gallons of water in a cubic foot of water. To convert gallons to cubic feet, divide the total gallons by 7.48. To convert cubic feet to gallons, multiply the cubic feet by 7.48 your current cost per gallon of water usage combined is 1.5 cents.
How do you calculate my sewer charges? |
Sewer charges are based on water usage. If you use 10 cf of water, you will be billed for 10 cf in sewer.
When should I receive my bill? |
Commercial and industrial customers meters are read and billed monthly. Residential customers are billed six times a year.
Who can repair my water meter? |
Meters are maintained by the City of Medford for single family and two family homes. Single family and two family homeowners should call the Department of Public Works, Water and Sewer Division at 781-393-2474 for meter repair. Multi-family, commercial and industrial customers must contact their own plumbers to have their meters repaired.
How do I obtain a final water and sewer bill? |
When a homeowner or business owner knows the closing date for the property sold, they need to call the billing office at 781-393-2440 to set up an appointment for a final read. When you call, you need to provide the new owner’s name and billing address if different from the address of the property being sold. The cost for a final reading is $25. The City does final meter reads only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Therefore, it is important to call as soon as you know your closing date. Appointments must be made when someone will be at the property to meet the meter reader. NOTE: Someone must be at the property for
the appointment. Our meter reader must get inside the property to read the inside meter and if no one is there, we will not be able to take a reading. If this happens, a new appointment will need to be set up with the Department of Public Works for the next available date.
The final bill will be available for pick up the day after the reading after 12:00 noon.
Can I get an abatement for the sewer charges associated with filling my new pool? |
The City allows a one-time sewer abatement for a new pool. To receive an abatement a letter needs to be sent to The City of Medford, Collector’s Office City Hall-Room 108, Medford, MA 02155. The letter should include the dimensions of the pool, whether it is in an above ground or in ground pool and the gallons of water needed to fill the pool. We will abate a portion of the sewer charges on the next scheduled water bill based on a formula we use in the billing office.
What do I do if I think my bill is wrong? |
You should contact the billing office with your concerns if you think your bill is inaccurate. Please have the current meter reading when you call (781-393-2440). If it’s a case of a meter being read incorrectly you need to call the correct reading into the office and we will adjust the bill. If it’s a case of inside and outside meters readings not matching please understand you must be billed for the usage on the inside meter as that is the meter the water passes through. All other issues will be investigated and a decision made after reviewing all the facts. Part of this investigation may require you to contact the Department of Public Works, Water and Sewer Division at 781-393-2474 to have them remove meter and test it at the shop. The property owner will need to be present at the DPW when the meter is tested. The billing
office will reassess the charges if the meter proves to be faulty. No changes will be made if the meter proves to be working correctly.
If you still feel there is a problem after talking to the billing office you can contact the Water and Sewer Commission to further dispute the problem.
I had a leak in my water pipe to my kitchen sink. Can I obtain an abatement for the sewer, as non of the water went down the drain? |
The City does not give abatements for leaks.
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