DPW Water Division

Opportunities for Public Participation

What better way to ensure that your water system is running smoothly than to get directly involved?
The Barre Water Department invites you to participate in discussions regarding your water quality by attending a Water Commission Meeting.

Water Commission Meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 6:30PM.
They are located in the DPW Building, at 441 Wheelwright Rd. Barre, MA 01005.
(Water Commissioners – James Caruso, Ronald Higgins and John Pimental)
 
Can’t make it to a meeting? Let us know if you have questions or concerns.
We can be contacted via email at: dpw@townofbarre.com or by telephone: 978-355-5013.  
The DPW Office hours are: Monday through Thursday 6:30 am to 3:00 pm.

 

Where does my water come from?

The Town water is produced by three ground water, gravel packed wells.  The wells are:                         

 Well#1 (2021000-01G)- located at 570 South Barre Road

 Well#2 (2021000-02G)- located at 257 South Barre Road

 Well#3 (2021000-03G)- off of Oakham Road

 

Water Use Mandatory Restrictions – Annually, May through September

Due to our Mass DEP Water Withdrawal Permit stipulations, we must restrict non-essential outdoor water use between May 1st and September 30th.   Outdoor water use will be permitted on Tuesday’s and Thursdays, after 5:00 p.m. using a hand held hose only.   

Non-essential uses include: Irrigation of lawns, washing of vehicles other than for safety, washing exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks (except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or concrete).    

 

Water Conservation Tips

  •   When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. 
  •   Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
  •   Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
  •   Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
  •   Monitor your water bill for unusually high usage. Your bill and water meter are tools that can be used to discover leaks.
  •   We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
  •   When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
  •   Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.

 

Water User Fees

Water bills are billed quarterly.  Bills are issued as follows:

  • January, February, March usage – Billed in the month of April

  • April, May, and June usage – Billed in the month of July

  • July, August, and September usage – Billed in the month of October

  • October, November and December usage – Billed in the month of January

Bills are due and payable within 30 days of issue.  Late payments are subject to a $25.00 demand charge. Interest will be charged at 14% per annum on any payment not received by the Collector’s Office by the due date.  Postmarks are not accepted.  Continued failure to pay will result in water service being shut off.  There is a $100.00 fee charged for water on/off.   Unpaid water and sewer charges will be liened on the following year’s real estate tax bill.

Water service is based on the actual metered usage with a base minimum and per c.f. charge over the minimum as listed below; and the sewer charge is based on water usage.  The meters are read and maintained by the Water Division of the Department of Public Works and all collection is done through the Treasurer/Collector Department.

The current rates are:

WATER

  • Residential:  Water Rate $ 70.00       0 to 1,000 c.f.

  • Per cubit foot over minimum 0.070

  • Commercial:  Minimum $72.00        0 to 1,000 c.f.

  • Per cubic foot over minimum 0.072

  • Industrial:  Minimum $74.00            0 to 1,000 c.f.

  • Per cubic foot over minimum 0.074