Excessive Water Use by Various Properties Brings Owners In and Leads to Discussion.
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The faucet drips. The toilet leaks. Or there’s another leak. The water bill comes and the much larger bill is a surprise. Most of the time, the ratepayer will be faced with paying the high bill, but it’s worth checking with the Public Service Committee. For example, if a leak does not cause extra sewage usage, the sewer portion may be abated. In any case, more time may be given to pay the bill.
At a Public Service Committee meeting of July 31, 2025, there were 8 properties listed. A few came in to talk to the committee. Details below:
A homeowner came in for a water bill abatement after having his property thoroughly evaluated by a 3rd party. DPW Director Dane Arnold suggested the homeowner have the Water Dept. go back to the house to take a look at what the potential problem is and then come back to a subsequent Public Service Committee meeting. The homeowner questioned the amount of the water shown as being used. — A representative for 25 Main Street had a request for water service which was quickly approved. — Another person came in with a $6500 water bill at a childcare facility the 123 Grown Center at 838 West Broadway in Gardner. Ratepayer was complaining that there was no immediate notification of high usage. Director Dane Arnold said there was still an issue with the property as shown by recent reading. Ratepayer is responsible usage. Recommendation was for a plumber to take a look at the property.
There was a short discussion on accessory dwelling units. Dane Arnold and Rob Oliva recommended a policy that separate water and sewer be established for an accessory dwelling unit to avoid potential issues.