Author: Kristen Potter

To continue to provide quality water to its customers, the Georgetown Water Department will implement a 25% increase on July 1, 2019 and a 25% increase on July 1, 2020. Customers will see the increase with their October 2019 quarterly bill.

“Georgetown Water Department customers have let us know that they want quality, clean water,” Georgetown Water Commissioner Nick Lawler said. “This was especially evident at the recent Town Meeting when the proposed consolidation with Georgetown Light didn’t garner the necessary votes to pass.”

“We are committed to meeting – and exceeding – our customers’ expectations. At the same time, our aging infrastructure and the necessary repairs and replacements have depleted our retained earnings, requiring us to borrow funds for these and future projects that will enhance our water. We anticipate that these projects, as well as recently completed projects, will require $13.25 million in capital expenditures.”

In a letter sent to customers, the Water Commissioners outlined current and future projects that will require much-needed capital funding. In addition to the recently completed Long Hill water storage tank and water main upgrades on several streets, the Marshall Well redevelopment project is nearing completion, and the Commissioners are in the process of hiring a fulltime General Manager to oversee projects and lead the department into the future. Future projects include additional water main upgrades, a new treatment process, and a new headquarters from which to operate. The Georgetown Water Department is currently housed in a building owned by Georgetown Light at 1 Moulton Street.

Georgetown Water last increased its rates in 2018, while water expenses have increased during that time.

According to the department, the average residential quarterly usage is 15,000 gallons, or 2,000 cubic feet. Based on these figures, a customer who uses 2,000 cubic feet of water paid $510/year before July 1, 2019.  The same customer will pay $640/year after July 1, 2019 and $800 after July 1, 2020.

“Even with the 25% increase, Georgetown water rates remain significantly lower than those rates charged by similar surrounding communities with wells, water treatment plants and no sewer system,” Commissioner Lawler added.

As of July 1, 2019, customers with similar usage in Topsfield pay $910/year, West Newbury $1,060/year and Rowley $1,360/year.

“Our goal is, and has always been, to listen to our customers. The rate increase will enable us to achieve our goals while doing so in a responsible manner,” he concluded.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Georgetown Water Department at 978-352-5750.

Download the Letter Here

Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing for the next week, which could lead to frozen pipes.

Take the following precautionary steps to avoid frozen – and bursting – pipes:

• Make sure that you set the thermostat higher that you usually do at night. You may pay a bit more in heating costs, but you’ll avoid costly repairs if the pipes burst.
• Make sure that your thermostat isn’t near a fireplace, which can cause your thermostat to turn off the heat, impacting other parts of the room or your house.
• If you’re leaving for an extended period of time, or going on vacation, make sure that the thermostat is set no lower than 55.
• If your pipes are exposed, or if they run along an exterior wall, turn on the faucet and let the water run at a trickle.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to circulate air around the pipes. Remember to remove household cleaners and chemicals and put them in a safe place, especially if there are young children in the house.

If your pipes freeze:

If you turn on the water and it only comes out as a trickle, or not at all, your pipes are probably frozen.

• Locate the frozen area, which will probably be in a pipe along the exterior wall, or where the water service enters the house.
• Keep the faucet open. Running water will help melt other areas which may also be frozen.
• Apply heat to the pipe, using a hair dryer, an electric heating pad or heated towels wrapped around the pipe. Never use a blow torch, propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame devices. This could lead to the igniting of any nearby combustible materials.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.

If you can’t locate where the frozen pipe is, if you can’t get the frozen pipe to thaw, or if it’s in an area which is not accessible, call a licensed plumber.