Pembroke Maintains Low Water Rates Despite Infrastructure Plan

Town Manager Explains Three-Tier System, Urges Residents to Check for Leaks

PEMBROKE, MA - November 20 - Pembroke's water rates remain among the lowest in the region, even as the town balances affordability with infrastructure maintenance needs, according to Town Manager Bill Chenard. At a recent Select Board meeting, Chenard provided a detailed explanation of the town's water rate structure and billing system.

"We've had some questions about people not understanding their bills," Chenard said, prompting his overview of the rate system.

Pembroke utilizes a three-tier water rate structure, which Chenard noted is fewer than what the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) prefers. "DEP would prefer us to have more, but we have maintained our three-tier system for many years," he explained.

The current rate structure includes a base charge of $23.50 twice a year for regular accounts. The first tier, covering up to 30,000 gallons, is billed at 5.88 cents per gallon. Tier two ranges from 30,001 to 50,000 gallons, while tier three covers usage above 50,001 gallons.

Chenard emphasized that Pembroke's rates are "still very, very low" compared to other communities. "The lowest in most categories, in the middle of the pack in high-end users, which is most of our commercial accounts," he said.

Despite maintaining low rates, Chenard assured the board that the water department is addressing infrastructure needs. "For many years here, 15 years ago up until probably three years ago, we were reluctant to raise rates. The goal was to keep rates low, not to manage the infrastructure," he said. "We're absolutely meeting that need [for rates to meet demands of the infrastructure] at this point."

The town manager urged residents to be vigilant about potential water leaks, which can lead to unexpectedly high bills. "If you have a leak the size of that point on your pen, you would not believe how much water cost you are incurring as a result," Chenard warned.

He recommended that residents check their water meters regularly, especially when no water is being used. "If the meter is changing when no one's in the house, you have a water leak," he explained.

Select Board member Steve Ciciotti inquired about the comparison of Pembroke's highest tier rate to other towns. Chenard responded, "As an overall, our rates are at the bottom compared to most towns. The top tier is a little bit higher, a little bit more aggressive than the top tier. We're in the middle of the pack."

Ciciotti also asked about the water department's ability to fund infrastructure improvements, a concern raised in previous meetings. Chenard assured the board that the current rates are sufficient to meet the town's needs.

"They're absolutely looking at the capital planning, making sure that we meet our needs for our residents, or rate payers in this case, and doing a terrific job," Chenard said.

The town is also developing a water master plan with the assistance of a professional firm and the Old Colony Planning Council. Chenard mentioned that a presentation on water infrastructure needs and plans is scheduled for an upcoming Select Board meeting in December.

Select Board member Dan Trabucco emphasized the importance of maintaining water as an enterprise fund separate from the regular tax bill. Chenard explained, "It's a business, it operates as an enterprise fund would have it be there, and you don't want to be taking away from your tax levy."