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At the January 23 meeting of the Sudbury Water District Commissioner’s , the commissioners voted to approve a 4.3 percent rate increase. That will begin on the fourth quarter of the billing cycle, meaning it will take effect in June.
The rate increase is consistent with, if not a little lower than, rate increases announced in other municipalities across Massachusetts over the last year. The Sudbury Water District took in approximately $600,000 less in their second quarter revenue as a result of the heavy precipitation in 2023 according to their November 28 meeting minutes:
“Director Roy informed the Commissioners that the District mailed out the 2nd quarter billing earlier this day on November 28, 2023. Mr. Roy stated that the 2nd quarter billing was about $75,000 less than last year’s 2nd quarterly billing cycle and that revenues thus far were down about $600,000 from last year’s figures, mostly attributed to the wetter than average summer and fall seasons. Mr. Roy also stated that he is currently drafting the FY 2025 proposed budget and will present options for the Commissioners for water rate adjustments in late January.”
November 28 Sudbury Water District Meeting Minutes
The Sudbury Water District has multiple infrastructure improvement projects underway or coming up soon. (Page 11) Those include PFAS treatment facilities, including a notable location at their East Street property. PFAS is often referred to as “forever chemicals,” and many towns in Massachusetts are dealing with the issue. The Sudbury Water District’s water quality reports indicate the presence of PFAS in Sudbury’s drinking water. The highest test results have been below the maximum contaminant level allowed, though they come close, and the District has been moving aggressively to stay ahead of the issue. (Page 13)