Your Voice Matters: Participate in the MWRA Advisory Board’s 2024 Annual Water and Sewer Retail Rate Survey
As we navigate the increasing challenges in water and sewer management, your input as a member of the MWRA community is more crucial than ever. We invite you to take part in the MWRA Advisory Board’s 2024 Annual Water & Sewer Retail Rate Survey—now in its 36th year. Since its first issuance in 1988, this survey has been essential in shaping our advocacy efforts for better funding and resources in our community. Your participation will help us continue to make a significant impact.
A Brief History of the Survey
The MWRA Advisory Board’s Water and Sewer Retail Rate Survey has a proud history of providing valuable insights into the costs of water and sewer services specifically for municipalities within the MWRA system. Established to help local governments assess their rates and compare them with neighboring communities, this survey has evolved to include more comprehensive data and a broader range of topics. The results not only inform local decision-makers but also empower residents by increasing transparency and accountability regarding our water and sewer services.
Why Participate?
In just 15 to 30 minutes, your feedback can help shape the future of our water systems. The more responses we gather from MWRA communities, the stronger our collective voice becomes on essential issues like infrastructure improvements, PFAS management, and compliance with lead and copper regulations. Your participation is vital to ensuring that our community receives the attention and resources it deserves.
What Are We Seeking Input On This Year?
This year, we’re focusing on several critical topics that reflect the unique needs and challenges faced by MWRA communities. Key areas of focus include:
– Discount Programs: Does your community offer discounts on water and sewer services for senior citizens or low-income households?
– Revenue Management: Have you experienced revenue shortfalls due to lower-than-expected water usage in recent years?
– Water and Sewer Rates: What are the different rate structures for multi-unit homes and commercial buildings in your area?
– Lead Service Lines: How many lead, galvanized requiring replacement, and unknown service lines have been identified, and what programs are in place for their replacement?
– Stormwater Needs: Have you assessed your community’s stormwater capital needs, and what are the anticipated costs?
These questions are designed to gather comprehensive data that will aid in addressing the pressing regulatory matters facing our MWRA communities.
Your Input Matters
Every voice within the MWRA system matters in this survey, and your insights will directly influence our advocacy efforts. By participating, you’re not just filling out a form; you’re contributing to a larger movement aimed at ensuring that our water systems are sustainable, affordable, and effective.
Don’t wait—join us in making a difference today. Take the survey and help us pave the way for a better future for our MWRA communities!
Click here to participate in the survey!
Also Featured in the Report…
National Comparisons: A Broader Perspective on Water and Sewer Rates
While the 2024 Annual Water and Sewer Retail Rate Survey primarily emphasizes local insights, it also provides a critical comparison of water and sewer rates among over 30 national communities. This comparison includes cities such as:
– Portland, Oregon
– Las Vegas, Nevada
– Phoenix, Arizona
– Atlanta, Georgia
– Chicago, Illinois
– Los Angeles, California
– New York, New York
By examining these diverse cities, the survey offers valuable context that allows Massachusetts communities to see how their rates and services stack up against those across the country.
Non-MWRA Communities: Total Annual Water and Sewer Bills
The 2024 survey provides data on total annual water and sewer bills for most non-MWRA Massachusetts communities across all counties, using a standard of 120 HCF (hundred cubic feet) for comparison. By compiling this information, the survey allows residents and policymakers to evaluate how their total bills stack up against those in neighboring areas, offering crucial insights into regional differences.