Harwich Water & Wastewater Department

2023 Annual Water Quality Report (CCR)

2023 Annual Report of the Water Department (Town Report)

2022 Annual Water Quality Report (CCR)

2022 Annual Report of the Water Department (Town Report)

2021 Annual Water Quality Report (CCR)

2021 Annual Report of the Water Department (Town Report)

2020 Annual Report of the Water Department (Town Report)

2020 Annual Water Quality Report (aka Consumer Confidence Report)

2019 Annual Report of the Water Department (Town Report)

2019 Annual Water Quality Report (aka Consumer Confidence Report)

2018 Annual Report of the Water Department (from Town Report)

2018 Annual Water Quality Report

• 11/6/24 Invitation To Bid: Valve Isolation Equipment System. View Bid
• 2024 Fall Flushing; October 7th through December 31, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. in the areas of Pleasant Lake and North > Flushing FAQ's
• Invitation to Bid: FY 2025 Water Works Supplies | Awarded to Ferguson Waterworks
• Town Phase 3 Wastewater Engagement Forum; 10/1/2 6:30 p.m. @ Community Center. View Project Info.
• It's official!!  Our new Water & Wastewater Superintendent, Jason Trepanier, joins our department on Monday, August 26, 2024.  Congratulations Jason and welcome!
• Voluntary Water Restrictions:  Please consider conserving water staying within the days and hours > Odd number houses: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday  |  Even number houses: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday "Before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m".
• Spring Flushing is now complete! 
• Seasonal Laborers Wanted. The pay range is $16.82-$18.94/hr.  View Job Description.  Email Application to tracey.alves@harwich-ma.gov 
• Congratulations Noreen Donahue, on another 3-year term as Water & Wastewater Commissioner!
• Congratulations to Bob Young!!  We look forward to your contributions as a newly elected Water & Wastewater Commissioner!
• Thank you Gary Carreiro for your committment and dedication over the past 9 years as Water and Wastewater Commissioner.  You will be missed!!   
• JOB OPENING:  Harwich Water & Wastewater Superintendent job posting has been extended to Friday, June 28th, 2024  > View Job Posting & Description.
• 4/01 - 6/30/24 | Spring Flushing Monday-Thursday 6:00p-12a as weather permits > Flushing FAQ's 
• 5/15/24 Planned power outage at Water Department office on 5/15/24 from 7a-12p (approx) in preparation for generator replacement.
• Sewer Phase 3 Project Map (.pdf)  |  Wastewater Phase 3 Interactive Map
• 4/17/24 | Job Posting: Harwich Water & Wastewater Superintendent > View Job Posting & Description.
• 4/16/24 | 2023 Consumer Confidence Report is now available > View
• 4/16/24 | New Composting Program to begin 7/1/24 > Learn more
• 4/10-4/11/24 | Water Emergency; Do Not Drink Water; limited to are of North Harwich was lifted on 4/11/24.
• 4/01-6/30/24 | Spring Flushing Monday-Thursday 6:00p-12a as weather permits > Flushing FAQ's  
• 2/12/24 | Phase 3 Septic As-built Ties are available > View P3 Septic As-Built & Septic System Download
• 2/8/24 | Phase 3 Map and Updates are available > View Map | View Project Updates
• 2/1/24 | Phase 2 Sewer Order to Connect has been extended to March 1, 2025.
• 12/5/23 | Fall Flushing is now complete!  Thank you for your patience.
• 10/23/23 | The Town of Harwich Water Department is accepting sealed bids for furnishing and delivery of General Water Works Supplies for the period of August 11, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Bid awarded to Cape Cod Winwater!
• 9/13/23 | Fall Flushing begins September 18th and runs through December 2023, Monday - Thursday from 6:00pm to 12a (weather permitting). Flushing will begin in East Harwich and finish in South Harwich. View Flushing FAQ's  
• 7/11/23 | Water Department job openings; Electrician/Journeyman, Secondary Distribution Operator and (2) Seasonal Laborer Positions | View Job Postings & Job Descriptions.  Positions have been filled as of 9/13/23. Thank you.
• 06/08/23 | Spring flushing is now complete - Thank you for you patience! 
• 05/03/23 | Emergency Generators and Transfer Switches RE-BID. Bid awarded to FM Generator!
• 04/13/23 | The Harwich Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners will be holding a public hearing April 27, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at the Harwich Water Department, 196 Chatham Road, Harwich, MA 02645.  The purpose of the hearing is to receive public input regarding changes to General Bylaws, Chapter 300 Water §300-5, §300-16. Violations and Penalties.... View Legal Ad  |   View General Bylaws, Chapter 300
• 04/10/23 | Water Main Flushing begins in the areas of Route 39, Harwich Center and North Harwich, Monday through Thursday from 6 PM TO 12AM, through June 30, 2023.  View Flushing FAQ's
• 03/02/23 | Need assistance with the cost of your sewer connection?  Cape Cod AquiFund offers low-interest betterment loans for Cape Cod homeowners faced with the cost of replacement of septic sytems and installation of advanced onsite water treatement units now includes sewer connections. Learn more
• 02/23/23 | Emergency Generators and Transfer Switches bid > View Bid
• 01/24/23 | Water/Sewer bills were delayed, but have been mailed. We apologize for the delay and thank you for your patience. Water Department Staff.
• 10/26/22 | As of Wednesday, October 26^th, the Board of Water & Wastewater Commissioners voted to lift the outdoor watering ban in Harwich. Please be advised, water ban citations issued up to this date remain due and payment should be made to the Town Clerk’s Office. Once again, the outdoor watering ban has been lifted in the Town of Harwich. Thank you for your cooperation during the ban.
• 10/18/22 |  Request for Quote for Well 7 Rehabilitation Pump Removal & Replacement > Link to RFQ download(s)
• 09/22/22 |  Special Town Meeting, Article #1 Maps >> Route 28 PS Sites_CLR and Phase 3 PS Sites_CLR
• 08/29/22 |  Invitation for Bid: Water Distribution Materials Bulk Purchase View Bid
• 07/29/22 |  Mandatory Outdoor Water Ban, Effective 8/1/22; View Notice and  Learn More -->USGS Chart
• 07/08/22 |  Water Department Job Posting: Secondary Distribution Operator D2, view posting and job description
• 06/17/22 | Invitation For Bid:  Domestic Water Meters > View Bid
• 06/16/22 | BOWWC Public Hearing Outcome: Rates & Fees were adopted and become effective 7/1/22.  Property Acquisitions will move forward.  
• 05/26/22 | A Public Hearing will be held in the Griffin Room at Harwich Town Hall on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. for items; 1. Proposed Water Rates & Fees Increases and 2. Aquisition of Property through Eminent Domain. View Rates & Fees |  Property Acquisition Locations >> Assessors Parcel 43-E-7-0 (0.48 acres), 43-E-9-0 (0.96 acres), 43-E-9A-0 (0.82 acres), 43-E-10-0 (0.97 acres) and 43-E-12-0 (4.51 acres) 
• 04/01/22 | Spring Flushing Notice is scheduled for April 11th - June 30th, 2022.  Flushing FAQ's
• 04/01/22 | Annual Water Quality Report 2021 is now available.
• 03/14/22 | Fertilizer Policy Guidelines Education
• 03/09/22 | New Payment Options: VISA, Venmo, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal and PayPal Credit
• 02/09/22 | Order to Connect to Sewer & Welcome Packet has been mailed to the first round of property owners; 265 total. Read more
• Secondary Distribution Operator (2 Openings) > Positions have been filled.
• Fall Flushing 2021 in South Harwich Area; Monday-Thursday 6-11p October 5 through December, weather pending. Flushing FAQ's
• Sewer Bill Estimates for Phase 2, first-to-connect future customers, is now available -> Sewer Bill Estimates
• Sewer Rates; effective 7/16/21 -> Sewer Rates
• New Water Rates; effective 7/1/21 -> Water Rates
• New Sewer Use Regulations were adopted; effective 5/26/21 -> Sewer Use Regulations
• Water Rules & Regulations were updated and adopted; effective 5/26/21. -> Water Rules & Regulations 
• Proposed Sewer Rates Proposed, effective 7/16/21.  Public hearing will be held on July 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Water Department office at 196 Chatham Road, Harwich MA 02645.
• Water Rate Increase Proposed, effective 7/1/21.  Public hearing will be held on June 30, 2021 @ 1:00 p.m. at the Water Department office at 196 Chatham Road, Harwich MA 02645.  
• Water Department Office, and Town Offices open tomorrow!  Water Department hours are M-F 8a-4:30p.  Please note that we will be closed on Friday 6/18/21 in observance of Juneteenth.  
• Welcome to our newest members of the Water/Wastewater Commission; Noreen Donahue and John Gough!!
• MANDATORY Water Restrictions - Please be advised that in response to the level 1 drought declaration and lower than average groundwater levels the Harwich Water Department has implemented mandatory odd/even watering schedule effective immediately.  Learn More -->USGS Chart
• 2020 Consumer Confidence / Annual Water Quality Report is now available.
• View News Feed Archive; 2020 and prior

In preparation for the Phase 2 Sewer Project, water and septic plans for those customers that will be sewered can be found by following the links below:

Water Plans 

Septic Plans

Phase 2 Existing Conditions CAD File

You may also request water plans by emailing customerservice@harwichwater.com and septic plans by emailing health@town.harwich.ma.us or you can visit the water department office for water plans and the health department office for septic plans.  Locations and contact information are as follows:

Water Department, 196 Chatham Road, Phone 508-432-0304 x0

Health Department Office, 732 Main Street, Town Hall 2nd Floor, Phone 508-430-7509.

Thank you.

There are many ways to pay your water bill and we would like to share these options with you:      

ONLINE from www.harwichwater.com.  This method is a paperless payment option.  Cost ranges from .40 if paying by check (a.k.a. ACH payment) or 2.95% of balance being paid if using a credit card.  Sorry, we do not accept VISA.  You can also contact our office at 508-432-0304 x0 and request payment over the phone.    

ONLINE through your bank or other bill payment service.  This method generates a check that is mailed without a payment coupon and therefore should be mailed to Collector of Taxes, 732 Main Street, Harwich MA 02645.  To ensure proper credit, please be sure to write your account number on check.

BY MAIL with payment coupon.  Payment by mail with payment coupon, which is the bottom perforated section of the water bill, should be mailed to Collector of Taxes, PO Box 802, Reading MA 01867-0407. 

BY MAIL without payment coupon.  Payment by mail without payment coupon, which is the bottom perforated section of the water bill, should be mailed to Collector of Taxes, 732 Main Street, Harwich MA 02645.  To ensure proper credit, please be sure to write your account number on check.

IN PERSON at Town Hall, Collector of Taxes.  Water bill payments are only accepted in person at the Collector of Taxes window at Town Hall.  Town Hall hours prior to 1/1/19 are Monday 8:30a-8:00p, Tuesday thru Thursday 8:30a-4:00p and Friday 8:30a-12:00p.  Monday holidays move evening hours to Tuesday.  Beginning 1/1/19, Town Hall hours change to Monday thru Friday from 8:30a-4:00p.

DROP BOX at Town Hall.  Drop box is always an option 24/7.  The drop box is located at the rear entrance to Town Hall which is located at 732 Main Street, Harwich MA 02645.

We would like to remind our customers that we do not accept water bill payments at the Water Department office by mail or in person.  The Water Department office will be glad to assist you with billing issues and water service needs, we just cannot accept payment at our location.

Since the inception of the Water Enterprise fund in FY2006, the Collector of Taxes has been deemed the processor of all payments.  Twelve years later the Water Department office is still receiving a tremendous number of payments.  Please double-check that you are using the correct remittance address.    

Whether or not a payment coupon accompanies your payment is the determining factor of the remittance address.  With a payment coupon, the mail to is PO Box 802, Reading MA 01867 and without the coupon it is 732 Main Street, Harwich MA 02645. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 508-432-0304 x0.

Thank you,

Water Department Administration

2017 Annual Report of the Water Department

2017 Annual Water Quality Report

Attention Customers:

It is that time of year when water pipes are burst water pipes.  Do you know where the master shut off valve is for your water service?  Many do not  The Water Department highly recommends that you become familiar with shutting the water off for your own protection against property damage.  Here is a great how-to instructional link to assist you.  As always, our technicians are available for emergencies 24/7 by contacting our office at 508-432-0304.  If it is outside of our business hours, there are recorded prompts to report an emergency.

HOW-TO TURN WATER OFF AT METER <<----click link to view instructions.

2016 Town Report - Water Department

2016 Annual Water Quality Report 

Drinking Water Quality Report, Issue #20 PWS ID #4126000 (.pdf)

The Harwich Water Department (HWD) is pleased to report that Harwich water meets or exceeds required water quality standards. This annual Consumer Confidence Report provides important water source data, monitoring, and test results. If you have questions about this report, please contact Superintendent, Dan Pelletier at 508-432-0304. Additional information is available on our website and at the HWD office located at 196 Chatham Rd.

Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)t

Water Department Section of the Town Report

The Board of Water Commissioners, Superintendent Pelletier and the Harwich Water Department Staff thank the residents of Harwich for your authorization of our Department Articles. The following articles were approved at Town Meeting, May 2, 2016:

• Article 7 - Water Department Budget
• Article 21 - Purchase of a New Excavator
• Article 22 - Lothrop Avenue Tank Replacement
• Article 23 - Purchase or Replacement of SCADA System (Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition System

To stay informed, capital project updates can be found on our website under the "About Us" menu or by clicking here.

2015 Report of the Water Department

Agenda.pdf

2014 Report of the Harwich Water Department

Present: Chairman Donald T. Bates, Jr., Vice Chairman Danette Gonsalves, Clerk George Cavanaugh, Superintendent Craig Wiegand, Secretary Carol M. Connor

Meeting called to order at 8:20 AM by Chairman Bates.

Bill schedules signed as presented.

Service applications signed for:

1. 2038 Route 28
2. 144 Queen Anne Road
3. 160 Factory Road
4. 505 Long Pond Drive

Minutes of August 20, 2003: Danette Gonsalves made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Seconded by George Cavanaugh. Unanimous vote to approve.

The Board reviewed the abatement request for service #900. Our standby person was called out at 10:30 PM by the Harwich Police Dept. on August 21, 2003, for what appeared to be a water leak. When he arrived the owner had already shut the water off in the building. The problem was actually an overflow of the owner's septic system. This call generated a response from this department plus overtime pay for the responder, therefore a motion was made by Danette Gonsalves to deny the request for an abatement of the charges. The motion was seconded by George Cavanaugh. The Board voted unanimously to deny the abatement.

Harry McCafferty was present before the Board to explain a scenario of the Enterprise System that he and Geoff Weigman are studying to allow the Water Department to plan for the future in the best interest of both the Town of Harwich and for taxpayer services. It will also ascertain which assets belong to the Department and which belong to the Town. The Town would agree to provide certain benefits, such as the services of the Town Accountant, etc. and the Department would provide water to the Town buildings, and also fire protection. Land would belong to the Town, but would be under the jurisdiction of the Water Department. It was noted that in other towns the Water Department charges for water used by the different departments and for fire protection, and in exchange the towns charge for services rendered by the departments to the Water Department.

All excess income that is not committed to department use and capital improvements would be returned to the ratepayers. In the meantime, how is the money to be held? Dept of Revenue needs to provide guidance to the Town Accountant and to the Water Department. Per Wayne Melville, the tax rate cannot be set at this time due to the enabling legislature of the Water Department. Everyone needs to pay attention to any transitional year rules as well, and these rules need to be addressed with Kopelman & Paige. Mr. Melville will send a letter to them. The town needs to change the legislation of the Enabling Act, or go to an Enterprise Fund to straighten out the accounting issue. If the Enterprise Fund is created, the Water Department could keep a percentage of surplus money in a reserve fund, and certain amounts can be set aside for certain projects. Recap sheet has to be submitted to the Dept of Revenue per Mr. Melville, therefore this needs to be resolved as soon as possible. The Board will hold a workshop once a ruling from town counsel is received. Also, town counsel should review the article proposed for town meeting.

Per Wayne Melville, the Conservation Commission will be reviewing the town owned cranberry bog in the area of well #10 at a meeting in the near future. We will be advised of when that meeting will be.

Superintendent's report given by Mr. Wiegand.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.

Donald T. Bates,Jr., Chairman
Danette Gonsalves, Vice Chairman
George Cavanaugh, Clerk
Craig Wiegand, Superintendent

Present: Chairman Donald T. Bates, Jr., Vice Chairman Danette Gonsalves, Clerk George Cavanaugh, Superintendent Craig Wiegand, Secretary Carol M. Connor

Meeting called to order at 8:15 AM by Chairman Bates.

No service applications to be signed.

Deborah Fuller addressed the Board regarding shut-off's for non-payment of bills. At the present time there are 12 scheduled. Any persons that are on payment plans will be held off unless they do not adhere to payment schedule. Danette Gonsalves made a motion to go ahead with the turn off's as planned with notification to the Board. George Cavanaugh seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimous to approve.

Mark White of Environmental Partners Group gave a presentation on upcoming field activities. Andy Miller (hydrologist) also present. Mr. Miller has previously been working at the Mass Military Reservation/Otis National Guard Base with their water problems. The effects on the ponds in the area of the test wells are being studied and Environmental Partners is creating a groundwater model. Well #10 was permitted in 1989, and the effects on surrounding ponds were not as big an issue at that time. Groundwater fluctuates approximately 4" each season in the area. Should there be a wellfield in this area instead of just 1 additional well is a question they will be addressing. Pumping rates and days have been started at different depth zones and are in the early stages now, but show major impact in the shallow well zone. Medium and deep well effects are fairly similar and impact approximately 500 ft on the surrounding area. Water that is pumped out during testing may be put into the cranberry bog which also has an overflow into Robbins Pond. A meeting has been scheduled on August 20th with the Cape Cod Commission staff to bring them up to date on findings.

Motion made by Danette Gonsalves to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2003 meeting. George Cavanaugh seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous to approve.

A contract in the amount of $52,100.00 was signed for the studies and modeling, etc. done by Environmental Partners Group.

Abatements approved for services #2585, 6088, 7402, and 2343. Abatements denied for services #1495, 1498, and 6691.

The Board reviewed the 2nd request for abatement for service #6622. The circumstances have not changed from the previous request, therefore, the Board voted to deny the request again.

Discussion with Wayne Melville:

1) A letter from Mr. Johnson, Dept of Revenue, Director of Accounts denying the use of emergency funds for water tank repairs was received by Mr. Melville. He then proceeded to call Mr. Johnson and explained the circumstances and another letter has been sent seeking approval.

2) The Board of Selectmen voted at their meeting against the installation of a water service on the Tody Bole cul-de-sac. A letter has been sent from the Board of Selectmen to those residents.

3) Question asked if a line item for capital improvements can be put in the Water Department budget? Mr. Melville answered that it could, but money would have to be spent all in that year. If not, it should be put in an article. This would be good year to propose the article.

4) An update was given on the Stagg appellant court case. Town Counsel has filed a motion to have the hearing dropped because the paperwork was not filed on time by Mr. Stagg. A ruling should be coming forward within a few days.

Ti-Sales quoted $95.00 for radio reads for meters. Superintendent Wiegand did not think this price was good enough so he pursued it further and the price is currently at $79.80.

Department heads meeting to be held on August 12, 2003, at 1:00 PM, in the meeting room at the Fire Department.

Meeting adjourned at 9:50 AM.

Donald T. Bates,Jr., Chairman
Danette Gonsalves, Vice Chairman
George Cavanaugh, Clerk
Craig Wiegand, Superintendent

Present: Chairman Donald T. Bates, Jr.; Vice Chairman Danette Gonsalves, Clerk George Cavanaugh, Superintendent Craig Wiegand, Town Administrator Wayne Melville, Secretary Carol M. Connor

Chairman Bates called the meeting to order at 8:15 AM.

Bill schedules signed as presented.

Service Applications signed:

1. 340 Queen Anne Road

George Cavanaugh made a motion to approve the minutes of June 10, 2003 as written. Donald Bates seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous to approve.

Appointment:

8:30: Woodlands area residents - Several neighbors in the Woodlands development appeared before the Board to request some type of water spigot in the triangle area of Tody Bole and Beriah Brooks Roads in their development which they plant and maintain. This area is town owned land and is under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen, therefore they will have to go to that Board to see if they would approve setting up a tap and spigot for watering purposes. The residents stated they would be willing to pay for the cost of installation of the equipment and for the water they use. They were asking the Water Commissioners support in pursuing this request further. Mr. Wiegand offered to have the Water Dept obtain an estimate for the residents.

8:45: Peter Stagg - Mr. Stagg is contesting a high consumption and charge on his water bill. The Board had a history of usage at Mr. Stagg's property and noted that this high consumption has happened previously. When asked about this Mr. Stagg stated that he was washing everyone's car that came in for service in the early 1990's. Then his car wash started developing problems and jumping off the track. It was repaired according to an invoice dated 05/08/01, that Mr. Stagg had and pipes were replaced at that time. On 08/09/01, an arm broke on the machine and he stated that he has not used it since, but now uses a hose to wash cars. Mr. Stagg claims that he did not use the amount of water stated on the bill sent to him and that the meter was wrong. As stated in previous minutes, the meter had been removed and tested by an independent lab. It was found to be 99% accurate, therefore, the Board maintains that the reading on the meter is correct. The Appellate Court date is July 29, 2003, in the meeting room at Barnstable Municipal Airport.

Superintendent's report. Mr. Wiegand added that the bylaw for irrigation should include mandatory rain sensors, and should include a penalty clause.

Discussion with Geoff Weigman - The F/Y '97 statute of limitations is due to expire and needs to be renewed. Also a legal interpretation of what is covered and not covered is needed. George Cavanaugh questioned where the money is going to come from in the end to equalize past practices. Original cost of land, equipment, and plants, etc. needs to be considered per Mr. Weigman. This is still a town agency per Mr. Cavanaugh, and would be even as an enterprise fund. The Board needs to obtain a legal opinion and guidance. Per Mr. Melville there is a letter coming from town counsel stating that the costs are not recoupable. Water revenues have been very close in past years according to figures computated by the Town Accountant. It is up to Town Meeting, along with the Water Commissioners, Town Administrator, and Town Accountant to determine what charges are to be charged back. Question raised that if this was an enterprise fund who would determine how long, and how much other departments would charge the Water Dept. Cross charging can become a problem, but a multiplier determined ahead of time could be used per Mr. Melville, and then adjusted as necessary. In the billing process, should the town be billed as a one whole object or should each department be charged separately? The schools would definitely be the largest consumer. Per Mr. Melville, subsequent to the enabling act a town meeting was required, and no record ever found of that.

Discussion regarding funding repairs to Route 39 tank. Go ahead and fund project through the stabilization fund due to emergency conditions per Mr. Melville. George Cavanaugh made a motion to have Superintendent Wiegand follow through with obtaining this funding. Danette Gonsalves seconded the motion. Unanimous vote to approve.

Per Mr. Wiegand, on the recent bid for supplies the specifications were changed to reflect a better value and pricing for the Department.

Meeting adjourned at 10:00 AM.

Donald T. Bates,Jr., Chairman
Danette Gonsalves, Vice Chairman
George Cavanaugh, Clerk
Craig Wiegand, Superintendent