Your area Not set — showing everywhere
Issue · Winchester, MA

Water and Sewer Rate Increases

A 7% rate increase plus potential tier changes will raise utility bills for all residents amid MWRA cost pressures.

Overview

The Board approved a 7% level increase and agreed to explore a fourth usage tier to shift costs to high-volume users. Residents argued the current service fee structure is regressive for low-income households.

Arguments in favor
Increase needed to meet retained earnings targets given MWRA assessments and capital needs.
select-board 2026-03-16
For
Arguments against
Current structure unfairly burdens low-volume and low-income users.
select-board 2026-03-30
Against
What's next

Implementation of 7% increase with further tier analysis.

Where it was discussed
Meetings that took up this issue.
Select Board
2026-03-30
Meeting →
Select Board
2026-03-16
Meeting →
water ratessewer ratestier structure