Water and Sewer Service and Stoneham
The MWRA and how our rates compare to other communities
MWRA Water and Sewer Service in Stoneham, MA
How It All Works
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is the wholesale provider of both water and sewer services to Stoneham. MWRA sources water from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, and the Ware River, treats it centrally, and then delivers it to member communities. Each of the 61 towns (58 in the Greater Boston Area), including Stoneham, operates and maintains its own local distribution network, billing system, and customer support through its Department of Public Works (DPW).
The MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority) water system is known for its high quality and cleanliness. The system draws its water from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, which are recognized for having some of the purest source water in the country. MWRA meets all federal and state drinking water standards, and in most cases, cannot even detect contaminants, according to the MWRA.
MWRA Service Map, with most services in the greater Boston Area
Infrastructure and Maintenance
Stoneham’s DPW Water/Sewer Division is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and enhancement of the town’s water and wastewater systems. Key functions include:
The specific functions include:
Operation and maintenance of the Town’s 5 sewer pumping stations, approximately 75 miles of water mains, and 800 fire hydrants.
Maintain 75 miles of sewer and 6,100 water service connections and water meters.
Maintaining and repairing all facilities required to supply water/sewer service to the residents and businesses of Stoneham
Replace and oversee the replacement of approximately 1 mile of water main pipe per year. Replace water meters on a 15 year cycle
Ensuring that the water provided meets all federal, state and local regulations for safe drinking water
Repair, replacement and rehabilitation of the Town’s sewer system to reduce/eliminate infiltration and inflow
Responding to citizen inquiries and complaints relative to water quality, poor pressure, leaks and water bills; sewer plugs and odors
Conducting quarterly and monthly readings and billings of the Town’s water/sewer customers
Repairing leaks in water mains and water services in a timely manner to avoid the waste of water
Conducting an annual water distribution system flushing program
Maintaining fire hydrants to ensure that the domestic and fire protection needs of Stoneham are met
Coordinate and oversee the Town’s water service backflow device program
Billing and Rates
Water Rates
In setting water rates, MWRA first identifies through its budgeting process the total amount of revenue that must be raised to run the water system. Charges are calculated using a flat rate per million gallons – $4,991.08 for FY2025 – times the metered water use by a community in the last full calendar year.
Sewer Rates
Sewer charges are computed on a proportional allocation basis utilizing total flow, contributing population and census population for each community. The total amount of required revenue for the sewer system is allocated either to operating costs or capital costs. Operating costs are allocated to each community based on the average of the prior three calendar years’ total flow, with adjustments for strength of flow.
For FY 2026, Stoneham’s preliminary wholesale assessments are:
Water: $4,019,561 (up 9.5 % from $3,617,848 in FY 2025)
Sewer: $6,154,248 (up 1.1% from $6,085,041 in FY 2025)
Combined: $10,173,809 (up 4.5% from $9,756,889 in FY 2025)
Retail Rates and Customer Billing
Stoneham DPW reads water meters quarterly and issues combined water and sewer bills on a quarterly basis. Key retail rates and billing details for FY 2024 include:
Water rate: $6.95 per hundred cubic feet (HCF)
Sewer rate: $12.25 per HCF
Typical annual cost for 80 HCF (≈ 60,000 gallons):
Water: $556.00
Sewer: $980.00
Combined: $1,536.00
Billing frequency: Quarterly
Water Quality and Consumer Confidence
MWRA tests drinking water delivered to Stoneham for hundreds of contaminants, including disinfection byproducts, metals, and microbial indicators. In 2024, Stoneham’s tap water showed no exceedances of any EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for parameters such as barium, monochloramine, fluoride, nitrate, total trihalomethanes, and haloacetic acids. MWRA’s 2024 Annual Water Quality Report confirms that all member communities, including Stoneham, met every federal and state standard, with turbidity and microbial tests consistently well below action levels. Detailed community letters are published annually on MWRA’s website to keep residents fully informed of local test results.
Comparison to Local Communities
Stoneham’s retail water and sewer rates are shaped largely by MWRA’s wholesale assessments, which typically account for about 45% of the total revenue each community needs to bill its customers. While MWRA sets a flat wholesale water rate, and allocates sewer costs based on flow and strength, local DPWs add distribution, maintenance, and capital surcharges, so retail rates vary across the region.
A great dashboard with 2024 statewide data can be found here. Stoneham’s rates are on the lower end in comparison to nearby communities.
Comparison of water and sewer rates in nearby communities.
Conclusion
The partnership between MWRA and Stoneham DPW delivers a robust water and sewer system that combines large-scale resource management with attentive local oversight. MWRA’s centralized treatment and uniform wholesale assessments ensure consistent water quality and operational reliability, while Stoneham’s DPW maintains the distribution network, handles emergencies, and provides responsive customer service.
Stoneham’s retail rates reflect both MWRA’s wholesale charges and the town’s necessary infrastructure investments, positioning it modestly above some urban peers but below several town neighbors. Rigorous testing confirms compliance with every EPA and state standard, and transparent billing practices, senior discounts, and dispute resolution processes keep residents informed and protected.
Looking forward, continued capital upgrades, meter replacements, and proactive maintenance will help manage future demand and control leakage. As wholesale rates evolve, Stoneham’s emphasis on efficient local operations and community engagement will remain key to balancing affordability with high-quality service.
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