Water Commission Approves 5 Percent Sewer Rate Hike

Water · Meeting of August 25, 2026

Millbury's Water Commission approved a 5 percent sewer rate increase for fiscal year 2027, setting the rate at $15.50 per 1,000 gallons with a $31 minimum charge. The move came after staff warned Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District assessments, which make up 53.1 percent of the sewer budget, could roughly double to $4 million a year if EPA-mandated nutrient removal and overflow projects run expensive in the 2030s. Member Gary calculated the increase would cost a typical household using 5,000 gallons a quarter about 70 cents more per quarter, or $14 a year.

The commission also approved a net $58,768 inflow-and-infiltration invoice to W.S. Development for Blackstone Shops properties, after crediting the developer $23,760 for pump station upkeep, and approved two new drain layer's licenses and four sewer connection permits, including one for an unscheduled Raymond Street item. "I'd feel more than comfortable with it, I think it's the only prudent thing to do," one member said of the rate hike.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,219 words

Source: the Water meeting of August 25, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.