Billing Frequently Asked Questions (and answers)

Does the sewer bill you just received seem too high?  This Q&A below should help.  Before you call the LSDC there are a number of things you should know about how bills are calculated.  You will also find a street-by-street billing average where you can compare your use against the average for your neighborhood..

First off, I thought I just paid a bill to the town, what’s this sewer bill?
The Lancaster Sewer District Commission is a municipal utility company, separate from the Town of Lancaster.  What you probably just paid was a water bill.  You may be a new customer or we may be behind on billing so you haven't seen one of our bills in a while.

OK, I get it, you’re separate from the Town.  Can I still pay my sewer bill at the Town Hall with my water bill?
No you cant.  The Town does not collect sewer bills for the LSDC.  Instead, you can pay your sewer bills in person at our office or use our drop box for after hours payments by check.  Or you can mail them to us at PO BOX 774, South Lancaster, MA, 01523.  Call ahead at 978-365-7016 or check our homepage to check for current office hours. 

How often will I get these bills?
Typically, we bill quarterly which means you will get one every three months.  From time to time we will need to purposely delay a bill so that you will have three bills one year and five the next.

How is my bill calculated?
Your sewer bill is based on your water usage.  This is a common way of generating sewer bills used by cities and towns across the country.  The theory is that if you draw the water into your home it eventually ends up in the sewer.  The more water you use the higher your sewer bill will be.  The LSDC uses a flat rate system with a minimum use charge.  Once you use more than he minimum use, you will be charged the same rate for every gallon you use. 

What is the minimum use charge?
The minimum is currently $38.50

How do you get my water use, do I have a sewer meter that you read?
We have an agreement with the water department.  After they read your meter and complete their billing they share their meter data with us so that we can generate our bills.  There is no sewer meter.

What is this ‘CF’ I see on the bills with a bunch of numbers next to it?
“CF” stands for Cubic Feet.  It’s the unit of measurement that is used on water meters.  Where CF is indicated on your bill is the usage for the three month period being billed. 1 Cubic Foot is equivalent to 7.481 Gallons.

What is my rate based on and why do rates increase periodically?
We base our rate on what we are charged by the MWRA treatment plant that treats the sewerage.  The majority of our costs are fixed and we recoup those costs through our rates.  When the treatment costs go up we typically reevaluate what we are charging customers and determine if we can absorb the increase in treatment costs.  If we cannot, our only choice is to increase rates. 

How does the LSDC’s rates compare to other cities and towns?
According to annual rate surveys, the LSDC is right in the middle of the pack compared to other cities and towns.  We work hard to contain costs and keep rates low and have actually only had three rate increases in the past 15 years.

So, my rate is set every few years and you bill me based on my water use...  how much of my water use is charged to sewer use?
All of it.  We calculate rates based on 100% of your water use. 

What about summertime outdoor water use?  That water isn’t going into the sewer. 
It’s true that outdoor water use is not going into the sewer.  However, our rate calculation takes that into consideration.  We simply divide our total treatment costs by 100% water use to get the per gallon rate.  If we discounted for typical outdoor water use your per gallon rate would need to be increased because our treatment costs are fixed and still need to be recouped.

Do you make any exceptions for extraordinary use? I put a new pool in and used a lot of water to fill it.
We do make exceptions and will gladly abate (reduce) your bill for unusual water spikes for something like a pool fill up.  Please download and submit a Usage Abatement Request Form

What about if it was a dry summer and my use was high.  Can I get an abatement for that too?
Unfortunately, we cant just give you an abatement to you because your use was high.  Most summertime outdoor water use is considered “typical” and is already accounted for in our rate structure.  You would need to be able to quantify an extraordinary use so that we can apply a number to it.  We understand that you may have used a lot of water on your lawn or your garden but unless you can show that it was unusual use we cant give you an abatement.

What type of use is considered extraordinary that you will allow an abatement for?
The most common type is pool fill ups.  But there are numerous other circumstances where an abatement will be considered.  They key is that the use has to be something that can be quantified.  You as the customer need to provide some compelling proof that the use is unusual and that you can reasonably calculate the unusual amount that you are seeking an abatement on. 

I have a lawn irrigation system and use a lot of water.  Is there an abatement for that?
We consider most automatic sprinkler systems to be an extraordinary use and we have an abatement program for these systems.  Make sure your system meets our criteria before you apply for an abatement.

My bill seems very high.  What’s causing it to be so high?
A high sewer bill can be caused by a number of factors.  Most likely it’s probably because your water use was high.  Again, we base our sewer bill on 100% of your water use.  Examine your sewer bill and find the quarter being billed.  The sewer district typically bills about one quarter behind the water bills.  Check this quarter with your sewer bill and compare the usage.  If it’s the same usage number then your sewer bill was accurate.

My bills match but my use still seems high and I suspect there is a problem with my water meter or the reading.  What can I do?
You need to contact the Lancaster Water Department.  They will come to your home and examine your meter for problems.  If they discover a problem that adjusts your use then we will be happy to adjust your sewer bill accordingly.

I suspect an error.  How do I get it corrected?
Errors do sometimes occur.  If you have compared your water bill to your sewer bill and found that the use is different you should fill out an Usage Abatement Request Form.

I spoke to my neighbors and their bills were not as high as mine.  Are you sure this bill is correct?
If you have already compared your sewer bill against your water bill and confirmed your use then yes, your bill is correct.  The LSDC publishes street by street averages that might be helpful in determining if your water use is too high.

I’ve looked at my bill, it’s correct but it’s high. Is there anything else I can do?
Be water conscious and conserve water.  See our Water Conservation and Maintenance page for tips on reducing your water usage and your sewer bill.

My bill indicates that I have an overdue balance but I’m sure I paid.  What’s the problem.
Please confirm with us that the amount was paid and we’ll be happy to correct your bill.  To prove payment we will need a front and backside copy of the cashed check.