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5 Critical Updates From The City Of Haverhill MA Water Department: Rates, Drought, And $14.7M Projects In Late 2025

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The City of Haverhill Water Department is currently navigating one of its most dynamic periods in recent history, with critical updates impacting every resident's wallet, water usage, and local infrastructure. As of late December 2025, the community is facing a declared drought emergency, significant financial adjustments to utility bills for the upcoming fiscal year, and a massive overhaul of its aging water and sewer systems.

This comprehensive report breaks down the most recent and essential information straight from official sources and recent public announcements, ensuring Haverhill residents and businesses are fully informed about the current state of their municipal water services, from the Kenoza Lake Water Treatment Plant to the pipes under their streets. Understanding these developments is key to managing household budgets and complying with current conservation mandates.

The Financial Shockwave: Understanding Haverhill’s New Water and Sewer Rates for FY 2025-2026

Haverhill residents are bracing for a substantial increase in their water and sewer bills, a change driven by the need to fund critical infrastructure upgrades and manage rising operational costs. The projected rate hikes for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 represent a major financial adjustment for the city's utility customers.

A Deep Dive into the Rate Increase

For an average household, the combined water and sewer bill is projected to jump significantly. While some earlier projections indicated a smaller rise, more recent figures point to a substantial quarterly administrative charge increase for water service, leading to an average annual increase of approximately $228 in FY 2025.

  • Water Rate Increase: The water rate is slated to increase by a substantial 20% for FY 2025-2026, moving from $7.38 to $8.87 for every 1,000 gallons of water used.
  • Sewer Rate Adjustments: Sewer rates are also increasing, compounding the total cost burden on homeowners and businesses.
  • Effective Date: These new rates are typically implemented at the start of the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1.

These adjustments are necessary to maintain the solvency of the Water Division and to secure funding for the multi-million dollar capital improvement plan. The city’s Water and Wastewater Services are self-sustaining, meaning all operational and upgrade costs must be covered by user fees, not property taxes.

Drought Emergency and Conservation Status: What Every Resident Needs to Know

In a critical announcement on December 18, 2025, the Haverhill Water Division officially declared a Drought Emergency. This declaration is a direct response to persistently low water levels in the city's key water sources and the broader regional drought conditions.

Current Restrictions and Mandates

While the City of Haverhill recently lifted prior water restrictions, the declaration of a Drought Emergency immediately shifts the focus back to mandatory conservation efforts. The current local drought stage was updated on December 10, 2025, indicating a severe need for public cooperation.

The city urges all residents and businesses to adhere to strict conservation measures to protect the public drinking water supply. Key water sources like Kenoza Lake and Lake Saltonstall are monitored closely by the Water Department to assess the severity of the situation.

Essential Conservation Tips:

  • Reduce non-essential outdoor water use, such as washing vehicles or watering lawns (where restrictions apply).
  • Check and repair all household leaks, including dripping faucets and running toilets.
  • Minimize indoor water consumption by taking shorter showers and running dishwashers and washing machines only when full.

The severity of the drought stage is determined in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and regional guidelines, underscoring the seriousness of the current water supply challenge.

Massive Infrastructure Overhaul: Key Water and Sewer Projects Transforming Haverhill

The City of Haverhill is currently engaged in a comprehensive, multi-year program to modernize its aging water and sewer infrastructure. These large-scale projects, funded in part by state grants and low-interest loans, are essential for improving water quality, increasing system reliability, and addressing environmental compliance issues.

Major Projects Underway or Planned for 2025/2026

The investment in infrastructure is substantial, with one major initiative alone—the Downtown Sewer and Water Project—estimated at $14.7 million. These projects are crucial for the long-term health of the city's utility systems.

  • Kenoza Lake Water Treatment Plant Upgrades: A significant ongoing project involves modernizing the Kenoza Lake Water Treatment Plant. This construction includes new processes, equipment, and chemical feed systems, ensuring the plant meets all current and future regulatory standards for drinking water quality.
  • Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Reduction: The city is actively working on its CSO program, which is mandated by the EPA and MassDEP. This includes the Locke Street Area Phase 1 Combined Sewer Separation and Water Project, with bids due in mid-2025. The goal is to separate stormwater and wastewater lines to reduce the discharge of untreated sewage into the Merrimack River during heavy rain events.
  • Wastewater Pumping Station Improvements: Critical upgrades are being made to several key wastewater pumping stations, including those at Alvanos Drive, Coffin Avenue, and Hanover Street. This work, awarded to contractors like DeFelice Corporation, is vital for preventing sewer backups and ensuring efficient wastewater transport.
  • Transmission Main Improvements: Phase 1 of the Transmission Main Improvements project is focused on enhancing the capacity and reliability of the main water lines that deliver treated water across the city.

These construction efforts will inevitably cause temporary disruptions in various neighborhoods, but they represent a necessary investment in public health and environmental protection for the future of Haverhill. Residents are advised to check the City of Haverhill website for specific project timelines and road closure notices.

Water Quality and the Annual Consumer Confidence Report

Every year, the Haverhill Water Department releases its Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which details the sources of the city's water and the results of all water quality testing. The 2024 report is currently available, providing transparency on the water's compliance with state and federal standards.

While the city maintains that its water is safe to drink and meets regulatory standards set by the Food and Drug Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, some independent analyses have raised concerns. One report suggests that Haverhill's water may have a small number of contaminants that exceed non-enforceable EPA health-based guidelines, recommending the use of a certified water filter for optimal protection.

The primary sources for Haverhill's water supply include surface water from local reservoirs and, when necessary, supplemental sources. The Kenoza Lake Water Treatment Plant is the hub for ensuring this water is properly treated before distribution. The Water Department encourages all residents to review the full 2024 CCR for a detailed breakdown of all tested substances.

Contacting the Haverhill Water Division and Next Steps

For immediate concerns, especially related to water main breaks, sewer backups, or other emergencies, the Water Division maintains contact information for both during and after business hours. The main office is located at Haverhill City Hall, 4 Summer Street, Haverhill MA, 01830.

The most effective way to stay informed about the rapidly changing situation—including drought status, rate implementation, and construction updates—is to regularly check the official City of Haverhill website. The combination of significant rate increases, a declared drought emergency, and extensive infrastructure work makes proactive awareness essential for every water user in the city.

5 Critical Updates from the City of Haverhill MA Water Department: Rates, Drought, and $14.7M Projects in Late 2025
city of haverhill ma water department
city of haverhill ma water department

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