Metering

BWSC uses an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system to read your water meter remotely, thereby eliminating estimated readings and the need for meter readers to enter your property. If for some reason, the AMR is not working, your account will be billed using an estimated meter reading based on average usage. Your account will be adjusted automatically when the system is operational.

The AMR data is used to calculate water consumption for billing purposes. Your sewer charges are calculated based on your water consumption. Customers can view their water consumption online. Daily and monthly water usage readings are listed and displayed graphically. Customers can monitor usage to evaluate personal conservation efforts, track unusual usage patterns and identify costly leaks. With information about leaks, property owners can take action quickly to make repairs, resulting in savings. 

BWSC manages the replacement of broken or missing water meters and meter transmission units (MTU). Upon notification that a meter or MTU is broken or missing, BWSC will install a new meter or MTU. 

BWSC will charge for this service if it is determined that the property owner was negligent or that the meter or MTU was vandalized, tampered with or lost in service. BWSC will replace a frozen meter and your account will be assessed a meter replacement fee. BWSC must be notified if the property owner is planning any plumbing work that might impact BWSC’s meter. For more information, contact Customer Service at 617-989-7800.

Customers may be eligible for a sewer abatement if water that enters a property does not enter BWSC's sewer system. 

Sewer Abatement

Submetering allows property owners to install submeters for residential tenants and to bill tenants for their water and sewer usage. The master water meter for the building, to which the submeters are connected, remains the property of BWSC. All submetering has to be piped after the BWSC master meter.

The property owner is responsible for any amounts billed from BWSC’s master water meter. BWSC is not responsible for reading, installing, maintaining and repairing the submeters.

For more information see the Massachusetts Submetering Law, MGLc.186,s.22.

If BWSC or a property owner suspects that a meter is registering improperly, the meter will be tested by BWSC. 

Suspect A Leak Information 

All meter tests are performed according to the accuracy standards of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). In addition, our testing equipment is inspected and certified yearly by an ISO/IEC registered calibration organization.

When BWSC determines that a meter replacement is needed, BWSC will remove the meter and a letter is mailed that explains the meter testing process. If an owner feels that the old meter has given inaccurate reads, the owner has 10 days from the removal date to request a meter test.

If a property owner initiated the request for a meter to be tested, there is a fee. The fee is $315.00 for a 5/8 inch meter, which is found in most homes and small businesses. If test results show a meter is over-registering by more than 1.5%, the meter fee will not be charged to the account and the account will be adjusted appropriately. If BWSC determines that the meter has been tampered with, the property owner may incur a fine. See table below for other testing fees.

Implemented January 1, 2021

To request a meter test, please contact Customer Service at 617-989-7800.