Utilities

The Public Utility Division maintains and repairs water mains and installs and maintains water meters and hydrants throughout the City. Water-sewer bills are issued quarterly.

Sewer

The division also maintains sewer pipes and catch basins throughout the City and oversees the operation of the sewer treatment plant.

Any questions about the operation of the treatment plant should be directed to the office at the Wastewater Treatment Plant at (978) 281-9792.

Rates & Fees

Effective 4/1/2022 - the water rate is $9.47 per thousand gallons. The sewer rate is $17.12 per thousand gallons based on the amount of water used, unless a separate meter is installed for the sewer or to deduct irrigation usage. The fee for sewer connection is $100 and is payable to the City of Gloucester.

View additional water and sewer rates and fees.

Related Links

For More Information

The Public Works Department business office is the main contact point for sewer problems, water issues and billing information. Contact the office at (978) 325-5600 with questions, comments, or concerns.

Construction Improvements at four City-Owned Pump Stations

Construction improvements to the City’s sewer system at four City-owned sewer pump stations are currently ongoing and are being financed by the Massachusetts Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF #4506). View the entire Public Notice.

Stormwater Management Plan

View the City’s Stormwater Management Plan (PDF).

Capital Improvement Plan: Water Main and Valve Rehabilitation and Replacement

View the City's Capital Improvement Plan: Water Main and Valve Rehabilitation and Replacement, August 2023 (Updated from September 2017 Report)

EPA: US Needs $300B in Sewer, Water Work

Michael Gormley | Associated Press – Wednesday, February 8, 2012:

A federal study shows municipalities nationwide need more than $300 billion worth of essential upgrades to long overlooked water and sewer systems over the next 20 years. The need is acute in Northeastern states with older systems like New York which needs $29.7 billion worth of improvements, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said Wednesday. But he said that price is a "just a drop in the bucket" compared to the higher cost of continuing to upgrade parts of sewer and water systems when emergencies strike. He is pushing a bill that would counter planned funding cuts in the federal transportation bill now being negotiated in Washington.  Read more.