Harwich Water Commission schedules May 15 rate hearing as Route 28 construction nears

HARWICH — April 28, 2026 — Harwich Water Commission sets May 15 public hearing on water rates as Route 28 pipe project heads toward September construction. The four-member board, meeting April 28, reviewed multi-year financial projections showing the district could face a revenue shortfall approaching $1 million annually by fiscal year 2030 as debt from the Route 28 East water main replacement and other capital projects accumulates. Financial consultant Dan presented two rate scenarios; a second scenario developed during discussion would eliminate charges on the first 8,000 gallons at tier one, raise the quarterly base rate by $5, and shift lost revenue to higher tiers, saving low-volume users roughly $6.38 per quarter. The commission approved three disaster-rate abatements for burst outdoor spigots totaling roughly $3,079 in relief, but signaled the regulation needs tightening after a prospective incoming commissioner warned she would not support similar requests once seated. The board also unanimously approved a $22,000-per-year vernal pool monitoring contract and a $99,500 engineering services contract with Apex for the Paha and Mill Road project. The Route 28 East bid is set to open June 30, with construction anticipated to begin September 14.