Andover residents and businesses will see their water bills jump 15 percent in each of the next four fiscal years, followed by a 10 percent increase in FY 2030.
The increases, which were approved unanimously by the select board Thursday, are aimed at covering the costs of replacing water mains and upkeep of the town’s water treatment facility and pumping stations. The rates differed slightly from those presented at a first reading last month, which called for 15 percent increases for two years, a 12 percent increase in the third year, and a 10 percent increase in FY 2030.
Andover has been setting aside $6 million annually for the past several years to replace four miles of water mains. Under the plan approved Thursday, that number would double to $12 million.
Officials stressed throughout the process that Andover’s current water rates are significantly lower than those in comparable communities, and a goal of the rate plan is to make sure the town’s rates remain competitive.
The water main replacement program is a three-phase project targeting approximately 40 miles of unlined, cast iron water mains and those prone to breakage. Phase one, covering about 10.5 miles, focuses on mains expected to have the most significant impact on solving discolored water issues.
If Andover were to stick to the current, $6 million per year, it would only be able to replace about two miles per year. That would extend the time needed to complete the replacement plan by 20 to 25 years.