Cohasset Water Department Sewer and Little Harbor Project

The Water Department worked jointly with the Sewer Department on the Little Harbor Project. Constructed started in September 2007. The planned water system improvements were completed in November 2008, while the new sewer installations were essentially completed in May 2009. We have also been repaving the roads and cleaning up the Little Harbor area. Please contact us if you have questions regarding the restoration work. The Contractor has also been making sure the new sewer system is ready for you to connect to.

When you are installing your new sewer connection, the Water Department encourages you to also upgrade your water service to 1" or larger, as many of the services in the Little Harbor Sewer District are old and most are smaller than we currently allow. Today’s modern living requirements are more fully serviced by a 1" or larger water service. Most existing services are currently ¾" and further reduced by years of corrosion and buildup.

We have developed and will distribute an information package to assist you in making this decision. Please do not hesitate to contact us to receive this package or if you still have question about the Little Harbor Project. Here is some information the information package to residents will answers about water services and meters:

Why should I have a New 1" water service?

Since 2002 the Water Department has required all new water services to be 1". Today’s modern living is best served by a 1" inch or larger service.
Our current fee structure equalizes the quarterly charge for all services up to 1".
Many of the water services in the Little Harbor area are up to 75 years old and have been found to be in poor and failing condition.

Why do I have low pressure?

Water pressure varies depending upon your property's elevation above sea level. Pressure is a function of your elevation and the height of the water in our storage tanks. The Little Harbor area has some of the highest pressures in town because of its relationship to sea level.
If you think you have low pressure, you most likely have low volume. Low volume is caused by small pipes or a restriction in your existing underground service or pipes in your home.
Changing your service should resolve low volume problems.

Why should I consider a second meter?

Water that is used for irrigation and other outside use does not go into the public sewer system. Your sewer billing is generated from your water usage, recognizing that all of your water usage does not go into the public sewer system. The Sewer Commission has agreed to let the Water Department account for irrigation and outside watering by a separate meter.
The second meter is billed at a minimal quarterly charge, plus water usage.

How do I find out what I currently have for water service?

You can call the Water Department and we will check our records and provide you with that information.

Why should we change our water service at this time?

The Water Commission believes that since you are constructing a new sewer service, this is the most opportune and cost effective time to replace your water service. To that end, the Water and Sewer Commissions have received approval from the State Department of Environmental Protection to allow water and sewer services in the same trench under special construction conditions.
To benefit from a single trench when your new sewer service is installed.

How do I know if my planned improvements are correct?

Please do not hesitate to contact the Water Department to address any questions about your planned improvements to your water service or meter.

Will I get a new water meter?

You will get a new water meter if you replace your service. You will also get a new meter if a second meter is requested to measure irrigation water usage.

Again, if you have any questions contact the Water Department at (781)383-0057