Sewer
This division is responsible for maintaining all the town's sewage system including public sewers, building sewers, force mains, and pumping stations.
For emergencies call the DPW :413-821-0600 (M-F, 8:30AM to 4:30PM); after-hours, please call the Agawam Police Department: 413-786-4767.
For odor complaints: near a sewer pumping station please call the Suez senior operator at: 413-537-6429
"Flushable" Wipes/ Baby Wipes - It's a Toilet Not a Trash Can
Your toilet is not at trash can! Do not dispose of "Flushable" wipes or baby wipes in your toilet or otherwise in the sanitary sewer system. Please discard them bagged with you household waste. These wipes are made of a resilient material that does not disintegrate easily in the sewer and can jam equipment, cause sewer blockages, and sewer backups (maybe into your home). For more info on what not to flush: WEF's Stop, Don't Flush That page.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is available around the clock including weekends and holidays to respond to blocked sewers and related backups. If the problem is located in the public sewer there is no charge for our service.
In the event of a sewer backup, the Town of Agawam will not be responsible for any damages that occur. The Uniform Plumbing Code of Massachusetts (248 CMR 10.15) requires sanitary sewer backwater valves wherever a fixture is subject to reverse flow or backpressure. Reverse flow or backpressure can occur from the sanitary sewer collection system if the fixture is located below the hydraulically upstream manhole cover's elevation.
For emergencies call the DPW :413-821-0600 (M-F, 8:30AM to 4:30PM); after-hours, please call the Agawam Police Department: 413-786-4767.
For odor complaints: near a sewer pumping station please call the Suez senior operator at: 413-537-6429
Fats, Oils, & Grease
Fats, oils, & grease "FOG" are very problematic for the sanitary sewer system. When these substances are poured or flushed down the drain into the sewer system they solidify and form blockages in the main. These blockages can cause sewer backups into basements and properties. Please dispose of cooled FOG with your household waste, for liquid wastes please use a sealed container like an empty jug or jar. For more information and tips on handling and proper disposal of FOG at your home or business please check out our FOG info sheet (PDF)."Flushable" Wipes/ Baby Wipes - It's a Toilet Not a Trash Can
Your toilet is not at trash can! Do not dispose of "Flushable" wipes or baby wipes in your toilet or otherwise in the sanitary sewer system. Please discard them bagged with you household waste. These wipes are made of a resilient material that does not disintegrate easily in the sewer and can jam equipment, cause sewer blockages, and sewer backups (maybe into your home). For more info on what not to flush: WEF's Stop, Don't Flush That page.
Plugged Sewers & Sewage Backups
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is available around the clock including weekends and holidays to respond to blocked sewers and related backups. If the problem is located in the public sewer there is no charge for our service.In the event of a sewer backup, the Town of Agawam will not be responsible for any damages that occur. The Uniform Plumbing Code of Massachusetts (248 CMR 10.15) requires sanitary sewer backwater valves wherever a fixture is subject to reverse flow or backpressure. Reverse flow or backpressure can occur from the sanitary sewer collection system if the fixture is located below the hydraulically upstream manhole cover's elevation.
DPW emergency employees can be reached when the Town Offices are closed by calling the Police Department at 413-786-4767.
The property owner is responsible for the cost of clearing blockages on the building sewer that serves their home regardless if the blockage is in the street or on their property. We guarantee the work we do for a 3-month period unless the problem is from roots and then the guarantee is for 6 months if a private tree or 2 years if a public shade tree.
In the event of a sewer backup, the Town of Agawam will not be responsible for any damages that occur. The Uniform Plumbing Code of Massachusetts (248 CMR 10.15) requires sanitary sewer backwater valves wherever a fixture is subject to reverse flow or backpressure. Reverse flow or backpressure can occur from the sanitary sewer collection system if the fixture is located below the hydraulically upstream manhole cover's elevation.
The cost of building sewer already installed as part of a sewer extension project must be paid in full upon application.
The property owner is responsible for the cost of clearing blockages on the building sewer that serves their home regardless if the blockage is in the street or on their property. We guarantee the work we do for a 3-month period unless the problem is from roots and then the guarantee is for 6 months if a private tree or 2 years if a public shade tree.
Building Sewer/Sewer Lateral
As defined by Agawam Town Code §175-1: Sanitary Lateral or Connection - Sanitary service connections are private structures to be owned and maintained by the property owner to the point where it connects to a sanitary main in the right-of-way or Town’s easements; same as “building sewer.”In the event of a sewer backup, the Town of Agawam will not be responsible for any damages that occur. The Uniform Plumbing Code of Massachusetts (248 CMR 10.15) requires sanitary sewer backwater valves wherever a fixture is subject to reverse flow or backpressure. Reverse flow or backpressure can occur from the sanitary sewer collection system if the fixture is located below the hydraulically upstream manhole cover's elevation.
Sewer Connections
The DPW can advise you as the availability of sewer service in the community. Should sewers be available or become available you will need to obtain a permit to connect.The cost of building sewer already installed as part of a sewer extension project must be paid in full upon application.
Sewer Entrance Fee
There is a charge of $807 per dwelling or business unit for each new unit connecting to the municipal sewer system. This charge represents a proportionate share of the investment the Town has made in the general benefit items of the sewer system such as:- Collection sewers
- Force mains
- Interceptor sewers
- Pumping stations
Water/Sewer Bills
A complaint regarding water usage generates a check of the meter reading, a review of the customer's property for plumbing leaks, removal of meter and testing for accuracy. Abatements are not granted unless test results indicate a problem with the meter.Meters are allowed to have a 2% accuracy range by Mass General Law. We generally find that meters read low with age and record less water than actually passes through them. In some instances where need is evident, billing for usage above historic high will be reduced to our actual cost of water/wastewater treatment.
Paying your Water/Sewer Bill
You have 60 days to pay your water/sewer bill once it is issued. We recommend paying your water/sewer bill as close to receipt as possible to avoid penalties. Any payments received after the due date, regardless of postmarked date, will result in penalties.
There are a few different ways you can pay:
Online* through our Online Payment Center; by mail (payable to "Town of Agawam", addressed to: Town of Agawam, Collector's Office, 36 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001); or in person at Collector's Office at Town Hall (36 Main Street).
*additional fees may apply
Sewer Rate Information
The DPW is transitioning to quarterly billing (4 times per year) from our current semi-annually (2 times per year) frequency. During this transition time, the period of use may be greater than 3 months. We will account for this when calculating the minimum charges, account service charges, and use thresholds. All use billed after July 1, 2022 will be at the revised rates.The minimum sewer charge is $25.05 per billing period. (Rate information is current as of July 1, 2022 and is subject to change.)
Sewer use rate is $5.01 per 100 cubic feet. For residential accounts, sewer billable cubic feet is 90% of water usage except accounts that have a secondary irrigation meter. Where there is a secondary irrigation meter, the sewer billable cubic feet is 100% of the water usage of the primary meter.
Note: Rates are subject to change.
How Much Will It Cost to Fill my Swimming Pool?
For residential properties, please see this cost estimating table (current as of 7/2021). It is relatively affordable to fill from your home's spigot but please make sure to have proper backflow protection in place to prevent backsiponage and contamination of your home's water supply.We do not have special water and sewer rates or discounts for pool fills, you will be billed for your use.