Water & Sewer

The Water & Sewer Department is responsible for the quality of safe and clean drinking water to the residents of Chelsea. The department is also responsible for the management of the City's wastewater collection system and water distribution services.

Approximately 70% of Chelsea is serviced by combined sewers, and the remaining 30% is serviced by separate sanitary sewers and storm sewers. Most of the time, Chelsea’s combined sewers transport all of the wastewater and stormwater to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s (MWRA’s) Deer Island Treatment Plant, where it is treated and then discharged to the Atlantic Ocean.

However, during a rain storm, runoff over hard surfaces rushes quickly into sewers and combined sewers. 


Contact Info

Phone: 617-466-4310

General DPW information: 617-466-4200
Night/Weekend Emergencies: 617-884-2064
Fax: 617-466-4210

Address:

Chelsea City Hall, Room #310
500 Broadway
Chelsea, MA 02150
United States
See map: Google Maps

Applications:


City's Water and Sewer Services

City's Water and Sewer Services
If you would like to reach the Water & Sewer Department, please call (617) 466-4310. To see all the temporary water shutdown in the area, check out Water Shutoff Notices.

The Water Services we provided are:

  1. Water Turn Off / On
  2. Water Service Mark-Outs
  3. Purchase Water Meter
  4. Leak Repair
  5. Hydrant Flow Testing
  6. Cross-Connection Control

The Sewer Services we provided are:

  1. Sewer Main Mark-Outs
  2. Sewer Main Cleaning
  3. Catch Basin Cleaning
For information regarding your water bill, final reading, to schedule water service turn off/ turn on, or on information regarding your trash pick-up, white good(s) and TV/Computer Monitor pick-up, please call Customer Service at (617) 466-4240.
Stormwater Management Services
Back to Water & Sewer

Stormwater discharges from the City of Chelsea are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Public Works under Phase II of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System MS4 permit.

2021 Stormwater Management Plan 

Check out the latest Stormwater Management Plan to learn about Chelsea's proposed actions to comply with these regulations. If you have a question, please contact Shavaun Callahan at scallahan@chelseama.gov.

Relevant Information

Protect Our Sewer System. Keep the Grease Out.
You can also view the content in PDF

Sewer Blockage

Fats, oils, and grease cause blockages in your sewer service and the City’s sewer systems. Large quantities often build up and cause costly issues with the sewer system.

The City of Chelsea encourages you to follow these basic guidelines for handling grease and to prevent problems, saving yourself and the city money. Small changes in how fats, oils, and grease are handled at home can make a big difference in common sewer issues.

Grease accumulation

Grease accumulation, such as the one depicted, causes blockage in the sewer line. This is how sewage can back up into your home. Do your part and help protect our sewer system. If you think there is a sewer blockage, please call Chelsea Water & Sewer at (617) 466-4310.

Here is what you can help

  1. Use less oil when cooking.
  2. Dry-wipe all dishes, pots, and pans using a paper towel before putting them in the dishwasher or washing them in the sink.
  3. Scrape all food and grease from dishes into the garbage prior to washing.
  4. Never dump excess grease down the drain. Instead, dump excess grease into a container, allow it to congeal, and then dispose of it in the trash.
  5. Collect and dispose of large quantities of oil through a town-licensed grease hauler. Frying oils can often be recycled.
  6. Never dispose of non-biodegradable items such as plastics, dental floss, wipes, etc. down the toilet or drain.
  7. Ensure that all kitchen sinks, showers, tubs, etc. have properly operating screens. Dispose of the items collected by the drains into the trash rather than washing them down the drain, or into a garbage disposal. 
Do I Have A Water Leak?
Back to Water & Sewer Services

 Low Flow Indicator
 Unknown Image Meter Reading
 
Your water meter is equipped with a "Low Flow Indicator". This indicator will rotate any time water is being used i.e.; faucets, dishwashers, water heaters or hose spigots.

With every fixture in the house turned off, this indicator should remain stopped. If the indicator is rotating - water is being consumed.

Where to check for water leaks?

  • Toilets
  • Faucets
  • Shower Heads
  • Water Heater
These are some of the most common places where leaks occur, toilets being the most common.
Lead Water Service Replacement - Request for Community Assistance
Lead in Drinking Water Over the last few years, you have probably seen news reports about lead in drinking water, such as in Flint, Michigan. Chelsea’s water is lead-free in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and Chelsea water mains; however, lead can get into the water from old lead pipes and solder used for the water service pipe connecting the building to city water main in the street and for the building’s plumbing.
 
To reduce the potential for exposure to lead in drinking water, Chelsea began replacing the city-owned portion of lead service pipes many years ago. Over the past few years, Chelsea has also been replacing the non-city portion of lead service pipes during city water main improvement projects.

 
Help Us Identify

In September 2018, the City embarked on a multi-year program to fund replacement all remaining lead service pipes in Chelsea at no cost to building owners. To accomplish this goal, the city needs YOUR help to identify where these lead service pipes are. We are asking that all Chelsea residents and businesses check their water service and tell us if you have a lead service.

Please email the address of this lead service to Jorman Mota, Assistant City Engineer, at jmota@chelseama.gov. If you do not have access to email, you may also call 617-466-4204 to report the address of your lead service.

How to Tell if You Have a Lead Service Line

  1. Locate the water line coming into the building, typically found in the basement near the water meter.
  2. Identify a test area on the pipe after it comes into the building, but before the valve/meter. If the pipe is covered or wrapped, expose a small area of metal.
  3. Use the flat edge of a screwdriver or other tool to scratch through any corrosion that may have built up on the outside of the pipe.
  4. Determine the type of pipe.
  5. If the pipe is lead, email the street address to Jorman Mota, Assistant City Engineer, at jmota@chelseama.gov.

Identify Different Types of Pipes:

Lead: A dull, silver-gray color that is easily scratched with a coin. Use a magnet-strong magnet will not cling to lead pipes.
Galvanized: A dull, silver-gray color. Use a magnet-strong magnet will typically cling to galvanized pipes.
Copper: The color of a copper penny.
Plastic: A white, rigid pipe that is joined to water supply piping with a clamp.

Questions or Concerns

For questions regarding the lead service replacement program, call 617-466-4204. For questions regarding determining if there is a lead service, call 617-466-4204.