Water/Sewer Rates

Volume Rate ($ per HCF)

Fixed Quarterly Charge (meter size in inches)

Fireline Charges (Quarterly)

Other Charges: 

Hydrant Charges (per year): $1,127.46
Shut-off Fee: $90.00
NSF Check Fee: $25.00

Water portion of your bill

Each quarter you are charged a base rate determined by the size of your meter, and a separate volumetric charge for the gallons of water you use - $5.35 for every hundred cubic feet (HCF) of water (about 750 gallons). The more water you use, the higher your bill will be. Leaks can use a surprising amount of water - so for lowest bills, check for leaking toilets and sinks.

For most single family homes, the water fixed rate is $24.33. The average household in Keene uses approximately 25 hundred cubic feet (HCF) of water each quarter, or about 18,700 gallons. The price for that amount of water is $133.75. So, the average quarterly water bill for a single family house is approximately $158.08 -- or about $1.76 per day. 

Sewer portion of your bill

There is no separate sewer meter, the volume of water discharged to the sewer is based on the water meter reading. Each quarter you are charged a fixed rate, determined by the size of your water meter, and a volumetric charge for the gallons of water you discharge - $6.29 for every hundred cubic feet (HCF) of water (about 750 gallons).

For most single family homes, the sewer fixed rate is $50.93. The average household in Keene discharges approximately 25 hundred cubic feet (HCF) of water each quarter, or about 18,700 gallons. The charge for that volume is $157.25. So, the average sewer bill (fixed and volumetric) for a single family house is approximately $208.18 -- or about $2.31 per day. The more water you use, the higher your sewer bill will be.

• Pay in person at the Revenue Collections Office on the first floor of City Hall
• Mailed to 3 Washington Street, Keene, NH 03431
• Pay online by clicking here.  

Water - The owner of the property is responsible for the water bill, and any repairs to the water meter, or water lines on the property. If there is a water leak or other problem, you may hire a private contractor to perform repairs so that work meets the City of Keene's minimum engineering standards. Please call our office at 603-352-6550 if you have any questions.

You are responsible for any repairs made on your water service from your property line or curb stop to your water meter, as well as inside of your house. The City is responsible for repairs from your property line or curb stop to the main in the street.

Sewer - You are responsible for any repairs to your sewer service from where it connects to the main in the street all the way to the inside of your house. This includes the cost to clear blockages in your sewer line. The City is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the mains in the street.  

Sewer Backups

To prevent sewage from backing up in your basement when there is a problem with your service, (off the main in the street) a device called a backwater valve is required for all plumbing fixtures that are located below the level of the sewer main in the street. This generally means that if you have a bathroom, sink, or washing machine in your basement, you should have a backwater valve installed. If you don't know if you have or need this valve, you should contact a plumber.

Water and Sewer Division personnel are on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies, but the homeowner may be billed for the service.

• During working hours, call the Public Works Department at 603-352-6550.

• In an after hours emergency, call the Keene Police Department at 603-357-9813.

• For Water/Sewer billing concerns/questions: 603-352-3239.