Right to Service

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will not terminate water service to an owner-occupied property when the property owner or a direct family member is seriously ill to the point where the illness causes a documented financial hardship. Similarly, water service to homes occupied entirely by individuals over the age of 65 will not be terminated, if a documented financial hardship exists. In order to document a financial hardship, you must contact the Collections Department at 781-455-7550.

Medical Hardship

Within seven days of the initial call to DPW at 781-455-7550, a physician or the Public Health Commission must forward to the DPW documentation explaining the medical condition. A completed Certificate of Financial Hardship Form must also be forwarded to the department within seven days.The Certificate of Financial Hardship Form is available at DPW offices at 500 Dedham Avenue in Needham or by downloading the form.

The medical condition must be renewed monthly (or quarterly if the illness is determined to be chronic). A Certificate of Financial Hardship Form must accompany each renewal. Failure to submit the required certification may result in water service termination.

Senior Citizens

When the DPW receives documentation that a residential property is occupied entirely by individuals over the age of 65, residents must then complete a Certificate of Financial Hardship Form within seven days. This form is available at DPW offices at 500 Dedahm Avenue in Needham or by downloading this form.

Renewal of the Certificate of Financial Hardship Form for purposes of sustaining service to properties occupied by senior citizens must be made on a monthly basis. Failure to submit the required certification may result in water service termination. For more information on this process, please contact the DPW at 781-455-7550.