FAQs • Falmouth, MA • CivicEngage

My water is brown. Why?: Typically, brown water is the result of a disruption of the normal flow of water. This could be from a water main break, from some improvements, or as a result of some flushing of a portion of the system to maintain long term water quality objectives. Typically the water will clear up within a few hours or a day. If it persists please call the DPW main number and staff will follow up on your notification. For more information please call 508-457-2543.

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Water Department

1. When was the water rate last increased?: Falmouth’s current water rates last increased June 1, 2020. For more information please call 508-457-2543.

2. My water bill is based on HCF. What is an HCF?: HCF on your water bills is an abbreviation for Hundred Cubic Feet. It is a common unit of measurement in the water industry. One HCF equals about 748 gallons. For more information please call 508-457-2543.

3. I don’t use very much water! What is the normal water usage?: It’s estimated that the average year-round single-family residential property in Falmouth uses approximately 79 HCF of water per year. For more information please call 508-457-2543.

4. How can I tell if I am using more or less water than the average?: Typical water usage on a per person basis is 70 gallons each day. That equals 25,550 gallons per year per person. Measured as HCF each person on average uses 34 HCF per year. For more information please call 508-457-2543.

5. My water is brown. Why?: Typically, brown water is the result of a disruption of the normal flow of water. This could be from a water main break, from some improvements, or as a result of some flushing of a portion of the system to maintain long term water quality objectives. Typically the water will clear up within a few hours or a day. If it persists please call the DPW main number and staff will follow up on your notification. For more information please call 508-457-2543.

6. How do I get the water shut off or turned on at my seasonal home?: Its very simple. Call the main DPW number and request a seasonal shutoff/turn on. If we can get the request at least 3 working days prior to the date you want this done we can accommodate your request. The fee for each turn on/turn off is $75 when done during regular working hours. After hour turn on/turn offs, if performed will be billed in accordance with the current fee structure. For more information please call 508-457-2543.