Blog Post

Change to Moratorium on Customer Disconnections - Effective 10/12/20

Hampstead Area Water Company • October 12, 2020

Covid-19 has impacted all of us, and we understand the hard times that have resulted because of this pandemic. During this unprecedented time, we want to work together with our customers to find the best way to get through this. This notice will not affect all our customers, but we want you all to understand how we are going to move forward together.


On March 17th, 2020, Governor Sununu issued Emergency Order #3, this order prohibited utility companies from disconnecting service for non-payment during the State of Emergency, and after the State of Emergency has ended customers must be given the opportunity to make payment arrangements. On June 30th, Governor Sununu issued Emergency Order #58, terminating Emergency Order #3 effective July 15th.


On March 17, 2020 Hampstead Area Water Company (HAWC) stopped disconnections for non-payment and stopped charging late fees as required by Executive Order #3.


On 9/8/20 HAWC signed an agreement with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and other NH utilities outlining temporary procedures for payment arrangements and disconnections for customers with non-payment or payment in arrears. The agreement can be found here. This agreement allows water utilities to resume disconnections on or after October 12, 2020. Going forward, we will be working with you, our customers, to establish payment arrangements that best accommodate your needs. Any customer that is having difficulty paying their bill can establish a payment plan for arrears to be paid over a 12 to 24-month period based on their circumstances. There will be no late fees assessed for customers with payment arrangements. All payment arrangements will require that you pay your current month’s bill timely and in full to avoid disconnection.


If you are a customer with a past due balance, our Customer Service Representatives will be contacting you to find a payment arrangement that works for you. Or you may call our office at (603)362-4299 to speak with a Customer Service Representative or you may also email us at customerservice@hampsteadwater.com


We understand the financial hardship Covid-19 has caused some of our customers. If you need further financial assistance, we have provided a list of agencies where you can apply for financial assistance which can be found at this link.


Thank you for your cooperation.


Customer Service


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November 22, 2023 Dear Water Customer, On November 24, 2020, The Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. (HAWC) filed for a rate increase with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC). The increases in the water rates are designed to allow the Company to recover its costs and to earn a reasonable return on its investment. After due consideration and review by the parties, HAWC, the NH Department of Energy, the NH Office of the Consumer Advocate, the Town of Atkinson and the Town of Hampstead entered into a Settlement Agreement. The NHPUC approved the rate increase incorporated into the Settlement Agreement on June 2, 2022; NHPUC Order Number 26,635. This order includes a rate increase to water charges with two proposed step increases in the future, and the approval to charge for private fire protection in residential homes with fire protection systems. On November 8, 2023, the NHPUC approved the Step 2 Adjustment, Order Number 26,902 . In the Step 2 adjustment the monthly base rate charged by HAWC for customers with a 5/8” meter (most residential customers) will increase from the current rate of $12.89 per month to $14.24 per month. The consumption rate will increase from the current rate of $7.72 per 100cf to $8.41 per 100cf. The private fire protection charges will not change. The complete list of new rates can be found on our website at https://www.hampsteadwater.com/water-rates-fee-info . We at Hampstead Area Water Co., Inc. would like to express our appreciation to you, our customers. We thank you for your support while we continue improving our abilities to better serve you now and into the future. Should you have additional questions please feel free to contact our office Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at (603) 362-4299 or by email at customerservice@hampsteadwater.com . Sincerely,
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Dear Valued Customers, We understand that you may be experiencing frustration due to the recent colored water issue affecting our water supply. We want to assure you that we are fully aware of this situation and are actively working to address it in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). The following is a statement issued by the NH Department of Environmental Services on August 17th, 2023: We understand your frustration with the colored water you are receiving. NHDES is aware of widespread colored water in the Hampstead Area and Salem water systems. We are communicating closely with the operators and managers of both water systems while they work to resolve the issue. While we understand colored water is disruptive and aesthetically unpleasant, both Salem and Hampstead Area water systems are in compliance with all state and federal primary drinking water standards, including additional samples required by NHDES as a result of this issue. Color and manganese at the levels measured exceed what is referred to as secondary standards, which are based on aesthetics, not public health risk. The colored water occurrence is linked to elevated manganese and natural organic matter (NOM) in Salem's source water. This elevation is likely attributed to periods of high precipitation and runoff, which the Salem treatment process is not specifically designed to fully eliminate. Hampstead Area Water Company (HAWC), relies significantly on water sourced from the Town of Salem to meet the demand, especially during peak usage periods. We wish to inform you that Salem has taken immediate steps to address the situation by implementing operational adjustments and temporary additional treatment at their plant. As a result, the water leaving the plant is now clear. However, it will take some time for this clear water to fully circulate through both distribution systems. NHDES is working collaboratively with Salem to develop a comprehensive corrective action plan. This plan aims to improve Salem's intake and treatment processes to prevent such occurrences in the future. We sincerely understand the inconvenience this situation has caused you and appreciate your patience. Rest assured, both Salem and HAWC are committed to resolving this issue and ensuring the provision of safe and clear water to our valued customers. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. Sincerely, Michael C. Unger, PE Water Engineer Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau NH Department of Environmental Services Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. (HAWC) is providing this update to address concerns regarding recent drinking water color. The company is committed to providing the highest quality water to its customers and ensuring transparency as it addresses this issue. Please continue to utilize the water color report submission located on the home page of www.hampsteadwater.com Thank you for your patience and understand that we are working hard to resolve this issue, and although the water was not aesthetically pleasing, at no time during this event did any water samples exceed safe drinking water standards. Stay Informed: Regularly check HAWC’s website at www.hampsteadwater.com and social media channels for updates on the progress of our efforts. For inquiries and more information, please contact: Customer Service Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. Phone: 603-362-4299 Email: customerservice@hampsteadwater.com Website: www.hampsteadwater.com
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