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1. How do I pay a parking ticket?

There are three ways to pay a parking violation in the Town of Tewksbury:

• Pay Online
• Pay by mail: mail money order or check payable to the Parking Clerk
• Pay in person: visit the Office of the Parking Clerk in Town Hall

If a parking ticket is not paid and you do not appeal the ticket within 21 days, late fees will be assessed.

2. How do I appeal a parking ticket?

If you think a parking ticket that was issued to you was not valid, you can appeal the ticket in two ways:

• Hearing in Person: complete the Parking Violation Hearing in Person Request (PDF)
• Hearing by Mail or Email: complete the Parking Violation Hearing by Mail Request (PDF)
• Include a copy of the ticket and any supporting documentation, then submit it by email, or mail to:
  Parking Clerk
  Town Hall
  1009 Main Street
  Tewksbury, MA 01876

In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, if you choose to appeal your ticket by mail or email, there will be no further right of appeal.

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1. Can I call 911 on my cell phone and is there a cost involved?

Yes, you can call 911 on your cell phone. However, be prepared to give the 911 call taker information about your location, because it is not the same as calling 911 on your home or business phone. It is free to call 911 on your cell phone.

2. Does the 911 call taker know my location?

Assume the 911 call taker does not know your location. Even if your cell phone is able to provide location information, you will need to provide the 911 call taker with additional location information. Remember, the approximate location the 911 center receives could be as large as 3 football fields or more. Be prepared to give specific directions to your location if possible.

3. What if I don't know where I am when I call 911?

Look for landmarks, large buildings, street signs or anything nearby that may contain address information. Think back to the main street or highway you were near when your emergency occurred. If others are around, ask them where you are. Do not depend on your cell phone to tell 911 where you are!

4. Does the 911 call taker know my phone number when I call 911 on a cell phone?

Maybe or maybe not, depending upon your cell phone and the technology available within the 911 center your 911 call connects with. The safest way to approach the problem is to assume that the 911 call taker will not know your phone number and be prepared to provide them with that information.

5. Why does the dispatcher transfer my call to another agency?

All wireless 911 calls placed in Massachusetts are routed to call takers at regional communications centers or the Massachusetts State Police. If you dial 911 from a cellular phone while in Tewksbury, the call will be routed to the Essex County Regional Emergency Communications Center. Depending on the location and nature of the call, the caller will be transferred to the local 911 center for further assistance.

6. What do I do if I'm cut off after they answer?

Always try to call 911 back. Don't wait for the 911 call taker to try to contact you. They may not have received your cell phone number in the initial 911 call and may need additional information.

7. Can I keep driving when I call 911 on a cellular phone?

It is usually best to pull over when calling 911, as there is less chance of the cell phone signal being dropped if in a stationary location. Additionally, any emergency instructions that need to be carried out can best be done while stopped. Finally, if help needs to reach you it is best to be in one place so help can get to you, instead of trying to meet them somewhere. If you cannot safely pull over to speak to 911 then stay calm, pay attention to the roadway with surrounding vehicles, and follow the 911 call taker's instructions.

8. Should I program 911 or turn on my auto 911 feature on my cellular phone?

No, please do not program 911 or use the auto 911 feature. There are numerous accidental calls to 911 from cell phones that have this feature. The callers often don't realize that their phone has called 911. Help reduce accidental calls to 911 by only calling when you have an emergency.

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1. What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an emerging technology that allows voice quality calls to be made over Internet connections. To access a VoIP service, the customer needs the provided adapter which is placed in between the computer and high-speed internet and a standard household telephone.

2. How does VoIP differ from traditional home phone service?

Unlike the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), VoIP uses advanced technology to convert your voice into data that allows you to place and receive calls over a high-speed broadband internet connection. Also VoIP is not confined to your home - VoIP service can be accessed from anywhere there is a high-speed broadband internet connection.

3. What is the appeal of VoIP to a consumer?

There are a number features that make VoIP appealing to consumers. The following are a few of those features:

• There is cost savings associated with making long distance calls over the Internet rather than the (PSTN). Since VoIP doesn't use a traditional telephone service there are no long distance charges to incur.
• VoIP is portable - a VoIP subscriber can take the VoIP adapter with them anywhere they go as long as there is a high speed broadband connection. This portability allows the subscriber to keep their local number when they are away from their home.
• Some VoIP providers allow customers to have Vanity Numbers, which lets you choose a specific sequence of digits that often spells a word or company name using the letters on your phone keypad.

4. Can you use VoIP service from someplace other than your home?

Yes, with an adapter you can use it anywhere in the world where you have a high-speed broadband internet connection. You can bring your VoIP adapter anywhere and you won't pay long distance rates when calling back home. For example if a VoIP subscriber travels from their home in Boston to California they can call home to Boston and receive calls from Boston with no long distance charges even though they are physically in California.

5. With VoIP, can I talk on the phone and use my computer at the same time?

Yes, your service will work even if you are simultaneously accessing the Internet, sending files or instant messaging over the same broadband connection with your computer.

6. Can you access 911 services with VoIP service?

It depends on your VoIP service provider. VoIP is regulated at the federal level, therefore VoIP service providers (VSPs) are not subject to the Commonwealth's E 911 requirement. In June of 2005 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an Order, (FCC 05-116) mandating that all VSPs deliver E 911 services no later than November 28, 2005.

The State 911 Department has worked with our E 911 service provider and VSPs serving Massachusetts to integrate the technology into our E 911 system. Before a VSP can be approved to provide VoIP service in Massachusetts they must go through a testing process with the State 911 Department to ensure the calls are delivered with complete and accurate information. For a list of VSPs currently approved to provide E 911 service in Massachusetts please visit the State 911 Department page.

7. How does calling 911 from a VoIP phone differ from calling 911 from a traditional home phone?

A VoIP emergency service differs in a number of important ways from traditional emergency response services:

• A public safety answering point (PSAP) may get an emergency call on a regular ten digit line without location information or call back number.
• An accurate, up to date Service Address is required to route your calls to the closest PSAP in the event that you dial 911.
• If you relocate your VoIP Service phone on a temporary basis, such as taking your equipment with you when you go to a vacation home, you must use a different telephone to dial 911 from your new location.
• VoIP will not work during power outages, network outages network congestion. The use of data services at the same time as VoIP might also affect sound quality.

8. What should I do if I'm interested in switching from traditional phone service to VoIP?

Here are some important tips when considering going to a VoIP phone service:

• Confirm with the VSP that they provide E 911 services and are in compliance with FCC Order 05-116.
• Provide your accurate physical address to your VSP to ensure that emergency services can be quickly sent to your location.
• Be familiar with your VSPs procedures for updating your address, and promptly update address information in the event of a change.
• Have a clear understanding of any limitations of your 911 service.
• Inform children, babysitters, and visitors about your VoIP service and its 911 limitations, if any.
• If the power is out or your broadband connection is down, be aware that your VoIP service may also be out. Consider installing a backup power supply, maintaining a traditional phone line and analog phone, or having a cellular phone as a backup.
• If you have questions about whether the phone service you are receiving is a VoIP service, contact your service provider for further information.

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1. What is CodeRED and why is it important to me?

CodeRED is a new emergency notification service by which the Tewksbury Police Department can notify Tewksbury residents and businesses by telephone, cellular phone, text message, or electronic mail about time-sensitive emergency situations or important Community alerts. The system is capable of sending messages only to specific neighborhoods or the entire Town.

2. For what kinds of situations will CodeRED be used?

Any message regarding the safety or welfare of our community would be disseminated using the CodeRED system. Examples would include severe weather warnings and updates, hazardous traffic or road conditions inside the town or affecting local routes, and any other situation that could impact the safety, property, or welfare of the Community.

3. Does the Town have my telephone number, or do I have to sign up to receive CodeRED emergency calls?

The CodeRED Database does use information received from public databases including regional phone books. Cellphones and Unlisted numbers may not be available. The home page of the Tewksbury Police Department website, has a link to a CodeRED registration form you can fill out online. This is the quickest way to sign up because the information you supply will immediately update Tewksbury's CodeRED telephone number database. If you do not have access to the internet at home, please consider using a computer at the Tewksbury Library or ask a friend or family member for assistance. Online registration is the most efficient, accurate and private way to supply your information.

To register online you might first have to adjust your internet browser to enable cookies, otherwise you may receive an error message. If you can not register online, you can call the Tewksbury Police Department at 978-851-7373, ext. 211. It is our intention and hope that every residence and commercial facility in our community will be included in the notification database.

4. I have a business located in Tewksbury. Can I arrange to have CodeRED call my business?

Yes. Fill out the CodeRED online registration form but be sure to select the "This address is business" option. Please note that emergency calls can only be delivered to a direct dial number. Automated attendants will disrupt the process and the calls will not be delivered. Businesses should register their main number and establish a procedure for distributing the CodeRED message to their workforce.

5. The registration form only allows me to enter a primary and secondary telephone number. What if I want to register additional numbers for my address?

After you submit the initial registration form, you may start the registration process again and submit more numbers for the same address.

6. What precautions are being taken to protect personal information?

CodeRED is a service of Network Emergency Communications (ECN) which takes security and privacy concerns very seriously and does not sell trade, lease or loan any data about clients to any third party.

7. How will I recognize a CodeRED message?

A CodeRED Emergency message will have a caller ID of 866-419-5000. A CodeRED General message will have a caller ID 855-969-4636. We suggest you program both numbers in your cell phone as a "new contact" and use "CodeRED Emergency" and "CodeRED General" as the contact name. If you need to replay the emergency notification message again, simply dial the number and you will be able to hear the message again.

A CodeRED message will begin with the same standard announcement: "Hello, this is an emergency message from the Tewksbury Police Department". The message content will follow this standard introduction.

8. What should I do if I receive a CodeRED message?

Listen carefully to the entire message. It will be brief and at the end of the message, you will have the option to repeat the message by pressing any key. Follow the instructions given. Do not hang up until you have heard the entire message or you might miss vital information. Do not call 911 for further information unless directed to do so or if you need immediate aid from the Police or Fire department.

9. I have a cordless phone, and it does not work when the power goes out. How is the Town going to be able to contact me?

1. Make sure you have at least one working corded telephone - and be sure to turn the ringer on.
2. The CodeRED sign-up form gives you the option of filling in both a Primary Phone number and an alternate phone number. You can fill in the Alternate Phone number with another contact number such as your cell phone number or work number. Entering an alternate phone number will cause both your primary and alternate phone numbers to be called.

10. Will CodeRED leave a message on a machine?

Yes, CodeRED will leave a message on a machine or on voice mail. Part of the CodeRED solution is the patented ability to recognize answering devices and leave the message completely in one pass.

11. What happens if the line is busy?

If the line is busy, CodeRED will try two more times to connect.

12. What circumstances might prohibit a message from being delivered to me?

• If you have moved or changed your phone number and have not registered your new contact information, CodeRED may not be able to contact you.
• If you have only cordless phones in your residence, the power is out and you have not registered an alternate phone number, CodeRED will not be able to contact you.
• If your line is busy for an extended period and your calls do not forward to voice mail or an answering machine in a busy condition, after three tries CodeRED will stop calling your number. The Town will receive a report of undelivered calls and can instruct CodeRED to begin another round of calls to busy numbers. It's best to have an alternate phone number in the calling database for these situations.
• If you have privacy manager on your main phone service, CodeRED will not be able to contact you unless you have registered an alternate number that will accept the call.

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1. What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is any runoff from rain or snow melt that drains into the Town’s drainage systems and ultimately ends up in groundwater, ponds, streams and/or wetland resource areas.

2. Why does stormwater matter?

As rain or snowmelt flows over paved surfaces it carries with it any pollutants such as oils, fertilizer, sand, and trash. Unlike sanitary sewer, stormwater is not treated. The pollutants will eventually enter groundwater, ponds, streams and / or wetland resource areas and can contaminate drinking water supplies, fish and wildlife habitat.

3. How can residents help keep our stormwater clean?

• Do not dump household waste such as paint, cleaning products, motor oils, antifreeze, pet waste or any other hazardous material into catch basins, streams, ponds and wetland areas
• Minimize the use of fertilizers near grated catch basins, streams, ponds and  wetland areas
• Maintain your home’s septic tank and leaching field by regularly  pumping and repairing when necessary
• Whenever possible use Environmentally friendly, biodegradable  products when cleaning outside
• Do not drain chlorinated swimming pools into grated catch basins or onto the street
• If you must wash your car at home, wash it on the lawn to encourage infiltration and use low-phosphate detergents
• Always dispose of pet waste in the trash
• Minimize salt use on walkways and driveways near streams, ponds and / or wetland areas
• Make sure your vehicle or yard equipment is not leaking any oils or fluids
• Always Remember: Only Rain in the Drain

4. How can business owners help keep our stormwater clean?

• Keep your dumpster area clean and your dumpster's lid closed. Never fill it with liquid waste or hose it out
• Clean mats, filters and garbage cans in a mop sink, wash rack or floor drain connected to the sewer through a grease trap. Never wash them in a parking lot, sidewalk or street
• Use dry methods for spill cleanup. Never hose down spills
• Recycle grease and oil. Do not pour it into sinks, floor drains, catch basins or onto a parking lot
• Always keep waste liquid bins covered and contained
• Recycle solvents, oil, and used filters, anti-freeze, batteries, lubricants and metal filings
• Use drip pans underneath vehicles to capture fluids. Use absorbent cleaning agents instead of water to clean work areas

5. Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Construction Sites

• Do not store or stockpile materials near a storm drain, catch basins, wetlands or streams
• Schedule excavation, grading, and paving operations for dry weather periods
• Maintain all hay bales and silt fence
• Protect stockpiles by storing under a roof, impermeable tarp, or plastic sheeting
• Prevent erosion by implementing soil stabilization practices such as mulching and temporary seeding
• Educate your employees and subcontractors about stormwater management requirements and their pollution prevention responsibilities

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1. What is a Business Certificate?

A BusinessCertificate is a registration of a business that is being conducted within the Town of Tewksbury.  Its purpose is primarily for consumer protection and allows the public to identify and locate the owner(s) of a business.  Most financial institutions require a copy of the Business Certificate prior to opening a business banking account.

2. Who must file a Business Certificate?

Any person conducting business in the Town of Tewksbury, under any title other than the real name of the owner, whether individually or as a partnership. If a partnership, EACH individual must sign the application in the presence of the Town Clerk or a Notary Public.

3. Does a Business Certificate expire?

A Business Certificate is in force and effect for four (4) years from the date of issue.  It must be renewed every four (4) years for as long as the business is operating.

4. What if I go out of business, change my residence, change the location of the business or want to change the name of the business?

A statement under oath must be filed with the Town Clerk upon discontinuing or withdrawal from the business or partnership. There is a $10.00 fee for address/location changes. If you wish to change the name of your business, you must "discontinue" the current Business Certificate and file a new certificate with the new business name.

5. Must I display a copy of my Business Certificate?

The law states that copies must be available at the address at which the business is conducted and shall be furnished upon request during regular business hours to any person who has purchased goods or services from your business.

6. Does the Business Certificate give me the right to operate my business?

The BusinessCertificate does not allow or permit any business rights with respect to the provisions of the Town of Tewksbury Zoning Bylaws and is not a permit to conduct business in a residential district.  For any proposed use, a determination of the applicability of the Zoning Bylaws is to be made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer prior to commencing such use.

7. What is the penalty for not filing for a Business Certificate?

The law states that a fine of not more than $300 will punish violations for each month during which the violation continues.

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1. What is the Annual Town Census?

Massachusetts General Law Chap. 51, Sec. 4 mandates an annual street listing of residents as of January 1st.  The Board of Registrars in coordination with the Town Clerk's Office sends out census forms to all Tewksbury households at the beginning of every year.  Look for your annual census form to arrive in the mail in early January.  The dog license renewal form is at the bottom of the census form. The census form asks for the name, gender, date of birth, and occupation of all residents in your household.

2. Is the information collected public?

In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chap. 51, Sec. 6. the Annual List of Residents is published based on census data containing the names and addresses of all residents 17 years of age or older. The Annual List of Residents is available in July of each year for $20 as a hard copy, e-mailed PDF, or CD.

3. Can I register to vote on my census form?

No. Voter registration in Tewksbury has never been easier than it is today. You may visit the Town Clerk’s Office in Tewksbury Town Hall, 1009 Main St. and complete a voter registration form in person. Or, you may download a Mail-In Voter Registration Form

In addition, the state registries of motor vehicles, social service agencies and military recruitment offices provide voter registration services.

4. Can I tell if I'm registered to vote from my census form?

Yes.  Party enrollment information is included on the census form designated by a letter. If there is not a letter to the left of your name, you are not registered to vote in Tewksbury.  If there is a "U" next to your name, it means that you are registered but not affiliated with a particular party. "U" stands for "Unenrolled", formerly known as "Independent."

5. Can I change my name or political party on my census form?

No. We are unable to make changes to your voter registration from your census form. You must complete and sign a Change of Name Card or Change of Political Party Card and return it to the Town Clerk's Office.

6. What is an Inactive Voter?

An inactive voter is a voter who failed to return the census.  Any voter who does not respond to the annual census by the first Monday in June is made inactive.  Voters who are made inactive are immediately sent a confirmation card. This mailing notifies the voter that their name has been removed from the active voting list and has been placed on the inactive voting list and provides the voter with an opportunity to activate themselves by signing the postage prepaid confirmation card and returning it to the Town Clerk's Office. Voters can also be reinstated by voting in an election or town meeting or signing a petition or nomination paper.  

On Election Day or Town Meeting Day, inactive voters are allowed to vote, but they must provide ID matching the address listed on the voter’s list as well as complete an Affirmation of Current & Continuous Residence. This takes the voter and warden time to complete, so we encourage all voters to return their census forms.

7. What if I lost my census form or didn't receive one?

Blank copies can be obtained by clicking on the link on the top of this page, or we can print one out if a voter comes into the office. If you have any questions contact us via email or by telephone at 978-640-4355.

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1. Is this item Trash or Recycling?

Click this link for the State's Trash/Recycling instructions  

2. How do I purchase extra trash or recyling toters. How about over flow trash stickers?

Click here to purchase trash and/or recycling toters and trash overflow stickers.

3. I just had a home built. How do I setup trash and recycling services

Click here to purchase a 65g trash toter and a 95g recycling toter for your new home.  Please select New Construction

4. How do I purchase additional trash and/or recycling bins

Please click here to order

5. Broken! What to do if your toter is broken.

Republic Services will either fix or replace your toter.  Please call 1-800-442-9006 to arrange this with them.

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1. What is the process for requesting information for prior-year payment history that has been paid on my real estate tax, excise or water bills?

You may request this information in person or by mail.  If requesting by mail, please provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Additional fees may apply.

2. What is the fee for a duplicate bill?

The fee is five dollars for tax services only. Duplicate bills can be found by logging into the City Hall Systems website and entering the bill Number and last name or we can reproduce a copy free for residents.

3. How do I make a online payment?

View the Online Presentment and Payment FAQs (PDF).

4. Why does the remittance envelope say Reading, MA?

A return envelope is enclosed with each bill that is addressed to a post office box for our lockbox service. The lockbox service is provided by Century Bank of Medford, MA. The mail is opened, sorted, and then posted to a file which is electronically forwarded to the Town for posting to the taxpayer's individual accounts. Checks are deposited daily. Any correspondence that is out of the ordinary is returned to the Treasurer / Collector's Office for further attention.

5. When are motor vehicle excise taxes due?

Motor vehicle excise taxes are due 30 days from the date of issuance. The bills are generated from the Registry of Motor Vehicles and are produced from the information provided to the Registry from your vehicle registration.

6. I received a personal property tax bill, however I sold my business, am I still responsible for this bill?

Personal Property Tax is assessed to and is the responsibility of the owner of the record. The owner of the record is the owner of the property as of January 1st of the previous calendar year. Please contact the Assessor's Office to see if you are eligible for abatement.

7. I did not receive my motor vehicle excise bill, what should I do?

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 60a, Section 2 states "So long as a municipality mails an excise bill to a registrant and the bill is sent to the registrant's address, as that address appears on the vehicle's registration, or as the person has otherwise specified in writing, the registrant is presumed to have received the bill, regardless whether he has received it in fact. If the registrant fails to receive such a bill, he is nevertheless, liable for its timely payment, and interest and fees will accrue if the bill is not paid on or before the due date.

All address changes must be made through the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

8. Is there a grace period for real estate and personal property taxes?

No, real estate and personal property taxes are due in the Tax Collectors office by the due date. Penalty interest will accrue at an annual rate of 14 percent.

9. Is there a drop-off box for payments?

Yes, there is a secure drop-off box located at the rear of the Town Hall Annex. This box is provided for your convenience and any mail deposited in the drop box is emptied and distributed to the appropriate department each day.

10. When are the real estate and personal property tax bills due?

The Town of Tewksbury is on the quarterly tax billing system. Therefore, the bills are due on August 1st, November 1st, February 1st and May 1st of each year.

11. Can I mail my payment directly to Town of Tewksbury?

Yes, our mailing address is Tax Collector, Town of Tewksbury.

Tax Collector
Town of Tewksbury
11 Town Hall Avenue
Tewksbury, MA 01876

12. I didn't receive my tax bill, what should i do?

If you do not receive your bill within a few days of the issue date, please contact the Treasurer / Collector's Office immediately. Our phone number is 978-640-4340. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Please remember that it is your responsibility to make sure that you obtain a tax bill. You are responsible for the payment of the taxes even if you did not receive the tax bill. We mail the tax bills to the address provided to us by the Assessor's Office.

13. When are the real estate and personal property tax bills mailed?

The bills are mailed thirty days before the August 1st and February 1st due dates. Please note that you will not receive a separate bill for the November 1st or May 1st due dates. These amounts are included on the bills sent thirty days before the August and February due dates.

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1. How do I get help with compensation claims and pension claims?

Please call or email to set up an appointment to go over the claims process. All necessary VA forms will be provided.
 

2. What Veterans events are there?

Please see this website for more information:

http://tewksburypac.com/

3. How do I get a copy of my DD-214?

Call Lisa Downey at 978-640-4485 or email Veteran Service's

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1. Why is my water white?

Cloudiness or white water is indicative of air dissolved in the water. To test this theory fill a glass with water from affected tap and watch to see if the cloudiness dissipates. Generally, when breaks occur, water mains must be shut off. During the opening and closing of valves, air can be introduced into the distribution which causes the water to appear cloudy. This air will make its way out of the water in time. If the cloudiness persists there may be a plumbing issue within the household. Call the Water Treatment Plant at Phone: 978-858-0345 for further information.

2. What are these stains on my fixtures?

Frequently, iron and manganese which are found in almost all water distributions may cause staining in toilets or sinks. Often times the bleach products we use to clean our toilet bowls will cause the small amount of iron and manganese that is dissolved in the water to "fall out" of solution or become deposited on the surface of the bowl. As more water flushes by, the deposit builds until it becomes a stain.

The best method of minimizing stains is by scrubbing them away, however, be careful to not scratch the surface. Scratches make for the perfect environment for particles to embed and further exasperate the problem. For heavy-duty scaling, try a Lime-Away type product or a non-bleach cleanser. Pink staining is a form of biofilm which can be a nuisance as well. These stains generally show up when the water lies in the presence of soap. The tiny bacteria that causes the stain, feeds on soap scum. The best preventative action to take, if you experience this type of staining, is to rinse and wipe down the walls of the showers and / or sinks.

3. Why is my water banging in my pipes?

Often times banging occurs when the flow of air and water are not appropriately mixed. This may indicate the need for a plumber.

4. Is our water hard?

Our water is considered soft. We generally maintain 1 - 2 grains of hardness in our finished water. This means that less soap is needed to do things like washing our hair, cleaning our clothes, and running our dishwashers.

Consult your dishwasher manuals to be sure just how much detergent is necessary to wash your dishes. You will be pleased to find you will probably need to use half of the detergent that will fit in the reservoir since dishwashers are made universally for all types of water. You may be wasting money and etching glasses by using too much detergent.

5. Why does my water smell?

To determine the cause of the odor, fill a clean glass (smell it first to be sure it isn't the source) and walk away from the tap. Is the smell still there?

6. Does the water smell like a pool?

If so, you may be sensitive to the bleach we add to the water to keep it safe. As a preventative action bleach is added to our finish water (a tiny amount, less than 1 part per million), but this nearly de minimis amount ensures bacteria does not grow in the water as it travels to you through the pipes.

7. Does it smell musty?

During seasonal variations in our Water Treatment Plant's source water, we may get an increase in naturally occurring organisms that cause taste and odor problems. Although they are unpleasant to our noses, they are harmless.

If the water you draw from the tap smells but does not smell when you fill a glass and walk away from the faucet, the problem may be the sink.

Often times odors related to garbage disposals or "u traps" are the culprit. Food particles caught in the disposal will rot and give off odors. Also, dishwashers may be a cause of odor since they are plumbed in line with a sink and could be depositing food particles. If you suspect either to be the cause, an easy and efficient way to clean the disposal is to pour 1/2 cup of bleach (residents with septic tanks should not use bleach), vinegar, or baking soda with a couple of ice cubes. Run cold water and the disposal. This will dislodge and flush away any food particles.

If you suspect the dishwasher is the problem check by keeping the door to the dishwasher closed, smell the sink drain then open the dishwasher and smell inside of it. If the dishwasher is the source try doing a rinse cycle without dishes. Also, be sure to scrap and/or rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher or run more frequently to minimize the chance of food particles rotting.

8. Does the washer smell when you open it even when there isn't anything in it?

You could have a problem with drainage or your trap.

Try running a bleach load in an empty machine to see if the smell disappears.

If nothing helps, call the Water Treatment Plant at Phone: 978-858-0345.

9. My fish died is there something wrong with the water?

Be sure to consult an aquarium reference for adding fish to water containing free chlorine. Our water has a free chlorine residual to protect against bacteria growth.

10. Does our water come from wells?

The Town of Tewksbury's wells is no longer in service. Our water is pumped from the Merrimack River and treated at our Water Treatment Plant on Merrimack Drive.

11. How much does my water cost?

As of March 2022, $7.55 per 1000 gallons for the first 12,000 gallons, $10.67 per 1000 gallons for the next 12,000 gallons, $14.19 per 1000 gallons for 25,000 to 46,000 gallons, and $17.73 per 1000 gallons above 47,000 gallons.

Further questions, call Water Billing at Phone: 978-640-4350.

12. How much does it cost to fill a pool?

Call Water Billing with your pool size at Phone: 978-640-4350.

13. Why don't my clothes smell clean?

Check your clothes washer manual.

Are you using the appropriate amount of detergent for 1 - 2 grains of hardness? Try using 1 / 2 of the recommended dosage of detergent.

Are you properly rinsing out all the soap? Try doing an extra rinse cycle. Since most newer machines are more energy-efficient they use less water as well. Sometimes an excess of soap makes matters worse since some air-born bacteria love soap scum.

14. I need my water shut off, who should I call?

Call the Department of Public Works main line at Phone: 978-640-4440 or the Water and Sewer Division at Phone; 978-640-4440, extension 226.

Problems related to Sewer installation, call Phone: 978-640-4440, extension 224

15. Why is my water brown?

Brown water is usually an indication of rust dissolved in the water. Rust can be drawn into the distribution by changes in flow or water main breaks. Generally, these episodes will clear if a cold water tap runs for a few minutes. If the discoloration doesn't clear contact the Water Treatment Plant at Phone: 978-858-0345 for further instructions. When experiencing brown water refrain from doing laundry. Do not use bleach since it will interact with the rust and cause staining.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit for painting, or wallpapering?

No. These activities, as well as minor repairs such as replacing a few shingles on your house, are considered “ordinary repairs” by the state building code and do not require a permit. The code defines ordinary repairs as “Any maintenance which does not affect the structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation provisions, plumbing, sanitary, gas electrical or other utilities.”

2. Is a permit required to replace windows in my home?

Yes. Window replacement is an energy conservation matter covered in the state building code.

3. Is a permit required to install a pool?

Yes. A building permit and electrical permit is required.  A plot plan is also needed.

4. Do I need a permit to put up a fence? What are the Town of Tewksbury regulations concerning fences?

The town does not have its own fence regulations. Tewksbury defers to the state laws on fencing. A permit is not required to put up a fence up to 6 feet in height. However, if the property is located on a corner, the corner clearance regulations in the Tewksbury zoning by-law must be followed.

5. Do I need a permit to put a shed in my yard?

Yes.   If the shed is over 200 sf, a building permit and a plot plan is required .  If the shed is 200 sf or less no building permit is required.  The shed must be under 20' high, it must be at least 10' from side and rear lot lines, 25' from all streets and behind the front set back of the existing house.  It is the homeowners responsibility to know where their lot lines are located.

There is no implied compliance with other Town bylaws and regulations through this exemption. Please contact the Conservation Department for further review.