According to town officials sewer rates are increasing 20 percent. This increase will begin in July, but will not show up in bills until August, is due to the increase of rates in Fitchburg and Leominster and because of maintenance to the system.

    A former member of the Sewer Commission, Selectman Steven deBettencourt, said that Lunenburg does not have its own water treatment plant.

    As a result, Lunenburg has to go to the neighboring towns of Fitchburg and Leominster for treatment and those two towns have had to raise their rates.

    “When their rates go up, ours have to go up,” deBettencourt said, explaining that there is no regular money going into the department, meaning that it relies solely on rates.

    deBettencourt said another reason for the increase in rates is because of “maintenance issues that we have to take care of in the system.” These include maintaining the pump stations and doing some upgrades, according to deBettencourt.

    Barb Lefebvre, Sewer Department business manager, said Monday that rates would increase from $6.75 per 100 cubic feet to $8.10 per 100 cubic feet.

    The average customer, including businesses, uses approximately 1,900 cubic feet, according to Lefebvre.

    Those who use 1,900 cubic feet are expected to see a $25 increase in their bills, according to Lefebvre.