Currently, Beverly, Massachusetts residents are being charged a sewer fee (which is higher than the water fee) on all water usage, including outside watering. Beverly is one of the few cities/towns that does not permit the use of an additional outside water meter. This second meter, known as a deduct meter, measures the flow of water that does not enter the sanitary sewer system and is used to calculate a reduction in sewer use charges. (The customer is still charged for the water that is used.).This water is used for watering your lawn & garden, filling your swimming pool, washing your car or any other outside irrigation or recreational purpose, and therefore does not go into the city's sewer system. However, the City of Beverly still charges you sewer fees even though there is no sewage to process.

This petition requests that the City of Beverly allow for the use of Deduct meters. All costs associated with the installation and maintenance of a deduct meter, as well as the fees for the required annual inspection of the meter and backflow prevention device by authorized city personnel, shall be the responsibility of the home owner.