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1. Can I reduce my property value without filing for an abatement?

No. The assessors do not have the authority to reduce property values after the values have been committed without a timely filed application for abatement. It is critical that the abatement application be filed between January 1 and February 1 of every tax year to secure the taxpayer’s right to appeal. If no appeal is filed, and after inspection, the assessor corrects the data that reduces the assessed value, that reduction will be applied to the next fiscal year’s assessed valuation.

2. What if, after the bill goes out, I still disagree with the assessment?

You will need to file an abatement application with the Board of Assessors by February 1, of that tax year. The Board of Assessors has three months in which to act on your application. They will notify you on an approved Department of Revenue form of their decision within that time.

3. What evidence do I need to present to the Board when filing for an abatement?

State law puts the burden of proof on the property owner to show that the assessment is incorrect. Stating that property taxes are too high is not relevant. You should establish in your mind what you think your property is worth.

The best evidence that could be considered is a recent sale price of your property. The next best thing is recent sale prices of properties that are similar to yours in size, style, age and location. The closer in similarity and proximity, the better the evidence. Another type of evidence that is considered is a recent appraisal of your property.

4. Do I have to apply for an abatement every year if I received one in the past?

No. If there was a specific problem or circumstance regarding your property that warranted an abatement in the past, that information would remain on the property record until the issue is corrected. All subsequent assessments will be calculated based on the corrected information.

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1. What do the assessors do?

The board of assessors is required by Massachusetts law to list and value all real and personal property. Assessors are required to submit these values to the State Department of Revenue for certification every three years.

The assessor visits owners each year that have obtained building permits for new construction of their property. Assessors measure, list and value these properties to calculate new growth for each year. New construction is calculated for the months of July 1 - June 30 of each year.

Assessors also process all motor vehicle abatement requests.

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1. How do I get a certified copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate?

Certified copies of birth, marriage and death certificates are $10.00 per copy and can be ordered at anytime through one of three ways:

1. In Person by coming into City Hall at 59 Court Street, City Clerk’s Office, 2nd floor, and requesting it in person.

2. By mail by sending a request to

City Clerk's Office
59 Court Street
Westfield, MA 01085.

Please include in the request the name, the date of the birth, death, or marriage; and also send a self-addressed stamped envelope where you would like the certificate sent back to. The fee is $10.00 per copy, please make check payable to the City of Westfield for the appropriate amount.

3. Online by using our online payment center.

City Clerks Online Payment Center

2. How to I obtain a Burial Permit?

Burial Permits are $15.00 and must be paid for before the permit is released in the VIPS online program. They can be paid for one of two ways:

1. In Person by coming into City Hall at 59 Court Street, City Clerk’s Office, 2nd floor.

2. Online by using our online payment center. We will be notified via email as soon as payment is made and will release the permit the same day. For more information: City Clerks Online Payment Center

3. How can I obtain a Fishing & Wildlife license?

Fishing & Wildlife Licenses are now available for purchase online:
MassFishHunt Licensing and Harvest Reporting

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1. What is a fiscal year?

The City of Westfield's fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th of the following calendar year. For example, your real estate bills run on a fiscal year, not a calendar year.

2. What period does my excise tax cover?

Your excise bill covers a full calendar year - January 1st to December 31st.

3. What happens on my excise tax when I buy a new car?

You will be billed form the date of the sale to the end of the calendar year - December 31st. If you have paid an excise tax on a vehicle that has been sold or traded in, you may be eligible for an abatement and must contact the Assesor's Office.
Assessor's Office

4. How do I change the address on my bills?

To change the address on your excise tax bills, you must change your address with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. To change your real estate bill, please contact the Assessor's Office. To change your combined utility bill, please contact the Water Department.

5. When can I take my exemptions off the real estate bill?

One half of your exemption may be deducted by the home owner for the 3rd quarter bill which is due February 1st. The second half of your exemption will automatically be deducted on your 4th quarter bill which is due on May 1st.

6. When are the new tax rates set?

The tax rates are set by the City Council, usually during the month of November.
City Council

7. When are the property values set?

Property values are determined by the Assessor's Office and are usually available in the month of November.
Assessor's Office

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1. How many application copies do I need to submit?

As the City of Westfield is trying to go paperless, we request all applications, plans and supporting documents be submitted digitally, along with one hard copy.

If you are unable to email or provide a digital copy, please submit 2 hard copies of all documents.

Remember to send one copy of all your documents to the Department of Environmental Protection at:

The Department of Environmental Protection
Wetlands Division
436 Dwight Street
Springfield, MA 01103

2. What happens once I submit an application?

1. The Commission will schedule your application on an agenda and you will receive a notification as to when it has been scheduled.
2. If deemed necessary, the Coordinator will schedule a site visit to view the resource areas (wetlands) and where your project is in relation to those wetlands.
3. You or your representative are expected to attend the meeting.

3. What does the Conservation Commission do?

Under Massachusetts General Law 131 Section 40, all cities and towns in Massachusetts have Conservation Commissions who permit activities in and near wetlands such as streams, brooks, ponds, marshes, wet meadows and wooded swamps. These Commissions also have enforcement authority as provided to them under the Massachusetts Wetlands Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) if alterations occur in/near wetlands without the proper permits. Westfield's Conservation Commission has additional authority under the Westfield Wetlands Protection Ordinance.

4. How do I know if my project will require me to file an application?

Do not assume your contractor will pull all the necessary permits. As the property owner, you are responsible to ensure you obtain all permits that may be required. If you are unsure, contact the Westfield Conservation Commission at (413) 572-6281.

5. Where can I find the Westfield Wetlands Protection Ordinance?

Westfield Wetlands Protection Ordinance

Download Conservation Ordinance 1109

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1. What does The Westfield Emergency Management Agency Do?

The Westfield Emergency Management Agency practices Emergency Management, which is different from regular daily emergency response that might be handled by the Police or Fire Departments.

The process of Emergency Management is to identify and possibly avoid emergency events, prepare for events should they happen, to assist in the response and recovery to an event. Local Emergency Management agencies often work in conjunction with state or federal agencies.

As an example, Westfield Emergency Management would not be the ones to rescue people trapped by flood waters but would rather help organize, deploy and support those rescuers.

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1. When will my street be improved?

The City of Westfield through the Board of Public Works and this office has performed an inventory of the more than 686 recognized ways in the City. An analysis with regards to pavement management has been performed and a work program developed to address the issue. Although the inventory included private streets the program does not. Only publicly accepted streets are covered under funding appropriated to this effort. Private or unaccepted streets require special appropriation from the Mayor and City Council.

2. Whom do I call to report a problem?

If it requires immediate attention call the Police Department.

If it involves work to be performed within days the issue is a repair which should be directed to the Department of Public Works.

If the work involved is extensive and needs to be corrected in time it is an improvement and needs to be included in the longer term program. Please review the Programs page. If it is not identified notify the City Engineer.

3. When will Sanitary Sewers be brought to my street?

If you own an occupiable building without sanitary sewers it was constructed with sufficient real estate and adequate septic system to accommodate long-term use. Therefore, sanitary sewers are not necessary. It is not the intent of the City of Westfield to extend sanitary sewers to every street. The requirements of lot size and septic system design have changed over time leaving some older neighborhoods unable to meet current standards. In an effort to address this the Mayor and City Council have authorized limited funding for extension resulting in a strategic plan shown on page Program, Sewers indicating the proposed date of installation.

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1. What do I need to bring to the Fire Department for a plan review for construction of a new house or renovation to my current house?

Update - Due to COVID-19, the Fire Prevention Deputy has been reviewing plans electronically.  The plans still need to be marked where the detectors will be installed prior to the plan review.  Please email the plans to fireprevention@cityofwestfield.org.  If you have questions regarding this new procedure, please send your questions to the same email address.

The Fire Department requests 2 sets of plans of your new construction and/or house renovation.  Prior to Fire Department review, both sets of plans must have the smoke, carbon, and heat detector locations clearly marked as to where the detectors will be installed.  The plans should include every level of the house including basement.  For houses undergoing renovation, the plans must include the original house floor plan in addition to the renovation and/or addition.  The structure dimensions and gross floor square footage should also be indicated.  Payment for the plan review will be collected once the plans have been approved and are ready to be picked up.  The cost for the plan review is $.02 per square foot with a minimum of $40.  

2. What forms of payment are accepted by the Fire Department for permits and inspections?

The office accepts exact cash or a check made payable to the City of Westfield.  Credit cards and debit cards are not payment options in the office.  

A link is available on the "Smoke Detector" and "Fire Prevention & Permits" webpages to pay for Annual Inspections, Quarterly Inspections, Smoke Detector Inspections & Re-inspections and Plan Review fees with an electronic check, credit or debit card. (Processing fees do apply and the amount varies.)

3. I am selling my house. How do I schedule a smoke detector inspection?

Update - Due to COVID-19, we are currently scheduling smoke detector inspections over the phone rather than in person. Please call (413) 572-6330 or (413) 572-6307 to make the appointment.  We are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to take your phone calls.  We are still requesting the appointment be made 2 to 3 weeks prior to your scheduled closing date. 

Payment is currently being collected at the time of the appointment in the form of a personal check, bank check or money order only and made out to the City of Westfield.  Cash cannot be accepted.

We are now offering credit card, debit card or an electronic check as a payment option for smoke detector inspections and re-inspection fees.  Visit the Smoke Detector webpage for more information and the link to UniPay.  

4. How do I know how old my smoke detectors are?

You will need to remove the smoke detectors from their bases to see the information on the back of the detectors.  There should be a sticker or a stamp with the manufacturing date.  For example, the date may be listed as "2013 Nov. 05". If you are unable to find a date located on the back of the detector, then the detector is very old.   As smoke detectors age, the detector also turns yellow.  Smoke detectors need to be replaced if the date is over 10 years old.  

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1. I just got back to work and my computer looks different. When I log on, it's not responding. What now?

Over the summer, the Technology Center upgraded almost all of the computers and laptops in the district to Windows 7. You will notice a few differences.

If you are confused as to how to log into your machine, please see How to Log Into a Windows 7 Machine.

The first time you log into any computer it will take a few minutes to load your profile, printers, and settings. After the first time you log into that computer, it will only take seconds.

We are aware that some of you use additional software and will need that loaded onto your computer. Please submit a ticket to Help Desk for this. We will be happy to assist you as soon as possible. Please be patient as this was a district wide update.

2. Can I buy new or used equipment that the city no longer uses for personal use?

Since everything is purchased through city funds already allocated in each department’s budget, the general public is not normally allowed to purchase equipment directly from the city.


If equipment is deemed surplus and available for purchase, it will be handled via a surplus bid managed by the Purchasing Department.

3. Is there a city-wide wireless network that anyone can connect to and use?

The City of Westfield offers wireless networks in certain city buildings, like City Hall, Police, etc. and public school buildings. Please see Wireless Internet FAQ. for additional information.

4. I will be away from my work email. How do I set up an auto-responder?

Follow these step by step instructions to set up auto-responder for your work email.

5. How do I change my work email password and what guidelines should I follow to create a new one?

To change your work email address, please follow these instructions. Be sure to follow our password guidelines when creating or resetting any new passwords.

6. How do I forward my work MITEL phone to another phone? How do I stop forwarding?

These directions are for MITEL phones, based in City and School Administrative Offices, as well as the Vocational Technical High School.
To forward your phone:
1. Press the BLUE button on your phone
2. Select the Call Forwarding option
3. Enter the number you would like to forward the phone to
          Note: if you are forwarding to an external number (cell phone) – start with 8
4. Select the Activate button
5. The menu will close and a handset with an arrow will show in the upper left corner of your phone menu
To stop forwarding your phone:
1. Press the BLUE button on your phone
2. Select the Call Forwarding option
3. Select the Deactivate button
4. The menu will close and the upper left corner of your phone menu will be clear

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. How can I file a claim with the City of Westfield?

Please follow the link below which provides paper and electronic form options to file a claim. Both forms provide instructions, include what constitutes a claim and how to fill out the form.
File a Claim Options

2. How can I submit a service request for an issue like potholes?

Please submit your concern through the See Click Fix system.
Report a Concern

3. I would like to start a business in Westfield. Who should I contact and where should I start?

Start by navigating to the link below. The Business section of the City of Westfield's website contains all the details you need to start you on your way to opening your doors for business in this great city. For any additional questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the City Advancement Officer, Joe Mitchell, at (413) 642-9028.
Economic Development

4. I am looking to move to Westfield. Who can I contact for assistance?

Contact the Community Development Department, linked below. They will be able to answer any questions you may have and better assist you in your moving preparations.
Community Development Department

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1. Where are you located and phone number?

The Parks and Recreation department is located at 4 Holcomb Street Westfield, MA off Court Street. Look for the signs on Court Street. The last left before the Baystate-Noble Hospital in a cream color sided building. Office phone is 572-6263.

2. Can I register by phone, fax or on site?

No, all registrations must be completed with full payment. Register on online at WESTFIELDMAPARKSREC.COM or mail in form from brochure, use the drop or stop in the Parks and Recreation office 4 Holcomb St.

3. Can my child be on a team with a friend or for carpooling?

Most of the programs we can accommodate your request unless it requires a tryout or skills assessment. Please put your request on line or on the registration form.

4. Programs don’t start until summer should I register now?

Yes. Some programs fill up quickly. If they are full you will be added to the wait list.

5. Can I receive a refund if I decide to cancel?

Yes, the request must be received three working days before the program starts. A $10.00 cancellation fee applies. You must complete a vendor form and send along a letter requesting why you want a refund. Refunds take three weeks to process. You can always keep a credit on your household for future programs. Once you have placed a credit on your household you cannot transfer it back to a refund.

6. What if I can’t afford a program?

We don’t want to have any child left behind due to economic setbacks. The department has a Scholarship Fund to help. The fund will subsidize the program fee for a youth participant 17 years of age or younger or a student in High school. See Scholarship form and requirements.

7. If a program is filled up do you take a wait list?

Yes. The department has always had a policy of first come first serve. When an opening comes up we call those on the waiting list.

8. Do you offer childcare during the summer?

Yes. The Park and Recreation department has a program in the summer called Adventure Zone. Full childcare Ages 5-12 a full day camp. Hours 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Participants bring a lunch with ice pack or cooler, water and snacks. Call the department with any questions or attend our parent meeting listed in our brochure. All payments are due the Friday before each Monday online or in person. The staff does not accept payments for the program, only field trip payments. A newsletter will go out each week letting you know what field trips are scheduled. Adventure Zone will offer a rich program experience for participants. Activities include, but not limited to arts and crafts, sports, tournaments, field trips, swimming once a week, guest speakers and visits to the spray park.

9. Are you hiring?

The department will advertise for Seasonal positions in Westfield Newspaper. Positions are also listed on the Personnel City Website.

City of Westfield Employement Page

10. Are you looking for volunteers?

Yes youth can volunteer during the summer only.  Call the department for a Volunteer Packet and list where you would like to volunteer. Some programs are looking for coaches. If you want to coach your child’s team please write it on your registration form. All volunteer coaches require a CORI/SORI Criminal Back ground Check and read then sign the Conflict of Interest Law form.

11. How do I make a donation to help a child?

The department has a scholarship Fund. All donations are made payable to: Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund or “Add Up” on line or on your registration form.

12. How do we reserve a park?

Under permits use of areas parks and facilities. You will need to call the office at 572-6263 well in advance to get your name on the next agenda for approval by the commission. And drop-off use of area permit to the parks and recreation office. 4 Holcomb St. Please keep in mind, we have a once a month commission meeting.

13. Who do I contact regarding a torn flag in any parks?

Contact us at the Parks and Recreation Department at 413-572-6263. We replace all flags in parks each spring in May. If you see a torn flag in a park please call us in the office.

14. Can I reserve a date for my child's birthday party at the Municipal, Chapman, or Sadie Knox Spraypark Playgrounds?

We do not reserve the areas, however you can plan a birthday party, Please keep in mind, that other younger children will be at the park and will wonder why they cannot have any cake or ice cream. Please pick up trash and wash tables down after the event. Please inform your guest’s parent/guardians, that there is no smoking or alcohol allowed at any playground or park per city ordinances. Thank you!

15. Can we have a dog birthday party at Arms Brook Park's dog friendly area?

Yes, you may as long as the owners’ of the dogs pick up after them using the dog dispensers. Please pick up any trash after the event and remind all other owners of the rules before entering the gate - including no smoking, or alcohol allowed per city ordinance. Thank you!

Dog Park Rules and Guidelines
Upon entering the dog park, you agree to follow the safety rules and guidelines for the dog area:

• Leash your dog when entering and exiting the dog area and IMMEDIATELY upon any sign of aggression.
• Keep your dog within view and under control. Never leave your dog unattended.
• Clean up after your dog anywhere in the park. Plastic bags and poop dispensers are available on premise in order keep the park healthy and beautiful for all to enjoy.
• Limit (2) dogs per visit.
• Do not bring in aggressive dogs, female dogs in heat, very young puppies, and sick dogs. Dogs displaying aggressive behavior will be asked to leave.
• Smoking, food, and drink (except for training treats) are not allowed within the dog enclosure.
• Young children under the age of 8 are NOT ALLOWED in the enclosed area for their safety and children younger than 16 will have to be accompanied by an adult.
• Dogs must be licensed dogs and up to date with vaccinations.
• Dog tags must be worn or proper documentation must be accessible.
• Respect the park and everything in it, including animals. The park has been unused for many years, please keep all animal habitats clean and be careful of the wildlife. Be on your guard and watch your children at all times. Please help to keep this park clean of litter and use the trash barrels. And remember to pick up after your dog (s) with the waste bags and drop into dispensers.
• These rules are listed on our website here.

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1. How do I apply for a job?

Please visit our Jobs Opportunities page to see what our current openings are. You must complete an application to be considered for any job with the City of Westfield.

Jobs Opportunities

2. How long does it take for someone to review my application?

It takes at least two weeks from the closing date for applications to be reviewed. If you have applied for a Labor Service position, those are reviewed daily and require reference checks to be returned prior to consideration.

3. What is the process for Labor Service Positions?

Applications are reviewed and placed on file. They are only pulled when a department requests a list for a Labor Service title. From there, applicants will be notified by mail to come and sign the list acknowledging they are still interested for the position.

4. Can you explain my benefits to me?

Please look at our Benefits page for in depth information regarding the health, dental, and life insurances you may be entitled to. Should you have further questions, please call our Benefits Coordinator or your carrier directly.

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1. What do I do if online incident reporting is not right for me?

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If non-emergency call 413-562-5411.

2. What if this happened in another city can I file a report using this online police citizen reporting system?

No, if a crime took place outside of the City of Westfield Police Department please call the police department for that city.

3. What if this happened on a state freeway?

If this took place on a state freeway please call the Highway Patrol Office nearest you.

4. What is a known suspect?

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in.

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1. When should I call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is for Life Threatening Police, Fire or Medical Emergencies ONLY. Some examples include a crime in progress, building fire, and someone having a heart attack.

2. When should I NOT call 9-1-1?

For routine, non-emergency situations that do not require immediate assistance. Some examples include calling for a copy of an already filed police inquiry, phone number, parade times, etc. Utilize local web site resources including Mass 2-1-1 for general information requests.

3. Why do I have to answer so many questions for medical calls?

Our Emergency Telecommunicators use a comprehensive Emergency Medical Dispatch Program to determine the exact emergency, send the most appropriate resources, and provide pre-arrival medical instructions before the ambulance arrives. We can help the caller initiate immediate medical care as the ambulance is responding, including bleeding control, CPR and baby delivery.

4. What happens when I dial 9-1-1?

When calling from a traditional land line phone in Westfield, your call will be routed directly into our 9-1-1 Center. If you dial 9-1-1 from a cell phone, the call is routed by cell tower location information to the 9-1-1 center you are physically located at the moment.

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1. Something happened to my car or person on city property. How can I file a complaint or claim with the City of Westfield?

Please follow the link below which provides paper and electronic form options to file a claim. Both forms provide instructions, include what constitutes a claim and how to fill out the form.
File a Claim Options

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1. How do I plant a tree?

New Tree Planting Information

2. How do I report a tree issue?

SeeClickFix - Report an Issue

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1. Who will use the Rave Alert / Smart 911 System?

This system is used by the City of Westfield Emergency Management, Police, Fire, Dispatch, Public Works and Public Health.  It will be utilized to notify residents of major emergencies within the City or things which may create a major disruption to the City.

2. How does this differ from what I already signed up for at my kid’s school?

The Rave Alert / Smart 911 system is NOT connected to the school’s system which is designed to notify parents of events impacting the school system or broadcasting information they feel parents should know.

3. What types of messages will I receive?

The City will NOT utilize Rave Alert/ Smart 911 for non-emergency related activity.   You will not receive calls about a parade, fireworks, trash pickup, or events on the green.   These types of notices will come from the City Website if you have signed up for alerts there.

4. Why are there different systems?

There are different systems due to the various reasons that departments in the City may need to notify citizens.   We specifically separate Emergency notifications for there are many residents with no children in the school system, thus they do not want to receive school alerts.  There are many citizens who choose not to receive non-emergency alerts.  Many citizens choose only to be notified of emergency situations.

5. How do I sign up?

To sign up, go to the link below: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=westfieldma

6. When I go to sign up, it asks a lot of questions, why?

The system is capable of providing a lot of assistance to citizens based on information gathered.   When we do future upgrades, information you have entered can be received if you make a 911 call from your registered phone.   You do not have to enter everything now or even later if you choose not to, just your basic information such as your cell phone number and email address provides enough information to be notified.

7. Is my information secure and how is it used?

Yes, your information is secure and it is not shared.  It is only in the system for alert notifications through Rave Alert / Smart 911.

8. How will I know it is an alert message?

When you receive a call from the system, it will be a City of Westfield Emergency Management number.   There will be an alert message sent and once you receive the first message, you can capture the number and load it in your phone and label it so you know that it came from the City of Westfield Rave Alert / Smart 911 system.

9. Why did we choose Rave?

The City was utilizing an emergency notification system called Rapid Notify.   Rave purchased this company and to be more state of the art and robust, they have asked their customers to move over to the Rave Alert Notification System.    We chose to stay with Rave due to their quality of service, price point, and general feedback shared by other communities.  Rave is one of the leading systems used in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

10. Who should I contact if I have more questions?

If you have additional questions, you may contact the Emergency Management Director at (413) 568-1222.  Leave a message and he will call you back, or you may email emanagement@cityofwestfield.org   

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1. Do I, or my spouse, qualify as a Veteran?

There is no single answer for this question because the definition for a veteran may vary from program to program. In some cases there is a minimum number of days served, sometimes with requirement that at least some of the time served having been during a recognized wartime period. For programs sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Veteran is defined by MGL Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 43, as amended by the Acts of 2005, Chapter 130. Veteran

2. How do I find out about Veterans’ benefits when I don’t know where to go?

Review the frequently asked questions (FAQ) on our web page and if you don’t see what you are looking for, try the MassVetsAdvisor search engine. If this doesn't help you can always contact us using the contact info on the Veterans Services main page. MassVetsAdvisor

3. Are Veterans and/or their surviving spouse/dependents eligible for financial assistance?

There are several programs offered by both the Federal Government through the VA, and by the City of Westfield and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that provide financial assistance to qualifying veterans and/or their surviving spouse/dependents. Please call our office at 413-572-6247 to make an appointment. 

4. Where can I find out about Educational Benefits that may be available to me?

Please CLICK HERE to go to the VA Surviors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance website.

5. Do I qualify for Chapter 115 benefits?

Please CLICK HERE to determine if you are eligible for Chapter 115 benefits.

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1. How can I pay my bill?

Send your check or money order made payable to City of Westfield (no cash, please) to:
City of Westfield Water Department
P.O. Box 9249
Chelsea, MA 02150

or

Payments can be made in person, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Collector's Office
City Hall
59 Court Street
Westfield, MA 01085

2. I have a water emergency! Who do I call?

During regular business hours (Mon-Fri 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) please call (413) 572-6315 or (413) 572-6243. If your emergency is after business hours, please call the Westfield Police Department at (413) 562-5411.

3. Is there fluoride in my drinking water?

Westfield drinking water is not fluoridated.

4. How often is my meter read?

In order to read the entire city, we divide it into three sections. Each section is read every three months (quarterly).

5. How is my bill calculated?

The prior quarter's reading obtained from your water meter is subtracted from the current reading. The difference between the two readings is the number of gallons used for the quarter.

The number of gallons used is then multiplied by the rate of $2.95 per thousand gallons used. This will give you the dollar amount for the actual water consumed.

To that amount, there is a base charge amount for the size of the meter in your home. The typical size meter for a residential home is 5/8", which has a $20.50 base charge.

The water consumption charge is added to the base charge to determine the water charge on your Combined Utility Bill.

6. How does the Water Resources Department test my drinking water?

Coliform bacteria samples are taken on a weekly basis at several testing points throughout the city. Additional samples are also taken monthly, quarterly, and annually to ensure that the quality of your drinking water is maintained at the highest quality possible.

These samples are taken to a commercial laboratory for testing. The results are available in the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) which is sent to every home on an annual basis or can be obtained at the Water Resources Department main office at 28 Sackett Street.

7. What causes dirty water?

There are several causes of dirty water from your tap. Generally, it is caused by a high water flow situation due to a fire, testing of the water mains, or a water main break. Your tap water will generally clear up if you run it slowly for a short time. Color, Taste, and Odor How and Why

8. I have a fire hydrant in my yard, am I responsible for this?

You are responsible to have the hydrant clear of snow and debris that may hinder its operation by Fire Department or Water Resources Department personnel.

9. What are some ways I can conserve water?

Please refer to the "Conservation" section of this web site. Water Conservation

10. What happens if I don't pay my bill?

Any Combined Utility Bill amounts that are billed through the 4th quarter of the fiscal year (June) that remain unpaid when the real estate tax bills are issued in December of the same year will be applied as liens to the real estate tax bill.

If you have questions regarding unpaid bills, please call the Collector's Office at (413) 572-6229.

11. Who do I call if I think my bill is wrong?

Your bill is a combined utility bill consisting of one or more utility services.

If you think the water or sewer portion is incorrect, call the Water Resources Department main office at (413) 572-6269.

If you think the waste management or stormwater portion is incorrect, call the Public Works Department office at 572-6226.

12. I'm going away for the winter. Will my pipes freeze?

If you are planning to leave your house unoccupied during the cold season, the Water Resources Department recommends that you call us to remove the meter and turn the water off at the street. It is also recommended that you have your plumber winterize the water lines inside the house.

If water is left on in the house during cold weather and the heat is lower than normal, then a water line may freeze. This can result in severe damage to your home and belongings. You are also responsible for any damage to the water meter due to freezing.

13. I'm selling my house. Do I need to notify the Water Resources Department?

In most circumstances, when a house is sold an attorney is involved. The attorney's office will contact the Water Resources Department to schedule a "final water reading" for the property being sold. At the time that the appointment is made, the seller's information, along with the buyer's information, will be obtained. Therefore, the seller does not have to contact the Water Resources Department.

If an attorney is not involved or there are other extenuating circumstances, please call the Water Resources Department at (413) 572-6243 to make sure that we know there is a change in ownership.

14. I'm renting an apartment. Am I responsible for the water bill?

The legal owner of the property is responsible to the Water Resources Department for payment of the water bills. The Water Resources Department does not get involved in any lease or rental agreements made between landlords and tenants.

All water bills that remain unpaid are subject to a water lien being placed on the property.

15. How does my water meter get read?

For most houses, there is a small black plastic pad mounted on the outside of your house. This pad is connected by wires to the water meter in your home. The meter reader has an electronic reading device that he touches to the pad and is able to obtain a read. That read is then transmitted through radio frequency to the meter equipment that stores all the meter readings on his route.

Some of the newer homes have a radio read transmitter box on the outside of the house that allows the meter reader to just walk by the house and the equipment will automatically pick up the read. This means that the meter reader does not have to go on that property.

The meter reader generally does not have to go inside your house to obtain a meter reading. Occasionally, the meter reader might have difficulty obtaining a good read. On those occasions, the meter reader will knock on the door to ask if he can go inside to obtain a read or, if the homeowner does not appear to be home, he will leave a card on the door stating that the homeowner needs to call the office.

Do not ever let anyone into your home without asking for proper identification. All employees of the Westfield Water Resources Department carry identification badges. If you're still in doubt, please call the Water Resources Department Office at (413) 572-6243 and we will let you know if our meter readers are reading in your area.

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1. How do I make an appointment for an inspection?

Appointments can by made by calling 413-572-6241, or sending an email.

Show All Answers

1. Can I access my business network through this service?

Yes, however high volume usage is prohibited and could result in loss of access.

2. How does this service work?

The City of Westfield / Westfield Public Schools has installed wireless access points within public buildings which transmit a signal wirelessly to a user’s Wireless 802.11b/g/n wireless network adapter. With a properly installed wireless network adapter, a user launches their browser and receives the Wireless Internet disclaimer page. Once they OK the Disclaimer and Terms of Use, they are able to connect to Public Wireless Service.

3. How fast is the Internet connection?

The City of Westfield / Westfield Public Schools connects to the Internet via a single shared Internet connection. The actual throughput (speed) varies depending on the number of concurrent users. Download speeds will usually range from 1Mbps to 54Mbps, however the town does not guarantee this service or minimum throughput speeds.

4. How secure is this system?

We do not enable WEP (Wired Equivalency Protection), WPA, or any other encryption methods on any of the wireless equipment used in our network. Therefore, no special keys are required to use the service. WEP encryption is not yet practical for a public access network, due in part to the absence of a standardized method for relaying encryption keys between different manufacturers’ equipment. We also encourage our subscribers to observe good security practices.

5. What do I need to connect to this service?

You will need a Wireless compliant 802.11b/g/n wireless Ethernet device in your laptop or another device with WiFi capability. You must have DHCP enabled, that is, no static IP address. You must not have a static proxy server or static DNS server specified.

6. What if I have problems connecting to this service?

For liability and cost reasons city staff is strictly prohibited from handling or troubleshooting users’ personal computers. If city staff is contacted they will only verify the current operation state of the public wireless internet.

7. What is 802.11b/g/n?

IEEE 802.11 is an international standard for wireless networking. It permits different devices to communicate with one another using this standard. There are different versions of this standard and City of Westfield / Westfield Public Schools has chosen the most common one, 802.11b/g/n. Your laptop or PDA device must be enabled with an 802.11b/g/n network adapter or chip in order to communicate with this system.

8. What operating systems are compatible with this service?

The wireless Internet is not OS-specific, and will work with any operating systems as long as there is a compatible, properly configured network adapter.