Biddeford residents overcharged for sewer services since 2019; city set to issue refunds

Routine audit uncovers billing error after city’s 2025 sewer service switch

In a recent development, city officials revealed that an error in the municipal sewer billing system was discovered during a routine audit. The mistake came to light after the city transitioned to a new sewer billing service earlier this year, in 2025.

The city’s administration confirmed that the audit, carried out as part of standard quality‑control procedures, identified a discrepancy that had arisen since the adoption of the new billing platform. While the officials did not disclose the nature of the error or its impact on residents, they emphasized that the issue has been flagged and is being addressed.

“City officials said that the error was identified during a routine audit after the city transitioned to a new sewer billing service in 2025,” the statement read. The city’s spokesperson added that the audit team is working closely with the billing vendor to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

The switch to the new billing service was undertaken to modernize the municipality’s infrastructure and improve the accuracy and efficiency of utility billing. The audit—conducted as part of the city’s compliance obligations—was scheduled to review all operational processes following the transition.

Residents have not yet been notified of any potential adjustments to their accounts. The city’s public works department will likely issue further communication once the investigation is complete and the corrective measures are implemented.

The incident highlights the importance of thorough oversight when municipalities upgrade essential services. City officials assure the public that safeguarding accurate billing remains a top priority and that steps are being taken to prevent similar issues in the future.