If you’re a contractor, developer, or property owner planning to perform work on public sewer systems or private sewer connections in Massachusetts, you may be required to obtain a Massachusetts Sewer Bond before beginning your project. This bond ensures that all work complies with state and municipal regulations, protecting the public sewer infrastructure and ensuring proper restoration after work is completed.
I’ve worked with many contractors who only discover this bonding requirement when applying for permits. Understanding what this bond is, why it’s required, and how to obtain it quickly and affordably can help prevent project delays and ensure compliance with Massachusetts regulations.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Massachusetts Sewer Bond, including:
Who needs it
Why it’s required
How much it costs
How to obtain it efficiently
A Massachusetts Sewer Bond is a type of surety bond required by state and local government agencies for contractors and businesses performing work related to sewer system installations, repairs, and connections.
This bond guarantees that sewer-related work is completed according to code and that any damage to public or private property is properly repaired. If a contractor fails to complete the work correctly, leaves a project unfinished, or does not restore the site, the government or property owner can file a claim against the bond to recover financial losses.
It’s important to note that this bond does not protect the contractor—it protects municipalities, property owners, and the public from financial losses caused by non-compliance or improper work.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and local municipalities require sewer bonds for contractors, developers, and property owners involved in sewer system projects.
✅ Licensed Sewer Contractors
✅ Excavation & Utility Contractors
✅ Plumbing & Drainage Companies
✅ General Contractors working on sewer infrastructure
✅ Developers installing new sewer lines for subdivisions
✅ Property Owners connecting private property to public sewer systems
❌ Contractors or property owners not working on sewer lines or public infrastructure.
❌ Work fully contained within private property (unless required by local regulations).
❌ Contractors already covered by a municipal or state bonding program.
If your project involves connecting, modifying, or repairing sewer lines, you will likely need a Massachusetts Sewer Bond before obtaining a permit.
In my experience, many contractors initially view bonding as just another licensing requirement. However, I’ve come to realize that this bond plays a critical role in protecting public health and infrastructure.
✅ Ensures Public Safety – Guarantees that sewer work meets safety, environmental, and sanitation standards.
✅ Prevents Damage to Public Property – Holds contractors accountable for proper restoration of streets, sidewalks, and sewer infrastructure.
✅ Protects Government Agencies & Taxpayers – Provides financial protection if a contractor fails to complete work correctly.
✅ Environmental Compliance – Ensures that sewer work follows Massachusetts environmental regulations to prevent pollution and contamination.
✅ Legal Compliance – Helps the state enforce public works and municipal codes.
Failing to obtain this bond can result in permit denials, project delays, fines, or even legal action.
The required bond amount varies depending on the municipality, project size, and scope of work. Some common bond amounts include:
Permit Type
Typical Bond Amount
Residential Sewer Connection
$5,000 - $25,000
Commercial Sewer Installation
$25,000 - $100,000
Sewer Main Extension for Developments
$50,000 - $250,000
Sewer Line Repair or Replacement
$10,000 - $50,000
Stormwater & Wastewater Infrastructure
$50,000 - $500,000
Each city or town may have different bonding requirements, so it’s important to check with the local public works department or Massachusetts DEP to determine the exact bond amount for your project.
The cost of the bond (bond premium) is a small percentage of the total bond amount, usually 1% to 5% per year.
Bond Amount
Estimated Annual Cost
$5,000 Bond
$50 – $150
$10,000 Bond
$100 – $500
$25,000 Bond
$250 – $1,250
$50,000 Bond
$500 – $2,500
$100,000 Bond
$1,000 – $5,000
Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your bond premium:
Excellent Credit (700+ FICO) → 1% - 2% of bond amount (lowest rates).
Good Credit (650-699 FICO) → 2% - 4%.
Fair Credit (600-649 FICO) → 4% - 7%.
Poor Credit (Below 600 FICO) → 5% - 10% (higher premiums).
If you have credit challenges, don’t worry! We work with multiple surety providers to offer flexible payment options to make the bond more affordable.
Check with Massachusetts DEP or your local municipality to determine:
✔ The required bond amount
✔ Who the bond must be filed with
✔ Any additional permit requirements
Provide your business details, including:
✔ Business name & address
✔ Project scope & location
✔ Financial & credit history
Most applicants receive an instant quote with fast approvals.
Submit your bond certificate to the appropriate city or state agency before beginning work.
✅ Most bonds are issued instantly or within 24 hours after applying.
✅ Yes, sewer bonds must be renewed annually if the project is ongoing.
❌ If your bond expires, your sewer permit may be revoked, and you could face fines or legal action.
✅ Yes! We offer bad credit bonding programs to help you get approved.
✅ The bond must be submitted to the Massachusetts DEP or local public works department.
At Axcess Surety, we specialize in securing Massachusetts Sewer Bonds quickly and affordably.
👉 Apply Online Now or call us to get bonded today!