PAYMENTS POST THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY
Payment of water bills can be made ONLINE 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Also at the water department located at 14000 Oak Park Blvd., between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, except on holidays. To facilitate after hours payment, a drop box is located at the entrance of the New City Hall at 14000 Oak Park Blvd. Residents may also elect to pay their water bills automatically through their banks. A bank draft authorization form must be completed, and sent in to the water department along with a voided blank check. The Bank Draft Authorization Form can be downloaded here.
Payment Plans:
Homeowners, with valid picture identification may enter into payment plans with the water department. Section 82-315 of the utilities city ordinance states that one-fourth of the past due shall be paid at the time of filing of the payment plan, and the remainder to be paid in monthly installments. New payment plans cannot be offered unless existing plans are fulfilled. Residents are encouraged to come into the water department to discuss their water bills, and make the necessary arrangements for payment plans.
Billing Periods:
In general, residential water accounts are billed quarterly, while commercial accounts are billed monthly. A penalty of 10% on the outstanding balance is added to accounts for bills paid after the due date. The water department can waive one penalty per year for each account in accordance with Utilities Ordinance, Section 82-135. The penalty must be assessed and removed in the same calendar year. If the complete balance on a regular water bill is unpaid, a reminder water notice is mailed. If the balance is still unpaid, a blue disconnection notice is then mailed via first class mail to the mailing address on file for the property informing the resident of the scheduled disconnection date. As per Utilities Ordinance Section 82-315 (b) (3), a $10 fee is assessed to the account for processing the disconnection notice.
Once a BLUE DISCONNECTION NOTICE is issued on an account, the balance on the notice must be paid in acceptable funds other than check.
Disconnection/Reconnection of Water Service:
If the water service to a property is disconnected, there will be a $90 disconnect/reconnect fee charged to the account. Once disconnected, all balances due are to be paid in acceptable funds other than check. No checks will be accepted. Any requests for service reconnections/disconnections after 3:00 pm will result in an overtime charge. Furthermore, all requests for service reconnections after normal D.P.W. working hours are subject to the availability of D.P.W. personnel (Utilities Ordinance, Section 82-315 (e)).
The city also provides winterization service for residents. Homeowners will have to sign a form indicating their desire to have their water temporarily disconnected. For further information, residents may contact the water department at 691-7470.
There is a $45.00 fee for any missed appointment and a $60.00 ON/OFF charge for repairs.
Recourse for a High Water Bill:
If a water bill is disputed, a resident may request any or all of the following:
• Meet with the supervisor of the Water Department to discuss the bill and determine the appropriate course of action.
Request that their meter be tested. If the test determines that the water meter is over registering, the Water Department will replace the meter and adjust the water bill - at no cost to the customer. However, if the test results show that the meter is under registering or registering accurately within the American Water Works Association standards, then the customer is charged $100 for the meter test and the bill cannot be adjusted.
• Schedule a water board hearing in accordance with Utilities Ordinance Sec 82-315 (c) to show cause why the billing is incorrect.
Requesting Final Water Bills:
When purchasing, selling or renting a property, residents need to request a final water bill to ensure that the right party is paying for the water service up to the agreed upon date. Final bills are billed and mailed once a week - on Thursdays. Customers may also come in and pick up the final bill once it has been processed.