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1. How does the sprinkling average affect my water bill?

If your monthly sewage rate is higher than your average sewage rate, then you will receive the summer reduced sewage rate for that month. The charge is based on the average of your November through April consumption, and it applies to the five months between April 25 to September 25 (for account numbers starting with 01 and 02), or May 15 to October 15 (for account numbers starting with 03, 04, and 05). You must have at least three bills prior to June to receive a sprinkling average.

If you have any questions, please call customer service at 219-462-6174, ext. 2.

2. I am new to the community. What is included on my utility bill and what will the bill look like?

Your utility bill includes water, sewer, stormwater and trash pickup. You will not pay for stormwater and trash pickup if you live outside the city limits, and you will not pay for sewer if you have a septic system. View an Example of a City Utility Bill (PDF).

3. What if I cannot pay my bill by the shut off date?

The full amount of the past due bill must be paid in full to avoid disconnection of service. If you need assistance on paying your bill, please contact the Northwest Indiana Community Action's 211 Program, funded by the United Way Agencies, at 800-826-7871. This is a 24-hour service that is free and confidential.

We also now allow credit card payments. The credit card payment can be made either online or over the phone. The toll-free number is 877-278-2205. For additional information on this service, please check our credit card payment section.

4. What is considered a minimum bill for water and sewer?

The billing for water and sewer depend on the size of your water meter and your water consumption.

View / print the Minimum Bill Table (PDF).

5. What is the required distance between a fire hydrant and any plants / shrubs / buildings / etc.?

Nothing is allowed to be placed near a fire hydrant. A 3-foot clear space must be maintained around the circumference of all fire hydrants (except as otherwise required or approved).

6. When can I fill my swimming pool?

Residential customers whose account numbers start with 01 and 02 can fill their pools after April 25. Those customers whose account numbers start with 03, 04, or 05 can fill their pools after May 15. All residential customers (excluding apartments) who have received at least three bills prior to June, will receive the summer reduced sewage rate for five months. The charge is based on the average of your November through April consumption. If you have questions, please call customer service at 219-462-6174, ext. 2.

7. Whom do I call with water questions if I live in?

- Lakes Area Conservancy District - 219-464-3770
- Shorewood Forest - 800-492-8373 (Indiana American)
- South Haven - 800-492-8373 (Indiana American)
- Wheeler - 800-492-8373 (Indiana American)

8. Whom do I speak to concerning a past-due notice?

Please call customer service at 219-462-6174, ext. 2.