If you receive a water/sewer bill that is higher than what you normally experience, listed below are some of the common areas to consider as possible contributing causes.

Seasonal Usage

Most residential and commercial users consume more water during the summer months.  Lawn irrigation systems, lawn and garden sprinkling, and filling and maintaining of swimming pools typically account for a larger portion of increased seasonal usage that can have an impact on your monthly water/sewer bill.  If you would like information on your historical monthly water consumption, please contact the water billing division at 630-871-6222.

Plumbing Leaks

Internal water fixtures and appliances can be prone to leaks, which if gone undetected, can result in significant water waste and very large water bills. To learn how to detect and resolve high water usage issues, visit our How to Detect and Resolve High Water Usage page or call Public Works at 630-871-6260 for more information.

Rate Increases

The Village periodically adjusts billing rates for both water and sewer services depending on changes in the cost of operating and maintaining both utility systems.  Rate increases are generally effective on May 1st each year, the start of the Village's fiscal year.  A history of water and sewer rates is shown below:

(rate per 1,000 gallons of water used)

Number of Days in Billing Period

Your monthly bill is calculated based on a reading of your water meter that is taken each month.  Water consumed and billed is the difference between the current meter reading and the reading taken the prior month.  The current and previous meter reading dates are printed on your bill. 

While we strive to read your meter at about the same time each month, sometimes the number of days in the monthly billing cycle may be more or less than a 30 day period depending on when we are able to read your meter.  For example, if we read your meter on June 2nd and the following month on July 7th, the bill that you receive shortly after August 1st will include usage over a 35 day period.  This will likely be followed by a September bill that has a shorter consumption period.  For example, if we read your meter on August 3rd, your September bill will reflect 27 days of consumption.