WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT

Water/Sewer Department Phone Number -   309.444.8292

The City of Washington is pleased to offer yet another convenient way to pay your utility bill. To pay by credit card, you may now do so through a program offered by the State Treasurer's Office called Illinois Epay. There is a convenience fee that the credit card companies charge that is disclosed to you prior to payment. There is no charge to the City for this service and the fee goes directly to the credit card company. Currently, you may use Discover, American Express or MasterCard to make your on-line payment.

Just click the button below to pay your water/sewer bill through Illinois Epay!

Water and Sewer Utility Billing
The City of Washington bills for water/sewer services in units of 1,000 gallons of water. Sewer charges are based on water consumption. The current charges are as follows:

An average bill is difficult to estimate because water consumption habits vary greatly from household to household. However, many families use about 6,000 gallons per quarter per member in the family. Using the resident rate, this would translate into quarterly usage of 18,000 gallons for a family of three which would result in a bill of $181.44.

Water and Sewer Billing and Collection
Water and sewer bills are issued quarterly and are due on the last day of the month in which they are issued. Bills that are delinquent at the end of the month are assessed a late payment penalty of the greater of 1.5% of the  balance or $10. A shut-off notice is sent indicating that the service will be terminated in 10 days if the balance is not paid in full. A lien may also be placed on the property in accordance with City ordinance. City ordinance also indicates that the owner of a property is responsible for payment of outstanding accounts resulting from non-payment by a tenant.

If service is terminated due to non-payment, the outstanding account balance must be paid in full in addition to a $50 restoration fee before service is restored. Service may also be disconnected for a non-sufficient fund check received at shut-off or non-payment of deposits due. If you wish to discuss payment arrangements, please call the Water Department.

Bills may be paid after hours or on weekends at the drop slot located at the side door on N. Elm Street. Bills may also be paid at Washington State Bank, 1110 Peoria Street.

Outside Water Usage
The City of Washington does not give sewer credits for water used for landscaping purposes or swimming pools. However, an additional "water only" meter may be purchased at City Hall for $110. This meter will register outside water usage and there will not be a sewer charge assessed. A minimum bill amount will be applied for usage less than 2,500 gallons.

Water and Sewer Service Connection
If you are moving in or out of the City or within the City, please contact the Water Department to establish or terminate service. For all new accounts, a $100 water deposit is required. If you subsequently move but stay within the water district, the water deposit will be transferred. If you move outside of the district, your deposit will be applied to the final billing.