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1. How do I set up automatic payment of my water bill?

Automatic withdrawals from your checking account can be set up for the payment of your utility bill. The application is available at the front desk of the Village Office or here.

2. I am not receiving my water bill, what do I do about it?

Utility bills are due every other month and mailed the last of the month before the month they are due (i.e. mailed September 30th and due October 20th). If you are not receiving the bills through the US Mail, you have the option of receiving the bills through your e-mail address. Please note that if you sign up for e-billing a hard copy of the bill will no longer be mailed to your home.

3. What is the current water rate?

The current water rate is $9.74 per unit (100 cubic feet).  The current sewer rate is $1.81 per unit (100 cubic feet).  The Board reviews water and sewer rates annually or when there is a rate increase from McCook, whichever is more frequent.

4. What is the $30 Fee on my utility bill?

The Village operates its Water and Sewer Fund completely from user fees for service. The Water and Sewer Fund receives no property tax revenue. User fees must cover the cost of operations including the cost of water, personnel, and debt service.

Over the past 10 years, operating expenses have increased 52% while offsetting revenues have only increased 36%, primarily because the cost of water has doubled.

The Village has used operational surplus to fund capital improvements such as the First Division Sewer Separation Project on a cash basis. The projects outlined in the Village’s 5 year Capital Improvement Plan will decrease the fund balance in the Water and Sewer Fund to below minimum levels by 2021. Imposing the $30 bi-monthly Water & Sewer Infrastructure Fee will allow the Village to fund current projects as well as other much needed improvements to our aging water and sewer systems.

5. How is my utility bill calculated?

Your water bill is broken down as follows:

- Water purchases covers actual water cost

- Water operations covers cost of operating the water distribution system

- Water capital covers costs of capital improvements such as water line replacements and improvements to the distribution and storage systems

- Sewer operations covers the cost of operating the waste water system

- Sewer capital covers the cost of capital improvements such as line replacements and major repairs

6. Why was my water bill so high?

Utility bills are computed based on water usage for a 2 month period. Usage is billed in units of 100 cubic feet, equal to 748 gallons of water. If concerned about a high usage reading, first check for a dripping faucet or running toilet. Also check the meter for movement when no water is being used.

The easiest and quickest way to do this is to take a reading before leaving and upon returning to the house. A period of at least 2 hours should be enough to verify if you have a problem. The water department is willing to come to your home by appointment to check for a leak and test your meter. Set up an appointment by

contacting the Water Department.

7. How do I set up my water account?

Placing the utility account in a new resident’s name is accomplished automatically after the closing on a property. The seller must supply the new owner’s name for the account. Once a final water read has been made, the utility account is transferred into the new owner’s name. If a utility bill is in a renter’s name, the landlord or renter should arrange for a final water read and notify the Village of a change by phoning Donna at 708-447-2700, ext. 231.

8. How do I pay my water bill?

The Village of Riverside has several methods of payment available. The cashier’s window at the Village Office accepts checks, cash, Discover, VISA or MasterCard. Payment via check can also be mailed via US Mail or placed in the silver drop box outside of the Town Hall. If you prefer, payments to the Village for utility bills, traffic tickets, vehicle sticker renewals, parking permit renewals and Parks & Recreation fees can be made online.

Payment for utility bills may also be automatically deducted from your checking account on the due date of the bill. Forms for the automatic deduction can be found at the front desk of the Village Office or downloaded from the website. Additionally, phone payments are accepted through the Illinois Jet Pay program using their phone number at 855-895-2437.

9. Why must I pay a minimum water/sewer charge?

In order to maintain the water and sewer lines in working order for all residents and business owners in the village, the village charges each account a minimum bi-monthly charge of $57.80 (5 units) to remain connected to the village infrastructure.