Water

Located on one of the world’s largest fresh water reserves, Chicago does not want for water. The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) supplies water to all the businesses, residents and manufacturing industries in the city and surrounding suburbs. DWM also handles your sewage bill, which is a percentage of your overall water usage. Since 2003, this percentage has been set at 83% of water usage; for every dollar you spend on water, $0.83 goes toward the sewage.

Water bills are calculated in two ways:“metered” or “non-metered." Metered customers have a water meter attached to the property that tracks use of service, while non-metered customers do not have a meter.

To non-metered properties, DWM sends a semi-annual bill. The property’s features (number of sinks and toilets, standard assessments for the individual lot, plumbing fixtures), not use of service, is the basis for the bill.

For properties with meters, a DWM rate taker will record the amount of water usage on a monthly basis. If DWM cannot access the meter directly, it estimates a bill and make corrections after physically checking the meter. Most commercial and industrial properties have metered accounts.

Presently, all new water customers (new constructions, primarily) are being outfitted with Remote Readout Water Meters that allow DWM to read your water without entering the property. If you currently have a water meter but would like to get a Remote Readout Water Meter, contact DWM at 312-747-5940.

Assistance
DWM offers payment programs for those who fall behind on their bills. A typical arrangement allows you to put a third of the payment down. The remaining balance is then distributed over the next six months, during which time you will be required to continue paying your current bill. If your water has already been turned off, or you have failed to meet the terms of a previous payment agreement, you will be required to pay half the amount of the bill before entering into a payment plan.

Qualified senior citizens can receive an exemption of the sewer charge. Click here for more information about the Senior Exemption.

As with other utilities, the current owner should tell you what to anticipate in terms of water charges. If they cannot, count the number of water fixtures in the property (i.e. sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) and speak with DWM providing a “guestimate.” As for an actual estimate, typically DWM will not provide one if you do not own the property.