You can monitor near-real-time water usage, set email or text alerts for high consumption, review bills, and read your meter. If the ones and tens digits move when no water is being used, a leak may be present. To review usage and set alerts, open the Water Meter Customer Portal.
These are separate services. The Customer Portal is for viewing water usage and setting email or text alerts for high consumption. The online bill-payment system is for viewing and paying your water and sewer bill. For usage details and alerts, open the Water Meter Customer Portal.
You will need your most recent water bill. Choose "Need to set up an account?" and enter your email. Follow the activation link, then enter the account number and service address exactly as shown on your bill. Complete the form and submit it. Begin registration in the Water Meter Customer Portal.
New residents and businesses should complete the Start Service Form on the Village Water and Sewer Utility Billing page. If you are moving, complete the Stop Service Form so the Village can issue a final bill to your forwarding address. When property is sold or transferred, Village code requires written notice at least five working days before the transfer. Open start and stop service forms and instructions Email Water Billing: waterbilling@algonquin.org Call Water Billing: 847-854-3440
A higher bill may result from a running toilet, a malfunctioning water softener, a humidifier during colder months, outdoor watering during warmer months, additional household guests, or leaking fixtures and appliances. Check the meter and fixtures, repair leaks promptly, and contact Water Billing at 847-854-3440 with billing questions. Compare current usage and look for unusual patterns in the Water Meter Customer Portal.
The portal shows the exact number of gallons used. Utility billing rounds consumption down to the nearest 1,000 gallons and carries the remaining gallons into the next billing cycle. As a result, the portal total and billed consumption may not match exactly for a single month. If the portal shows "No Data was found to show here," call Water Billing at 847-854-3440 to schedule an appointment. To review your detailed usage, open the Water Meter Customer Portal.
Water and sewer services are billed monthly in arrears based on actual use from the prior billing period. Usage charges are based on each 1,000 gallons, plus fixed monthly water and sewer infrastructure fees for every active account. Current rates vary for properties inside and outside corporate limits, and residential usage above 20,000 gallons in one month is subject to the Village water conservation rate. View current water and sewer rates and fees Email Water Billing: waterbilling@algonquin.org Call Water Billing: 847-854-3440
Most water meters are located in a basement, crawl space, or mechanical room. Lift the protective cover and read the digital display. For utility billing, begin with the thousands digit—the fourth digit to the left of the decimal—and include the higher digits. The three digits to its right show hundreds, tens, and ones of gallons and are used to reconcile usage when the next 1,000 gallons is reached.
Add 10–12 drops of dark-colored food coloring to the toilet tank. Wait about 30 minutes without flushing, then check the bowl. If the water in the bowl changes color, the toilet is leaking and the tank components—often a worn flapper—should be replaced.
Turn off the water supply to the leaking fixture. Gently tighten any leaking fitting by about one-quarter to one-half turn with a wrench, then turn the water back on and check the fixture. If the leak continues, the fixture may need replacement or service from a plumber.
Run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads, and use an exact-fill setting when available. Wash produce or dishes in a filled bowl or basin, take shorter showers instead of baths, and turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving, or lathering. Faucet aerators and WaterSense-labeled fixtures and appliances can also reduce water use.
Water lawns and gardens only when necessary and in accordance with Village water conservation guidelines. Use natural vegetation and smaller lawns, keep grass 2–3 inches high to help the soil retain moisture, and mulch planting beds to reduce evaporation. When washing a car, use a bucket and a quick final rinse. Sweep driveways, walkways, decks, and porches instead of hosing them off.
Water and sewer bills are generally due by 5:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. The date may change because of holidays or the billing cycle, so use the due date printed on your bill. Payments received after the due date may receive a 10 percent penalty. If you receive a reminder or disconnection notice, follow the date and instructions on the notice and contact Water Billing at 847-854-3440 promptly.
The Village accepts online credit or debit card payments, automatic ACH payments, mailed payments, payments through your bank's online bill-pay service, and in-person or drop-box payments at the Ganek Municipal Center. The drop box in the circle driveway is available 24 hours a day. Visit the Water and Sewer Utility Billing page on Algonquin.org for current payment instructions.
To enroll, complete the Autopay (ACH) Enrollment Form available from the Water and Sewer Utility Billing page on Algonquin.org. Beginning with the next eligible billing cycle, the amount due is automatically withdrawn on the due date. To stop automatic payments, submit the ACH Termination Form. The current utility rate table also lists the monthly ACH rebate for eligible water and sewer accounts.
Under normal Condition Green, use of Village water for lawn and landscape watering is prohibited between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Yellow and Orange conditions add alternate-day and time limits; Red prohibits residential hand washing of vehicles and lawn or landscape watering. The Village posts the current condition. Residential use above 20,000 gallons per month is billed at the water conservation rate. An advance written exemption may be requested for new sod installation.
Algonquin groundwater contains naturally occurring calcium and magnesium that create hard water. The Village monitors hardness at its wells and publishes a Water Hardness Map on Algonquin.org. The map gives a general worst-case level for each area and can guide water-softener settings, but exact hardness may vary. Questions may be directed to Public Works at 847-658-2700.
The Village publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report describing regulated contaminants found in drinking water and any health information required under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Reports are available on the Water Quality Reporting page at Algonquin.org. To report a water quality or water pressure concern, use the Village online reporting option or call 847-658-2700.
The Village flushes hydrants twice a year to maintain hydrant operation and water quality. During flushing, residents may temporarily notice lower pressure or discolored water. Avoid using water while flushing is active in your area. Afterward, run cold water through open faucets for a few minutes until clear, and delay laundry until the water clears to help prevent staining. Check the Fire Hydrant Maintenance page on Algonquin.org for the current schedule.
A Village water shut-off at the outside b-box or curb stop may be needed for plumbing or water-service repairs. If your repair permit has been issued, have the permit number ready and call Water Billing at 847-854-3440. If you do not have a permit and the repair is not urgent, obtain the permit before requesting the shut-off through Community Development. For an urgent leak or active water damage, contact Water Billing immediately; the Village repair checklist states that an emergency-repair permit may be picked up after restoration. Do not operate the outside b-box yourself. This is different from starting or stopping utility service when moving. You can also email Water Billing at waterbilling@algonquin.org
A Village water shut-off at the outside b-box or curb stop may be needed for plumbing or water-service repairs. If your repair permit has been issued, have the permit number ready and call Water Billing at 847-854-3440. If you do not have a permit and the repair is not urgent, obtain the permit before requesting the shut-off through Community Development. For an urgent leak or active water damage, contact Water Billing immediately; the Village repair checklist states that an emergency-repair permit may be picked up after restoration. Do not operate the outside b-box yourself. This is different from starting or stopping utility service when moving. You can also email Water Billing at waterbilling@algonquin.org