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Guide to Your Chicago Water Bill
FACT SHEET August 2022
Reading Your Water Bill Financial Assistance
What is a metered or unmetered account? What if I can’t afford my water bill?
In Chicago, your home may not have a water meter. The City of Chicago’s Utility Billing Relief program
Homes with a meter are billed based on the number of offers qualifying customers reductions for water and
gallons used per billing cycle. Other homes are charged sewer charges. Also, if you are struggling, keep the lines
based on an assessment from the City Department of of communication open with the City: Call the water
Water Management. The formula considers building department to discuss payment options and make at
size, lot size and number of water fixtures. least a partial payment on your water bill each month.
How do I know how much water I’m using? In Chicago, it’s now illegal to shutoff residential water
The back of your bill will have a detailed reading of for nonpayment.
your charges. For metered accounts, you will see a sec- Am I eligible for the Utility Billing Relief program?
tion called “Your Meter Reading Details.” It shows the Applicants must own and reside in the property
number of gallons of water for which you were billed. (single family unit or duplex), meet income eligibil-
For unmetered properties, you will see “Your NonMe- ity for LIHEAP (generally 200 percent of the federal
tered Water Account Details.” That breaks down the poverty level) and provide forms of identification. For
estimated amount of water used by how the property more details, visit the Utility Billing Relief website or
was assessed by the Department of Water Management. call (312) 744-4426.
A 2022 report by the nonprofit Elevate shows Chicago Is there a Cook County program to help with my bill?
residents without a meter pay significantly more for The Cook County Low-income Household Water As-
their water bill than customers with meters. sistance Program (LIWAP) provides a one-time grant
How do I know if I have a water leak? of up to $1,500 to prevent water shutoffs and to pay
If your bill changes significantly from one month to past-due bills and fees. For more details on applying,
the next, call the City at 311 to report a potential leak. call 1-800-571-2332 or visit [Link]
Note: you are responsible for repairing water leaks be- Does the state offer any assistance with water bills?
tween your home and the City’s water main. The Illinois Low Income Household Water Assistance
How can I get a meter installed? Program is a limited, one-time assistance program for
Register for the waitlist at [Link] or call 312- consumers facing water disconnection or with a past
744-4H2O. You may have to replace your water service due water and sewer bill of more than $250. This fund-
line at your expense. The Equity Lead Service Line ing is available through August 31, 2023. You can apply
program can cover the replacement costs for qualifying through your local Community Action Agency.
residents. If you don’t qualify, it doesn’t hurt to ask if Are there any senior discounts?
the City can waive some permit fees. Seniors are exempt from paying the sewer fee, the
What if I’m concerned about lead in my water? water-sewer tax and penalties. There’s also a 50 percent
The City offers free water lead testing kits at 311. senior garbage fee discount. Homeowners 65 years or
[Link]. older can apply through the City Finance Department.
What are some typical charges on my bill?
Sewer charges are based on how much water is used. Customer Assistance
In Chicago, this is 100% of water usage.
How do I dispute my water bill?
Garbage fees are a standard charge based on size or Call the City at 312-744-4426 or email utilitybill@
the number of dwelling units in a building. [Link]. Make sure you have documentation
The Water-Sewer tax is based on water use for me- to back up your claim, including billing history or any
tered and estimated usage for unmetered properties. other records from the water department.
