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1) Utilities - Main

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1. Water Leak/Possible Main Break

All main breaks are considered an emergency situation. If the water leak or main break is sited during office hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT), please call the main office at 219-462-6174, ext. 0.  If outside regular business hours, please call 219-462-6174 and select the emergency prompt. A repair crew will be dispatched as soon as possible.

2. What is a boil water advisory? What should I do when a boil water advisory has been issued?

A "Boil Water Advisory" is a notification issued as a preventative measure. Boil water advisories are distributed if there is a possibility of bacterial contamination in the drinking water system that could make you sick.  If one is issued, it is recommended that all potable water be boiled for five (5) minutes before consuming or cooking with it. To learn more about Boil Advisories and how to handle them . CLICK HERE 

CLICK HERE for additional information....

3. What part of the service line is my responsibility, and what part is the Water Department?

VCU is responsible for the meter itself and from the street to the curb box. The homeowner is responsible from the curb box to the house and throughout, including the meter horn set that is attached to the meter.

4. What is the required distance between a fire hydrant and any plants/ shrubs/ buildings/ etc?

A 3-foot clear space must be maintained around the circumference of all fire hydrants (unless otherwise approved or required). 

Example of a City Utility Bill (PDF).

5. Who do I call with water questions if I live in ...

- Lakes Area Conversancy District?     219-464-3770 (LAC)

- Shorewood Forest?     800-492-8373  (Indiana American Water) 

- South Haven?     800-492-8373  (Indiana American Water) 

- Wheeler?     800-492-8373  (Indiana American Water)

6. Cold Weather Advice

Extreme and extended cold weather can cause water pipes to freeze and possibly burst due to the pressure build up. To prevent this, it is advised to run your water at a trickle until the weather breaks.  You can also open a cabinet doors located under your bathroom and kitchen sinks to allow heat circulation to those pipes. Click here for additional Cold Weather Advice.

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2) Utilities - Office / Billing Information

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1. What is included on my utility bill?

The services provided do very by location.  Customers inside city limits will have water, sewer, stormwater and trash services. CLICK HERE to view a sample of a VCU bill.  We do not service sewer if you have a septic system.  Stormwater and trash services are not provided for customers outside the city limits.   

2. How do I start service/have service transferred into my name?

Whether you are new to the community or already have an established account, you will need to fill out a SERVICE AGREEMENT FORM.  If the water service is currently off at the service location you will also need to call 219-462-6174 x 0 to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians to have it turned back on.  Someone over the age of 18 must be present.  

3. How do I get service out of my name?

There are two ways to get service out of your name.  You can call 219-462-6174 x 0 to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians to have service terminated at your location.  Someone over the age of 18 must be present.  If you wish to leave service on, the new occupant /owner can simply fill out a Service Agreement Form to transfer service.  Please make note that you will continue to be responsible until the proper paperwork is submitted by the new occupant/owner of service is shut off by appointment.  

4. What is considered a minimum bill for water and sewer?

Monthly minimum charges are based on meter size.  Customers pay a minimum bill to cover the costs of maintaining the water lines, meters and providing service each month.  Even if no water is used, VCU still has costs associated with producing water, maintaining the lines, reading the meters, providing customer service and the fixed cost of infrastructure and maintaining the treatment facilities year-round.  The amount varies based on your meter size and the services you receive View / print the

Minimum Bill Table (PDF).

5. Can I pay my bill online?

Yes.  Customers have the ability to view and pay their bill through our third-party vendor as well as sign up for paperless billing.  Online payments do have a maximum allowance of $250 per transaction and can be paid by E-check, debit card or credit card.  A service fee will be applied with every payment transaction.  For additional information, please contact Customer Service at 219-462-6174 x 0 or click the ONLINE PAYMENT LINK.    

6. Do I have to pay for sewer when I water my lawn or fill my pool?

All single-family residential customers that have a least three bills prior to June, will automatically receive the summer reduced sewage rate (Sprinkling Average Discount).  The charge is based on the average of your November through April consumption.  The discount starts on your June Bill and continues through your October bill.  If you account number starts with 01 or 02 your eligible consumption dates are April 25th-September 25th each year.  If your account starts with 03, 04 or 05, your eligible consumption dates are May 15th-October 15th each year.   See ORDINANCE No. 9, 2001 for further information, or please contact our office at 219-462-6174 x 0.  

7. What if I cannot pay my bill by the shut off date?

The full past due balance must be paid by the disconnect date listed on your bill, to avoid service termination. We do not provide extensions or accept postdated payments. If you need assistance paying your bill, please contact the NWI Community Action’s 211 program by dialing 211 or 800-826-7871 before the date of disconnect. This is a 24hr service that is free and confidential.

The credit card payment can be made either online or over the phone. The toll-free number is 877-278-2205. For additional information on this service, please check our

credit card payment section.

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3) Utilities - Meter Information

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1. How much does a new meter cost?

The cost of a new meter depends on the size. This is determined by the calculation of the maximum gallons per minute demand and usage formula. You should consult with your plumber, architect or design engineer to determine the required meter size.  For further questions please call 219-462-6174 x 0. 

2. I have a leak. How do I get it repaired?

Most leaks are considered an emergency.  If it occurs on the homeowner’s side of the service line,  you will need to contact our office to have service turned off at the curb box, then call a plumber for the repairs.  If it occurs on the VCU side of the service line or at the meter itself, please contact our office so we can have a repair crew or technician sent to the location.  

3. Can a plumber install the new meter?

No. Only a representative of Valparaiso City Utilities can install the meter. 

4. My Meter is inside my house. How do you get the reading from it?

Our meters have an Advanced Meter Reading (AMR) system that enables one-way communication form the meter to the meter-reading device in our utility vehicle.  data is collected at regular monthly intervals by drive-bay and provided to the utility for billing.  

5. How can I verify my own water consumption?

Provided that your meter is not in a lock-type underground meter box, you can see the digital or dial reading located on the register head of your meter.  

6. How do I get a new meter installed?

After all necessary plumbing is done and heat is on, you can pick up a meter horn set in the main office at 205 Billings St.  Once the meter horn is installed, a service agreement form will need to be submitted, then you may schedule an appointment for one of our technicians to install the meter and turn service on.  Someone over the age of 18 must be present.  

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4) Utilities - Automatic Meter Reading Information

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1. Will I be able to visually read the meter at any time to verify usage?

Yes, provided your meter is not located inside a lock-type underground meter box.

2. Will the meter's miniature sealed radio transmitter interfere with my appliances, telephone, or radio / TV reception?

No. The mini transmitter power level is extremely low.

3. How will the new system make things more convenient for me?

If your meter is inside a building or basement, our meter readers no longer need to bother you to visually read the meter for regular reading cycles. Meters located in underground meter pits can be read without crossing lawns or property lines in most cases.

The chance of reading or billing errors in your water bill will be greatly reduced because the reading data is electronically transferred from the meter and used to prepare the bill by a computerized process.

If you have any additional questions, please call our office at 219-462-6174, ext. 2.

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5) Utilities - Treatment Information

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1. How do I arrange a tour of the plant facilities?

Please call the plant manager at 219-462-6174, ext. 1341. Our tours are done at the Flint Lake Treatment Plant I and II located at Flint Lake on the north side of Valparaiso.

2. How do I obtain information on the chemical analysis of the water at the tap?

The chemical analysis of our water is available online. If you have any questions, please contact the Water Operations Manager at 219-462-6174, ext. 1341.

3. I am getting white scale on my dishes. What is causing this? How do I get rid of it?

White scale on dishes and fixtures is usually caused by the calcium carbonate or hardness in the water. White vinegar will usually remove the deposits.

4. I can taste chlorine in my water. Is this a problem?

This depends on temperature conditions. We adjust the amount of chlorine at the plants daily. When the air temperature gets warmer, we have to increase the chlorine level because heat will dissipate the chlorine. The water smells because as we adjust the level up and the air temperature cools, more chlorine will remain in the water than if the air temperature had stayed warmer. There is no harm in drinking the water. If you have any questions, please call Water Quality at 219-462-6174, Option 5.

5. I just washed my clothes and the whites are orange. Why? What can I do about it?

Brown water is caused by iron and other materials stirred up in the water mains. This can be caused by a water main break, Street Department street sweepers pulling water from hydrants, or Water Department crews flushing out hydrants, etc. Our office attempts to contact all affected customers when a main break occurs, but we don't always succeed.

If you have rust-colored whites due to brown water, a rust stain remover such as Iron Out will remove the discoloring.

6. The water pressure in my area is low. Why? Whom should I contact?

Possible causes for low pressure in your house might be: - A plumbing problem - Screens on the faucets are plugged - The main valve at the water meter is off or partially off Possible causes for low pressure in your area might be: - A main break in your area - A major fire - Water main construction work - Water main maintenance work If you are experiencing low pressure problems, please contact the Customer Service Department at 219-462-6174, ext. 1322.

7. What is the hardness of the water? And what about iron, fluoride, and chlorine?

There are 23 to 28 grains per gallon of water. Iron levels discharged from the treatment plants are from 0.03 to 0.06 milligrams per liter or parts per million. Iron levels can be higher due to the iron pipes in the distribution system. On rare occasions, problems in the filtration process can cause higher levels of iron to be discharged from the treatment plants. Fluoride is added to our water. The levels of fluoride are kept around 0.7 milligrams per liter or parts per million. Chlorine is added to disinfect the water. Chlorine levels vary depending on the distribution system. The chlorine levels in the water discharged from the treatment plants ranges from 1.2 to 1.5 milligrams per liter or parts per million.

8. Why is my water cloudy?

If the water is cloudy, it will clear up after it sits for a short time. Cloudiness in the water is caused by air in the distribution lines. However, cloudiness that does not dissipate may be calcium. If you have this problem, please call Water Quality at 219-462-6174, Option 5.

9. Why is the water brown?

Brown water is caused by iron and other materials stirred up in the water mains. This can be caused by a water main break, Street Department street sweepers pulling water from the hydrants, or Water Department crews flushing out hydrants, etc. The water is safe to drink, but do not wash whites, since the clothes will become discolored. If you are experiencing this problem, simply turn on any cold water faucet (do not turn on the hot water faucet), and let the cold water run for a few minutes. This should clean out the residue in your service line. If the water does not clear up, please contact Water Quality at 219-462-6174, Option 5.

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6) Stormwater - MS4

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1. How is the program funded?

Your community funds the MS4 program locally through user fees. These fees are shown on your utility bill each month labeled as a Stormwater Fee. There is no state or federal funding for this mandate.

2. What is an MS4?

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. It is a conveyance or system of conveyances that is:
- Designed or used to collect or convey stormwater
- Owned by a state, city, town, village, or other public entity that discharges to waters of the U.S.
- Not a combined sewer
- Not part of a publicly owned treatment works (sewage treatment plant)

Regulated conveyance systems include roads with drains, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, storm drains, piping, channels, ditches, tunnels, and conduits.

MS4 program, commonly known as Stormwater Phase II, is a federally mandated program through the Clean Water Act which requires municipalities to take measures to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff through MS4s in urbanized areas to protect waterways.

3. What are Rule 13 and MS4 General Permit?

Rule 13 (327 IAC 15-13) was the approach by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to meeting the guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Stormwater Phase II regulations. Rule 13 required about 170 communities and other urban entities in Indiana (including the City of Valparaiso) to obtain permits for stormwater discharges from MS4s and implement a stormwater management program that would reduce the amount of pollutants entering the waterway as a result of stormwater runoff. MS4 permits were granted in five year cycles at the end of which the permit must be renewed. The City of Valparaiso’s first permit was granted in 2003. The permit was renewed in 2008, 2013, and 2018. Effective from December 18, 2021, Rule 13 was repealed and IDEM started to regulate the program under the Indiana MS4 General Permit (MS4GP). 

4. Why is the program necessary?

As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports pollutants to surface waters. Although the amount of pollutants from a single residential, commercial, industrial or construction site may seem unimportant, the combined concentrations of contaminants threaten our lakes, rivers, wetlands, and other water bodies.

Pollution conveyed by stormwater degrades the quality of drinking water, damages fisheries, and habitat of plants and animals that depend on clean water for survival. Pollutants carried by stormwater can also affect recreational uses of water bodies by making them unsafe for wading, swimming, boating and fishing.

5. How can I help reduce stormwater pollution?

Everyone can help reduce water pollution through stormwater runoff. Simple things such as washing our cars on a grassy area where the detergents will soak into the ground instead of running along the driveway and street into an inlet that will carry it all the way to a lake or stream can make a difference. Use the correct amount of fertilizer for your plants when needed so that the excess is not washed off, creating algae blooms in nearby lakes and ponds. Never pour anything down an inlet that you wouldn’t want in a stream or lake because that’s where it will go. Dispose of trash and yard waste in proper ways so that they do not get washed into our lakes and streams. There are many such activities that can make a difference and preserve our lakes and streams for future generations.

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7) Stormwater - General

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1. When do I need to hire an engineer or surveyor to complete a site plan?

A detailed site plan must be completed by a licensed engineer or licensed surveyor whenever a project will create a total impervious area of 5,000 square feet or more, or a paved area of 3,500 square feet or more, or involves a multiple unit residential, commercial, or industrial site These plans must be approved by the city engineer’s office before any work may begin.

2. When do I need to submit a site plan?

A site plan may be required with every building permit. The City of Valparaiso will check the plan to ensure that construction activities will not impose upon existing easements or inconvenience adjacent properties. This will help prevent problems such as a tool shed constructed in a drainage easement that must be moved.

3. Why are natural habitats important?

Natural habitats allow for plant and animal life that naturally removes pollutants from the environment. This protects and preserves aquatic environments that are needed for drainage and recreational activities such as fishing or canoeing. They also allow stormwater to soak into the ground where it replenishes ground water tables. Low groundwater tables are responsible for streams and lakes drying up as well as problems for residents that rely on well water. Ultimately, every resident of Valparaiso relies on well water because the Valparaiso City Utilities extracts its water from wells.

4. Where should I wash my car and why?

Automobiles should, ideally, be washed in a commercial car wash where the excess water is collected by the sanitary sewer system and treated before it is released. Barring that, washing the vehicle on a pervious surface, such as a grassed area, will allow the soapy water to soak into the ground where plants can use it instead of it running off to lakes or streams through the stormwater system.

5. When, where, and how can I drain my swimming pool and why does it matter?

Swimming pools, by state law, may not be discharged into a stormwater system if chlorine has been added within the previous seven days. If the water has been analyzed and it can be shown that the discharge would not contain a concentration greater than 0.05 milligrams per liter of chlorine residual, it may be discharged.

The stormwater system includes anything that would convey the water into a pond, lake, or stream. This includes a resident’s backyard if it drains outside the property lines. The chlorine discharged can damage aquatic life in lakes and streams as well as pose a hazard to other residents downstream. Swimming pool discharge should never be released in such a way that it would inconvenience adjacent properties.

6. How can I help prevent algae in ponds and lakes?

Algae generally feeds on excess fertilizer from the drainage system. The most effective way to stop the algae is to cut off its supply of fertilizer. This can be done by only using fertilizers when needed and in the amounts needed and allowing a buffer strip of plants to grow around the water’s edge. Leaving 10-30 feet of vegetation around the water's edge that is not mowed can significantly reduce the amount of pollutants entering the water and feeding the algae.

7. How much fertilizer does my grass need and why does it matter?

There is no way to know how much fertilizer and what type is needed without testing the soil. Soil testing kits can save the owner money by showing that less fertilizer is needed and preserve the environment at the same time. Excess fertilizer is washed away by rainfall. Once the excess fertilizer reaches lakes and streams, it is consumed by plants such as algae. This can lead to algae blooms, where the entire surface of a lake is covered with algae.

8. What is erosion and why does it matter?

Erosion is the indiscriminate transport of soil sediment by any means. Most erosion happens as the result of rainfall, but wind and vehicular tires also produce erosion. Sediments from erosion settle in swales, ponds, lakes, and streams until they eventually fill them. This then requires excavation to return the drainage features to their original state, many times at the tax payers' expense.

9. When do I need an erosion control permit?

Any land disturbance may require an erosion control permit. There is no specific minimum size of project where this begins. Every building permit is reviewed to see if an erosion control permit is needed. Some landscaping projects that do not require a building permit will still require an erosion control permit.

10. Where can I discharge my sump pump?

Sump pumps must be discharged across a vegetated area at least 10 feet from the property line or right of way line. They cannot be directly linked to a storm sewer or sanitary sewer.

11. What is Rule 13 (EPA Phase II) and how does it affect me?

Rule 13 is the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s (IDEM’s) response to the federal mandate known as the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Phase II requirements. The EPA's Phase II is the second part of its non-point source pollution regulation under the Clean Water Act. Phase I included all large metropolitan areas in the United States, Phase II will include many of the more moderate sized urban areas.

Everyone will be affected by these regulations because individual communities will be forced to alter their existing ordinances to reduce the amount of non-point source pollution produced within their boundaries. This may lead to increased maintenance costs, new development design standards, and/or new regulations regarding fertilizer use just to name a few.

12. What are hazardous materials?

Hazardous materials encompass a wide variety of materials and products. Used batteries, motor oil, paint, paint thinner, gasoline, and lubricants are just a few of the household chemicals that can destroy the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Some guidelines even classify soapy water as a hazardous material because of the environmental impacts it can have on water bodies.

13. Where can I dispose of yard waste or hazardous materials?

The Solid Waste Department of the City of Valparaiso will pick up yard waste only. Porter County hosts an annual hazardous materials day at the county fairgrounds where residents can drop off hazardous materials that should not even be placed in the trash, let alone poured out on the ground or into an inlet. Please contact the City of Valparaiso if you have any question about these services.

14. How can I help prevent storm water pollution?

Everyone can reduce the amount of non-point source pollution they produce. Simple things such as washing our cars on a grassed area where the detergents will soak into the ground instead of running along the driveway and street into an inlet that will carry it all the way to a lake or stream. Use the correct amount of fertilizer for our plants when needed so that the excess can’t be washed off and fertilize algae in nearby lakes and ponds. Never pour anything down an inlet that you wouldn’t want in a stream or lake because that’s where it will go. Dispose of trash and yard waste in proper ways so that they don’t get washed into our lakes and streams. There are many such activities that can make a difference and preserve our lakes and streams for our children and our children’s children.

15. What is non-point source pollution and why is it important?

Non-point source pollution is pollution that is produced over an area and not released from a specific source. These pollutants are washed away by rainwater and eventually enter lakes and streams. Government regulations have drastically reduced point source pollution, such as illegal dumping or leaking storage tanks, and are now targeting non-point source pollution. Non-point source pollution is damaging our lakes and streams by clogging them with sediment and raising levels of specific pollutants in them.

16. What if I have flooding problems?

If you are having problems with flooding or standing water, please contact the City Engineer’s office at the Valparaiso City Hall, 219-462-1161. We will investigate the problem and do what we can to solve it. There are currently many such problems within the City of Valparaiso so projects are prioritized based upon several factors that include public safety and potential property damaged to residents. We will get to each problem as quickly as possible.

17. Where can my downspouts discharge?

Downspouts cannot be tied into a storm sewer. They must be discharged in a vegetated area at least 10 feet away form the property line or right of way line along a street or alley. This allows some of the water to infiltrate or soak into the ground and spread out over a larger area before reaching adjacent properties.

18. What is the $12 on my utility bill used for?

The $12 fee added to all single family residential utility bills is used for maintenance and repairs of the stormwater drainage system operated by the City of Valparaiso. Commercial and industrial sites pay more each month based on the square footage of impervious area on their facility. The funds are used to solve flooding problems, as well as a host of other activities. Every resident benefits from these activities because they maintain the systems that drain stormwater from city streets to provide safe travel and transport as well as prevent stagnant water from becoming a problem.

19. Where can I find information on how to deal with basement seepage?

The City of Valparaiso Engineering Department has developed a pamphlet on dealing with basement seepage in response to the heavy rain the Valparaiso area experienced in September of 2008. This pamphlet was intended as an informational, self-help tool for the residents of the city to mitigate the seepage problems View the pamphlet (PDF).

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8) Utilities - Distribution Information

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1. How do I find out if there is water available in areas of Valparaiso?

Please contact the Mapping Department at 219-462-6174, ext. 1316.

2. How do I get fire flow information?

Please contact the Collections / Distribution Manager at 219-462-6174, ext. 1319.

3. How do I go about getting a water main located?

Please call Indiana Underground Plant Protection Service at 800-382-5544 or 8-1-1. A representative will be out within two working days to locate the water main. For more information, review programs offered by the Indiana Underground Plant Protection Service.

4. I see a water leak. How do I get someone to come check it out?

All main breaks are considered an emergency situation.

If the water leak or main break is sited during office hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT), please call the main office at 219-462-6174, ext. 2. A repair crew will be dispatched as soon as possible.

5. There was a water main break in my front yard and the crews dug it up. When can I expect them to fix my yard?

The distribution manager schedules all yard, sidewalk and driveway repair work during the spring and summer months when weather allows. Should you have questions concerning repair work, please contact the Collections / Distribution Manager at219-462-6174, ext. 1319.

6. What procedures do I go through to develop land for residential / commercial use?

If you are developing a subdivision or a commercial business and you need water extended to your property, please contact the Collections / Distribution manager at 219-462-6174, ext. 1319.

The Mapping Department requires three site drawings (blue line) showing all streets, street names, lot layouts, lot numbers, addresses, and utilities. The department will also accept electronic files with the above information in the latest version of AutoCAD or in PDF in lieu of three blue line drawings. These files may either be stored and delivered on CD or emailed to the Mapping Department. The distribution manager will develop a cost estimate and mail and / or fax you this information when completed.

7. Why are there locate flags on my property?

Either a neighbor, a contractor, a landscaper or another utility company has requested that all the utility lines be marked in your area before any digging occurs.

8. What part of the service line is my responsibility and what part is the Utilities'?

The owner's responsibility is anything beyond the shutoff box, which is usually located in the right of way or at the property line. Anything from the street to the shutoff box is the Valparaiso City Utilities' responsibility. The Valparaiso City Utilities is also responsible for the meter itself and its connection. For a visual representation of the City and owner responsibilities, review the link below.

Customer Service Line Responsibility

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9) Utilities - Sewer Information

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1. How do I manage a Sewer Backup?

Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of their sewer lateral line and the tap at the public sewer main. The Utilities is responsible for maintenance of the public sewer main itself.

There are several steps to manage a sewer backup. Please check the attached brochure for additional information. Click here to view the Sewer Backup Brochure....

2. How do I find out if there is sewer available in areas of Valparaiso?

Please contact the Collections Division at 219-462-6174. Ask for either Keith at ext. 1369 or Tony at ext. 1365.

3. How do I find out if there is a sewer tap available for my home / parcel?

Please contact the Collections Division at 219-462-6174. Ask for either Keith at ext. 1369 or Tony at ext. 1365.

4. How do I find the location of the sewer main that my home / parcel is connected to?

Please contact the Collections Division at 219-462-6174. Ask for either Keith at ext. 1369 or Tony at ext. 1365.

5. How do I find the location of the private sewer service line on my property?

In some cases, the Valparaiso City Utilities may have been provided a drawing of the service line layout by the contractor at the time of installation. Please contact the Collections Division at 219-462-6174. Ask for either Keith at ext. 1369 or Tony at ext. 1365.

6. If repairs are needed on my private sewer service line, can you recommend a contractor to do the work?

The Valparaiso City Utilities does not recommend or endorse any private contractors or sewer repair companies. Homeowners are free to hire any contractor or agency that is licensed and bonded to perform sewer repairs in the City of Valparaiso.

7. How do I obtain a permit to tie onto the City sewer or perform repairs to a private service line?

There are sewer fees for tying onto the Valparaiso sewer system. Please visit the City Engineer's office at 166 Lincolnway, Valparaiso. Click here to view Sewer permitting fees....