Show All Answers

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.