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1. COLD WEATHER ADVICE

As a resident of Northern Indiana, we know that we can experience extreme temperatures.  When extreme and extended cold weather events occur, private water service lines in certain areas of the City are prone to freezing which can interrupt water service.  Water customers are advised to take all necessary precautions to prevent their water services from freezing and are advised to run their water at a pencil-size stream 24 hours a day in a utility tub or sink.  Click here for additional Cold Weather Advice.

2. Can I pay my bill online?

Yes. The Valparaiso City Utilities now offers our customers the ability view and pay their bill online, including enrolling for auto pay. Customers are also able to sign up to receive their bills via email. For additional information, please contact Customer Service at 219-462-6174, ext. 2 click the Online BillPay link.

3. I am new to the community. What is included on my utility bill and what will the bill look like?

Your utility bill includes water, sewer, stormwater, and trash pickup. You will not pay for stormwater and trash pickup if you live outside the city limits, and you will not pay for sewer if you have a septic system. View an
Example of a City Utility Bill (PDF).

4. I see a water leak. How do I get someone to come check it out? How long will the water be off?

All main breaks are considered an emergency situation.

If the water leak or main break is sited during office hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 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. 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 if there is a possibility of bacterial contamination in the drinking water system that would make the customer sick. Please click on the link below to find out more about a boil water advisory or a boil water order. CLICK HERE for additional information....

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

There are 17 to 22 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.

7. 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 this Basement Seepage pamphlet (PDF).

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

The owner's responsibility is anything beyond the curb box, which is usually located in the right of way or at the property line. Anything from the street to the curb box is the Valparaiso City Utilities' responsibility. The Valparaiso City Utilities is also responsible for the meter itself and its connection.