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Utility Billing

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1. Can a leaking toilet really go through that much water?

Yes. While a slow drip on a faucet can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day, a leaky toilet can go through hundreds of gallons a day. Over the course of a month, that can add up to a lot of water.

2. What types of payments do you accept for utility bills?

We accept checks, money orders, and cashier's checks. Please do not mail cash. We recommend mailing payments at least 7 business days before the due date. We do not currently offer online payments of utility bills but we do have an ACH (automated clearing house) option available. Your utility payment will be deducted from your bank account on the date due. If you are interested please contact Utility Billing at 763-367-7840.

3. My bill shows zero usage. What am I being billed for?

There is a minimum charge per month. The minimum charge is necessary to cover fixed expenses (those expenses not directly related to flow volume) of the water and sewer system. Examples of fixed costs are mainenance of the infrastructure (water mains, sanitary sewer facilities, pumping stations, etc.), labor, vehicles, regulatory fees, and maintenance of water meters.

4. My meter was replaced and now I'm using more water. Is my new meter running fast?

No. Most likely the old meter was slowing down. The meters have a dial similar to a paddle wheel. The dial will only turn as fast as the water turns it. As a meter gets old, it could corrode and slowly grind to a halt. Therefore, an old meter could actually be registering less water than is actually used.

5. OK, my reading checks out. How did I use that much water?

During the summer, many homeowners water their lawn frequently. While the lawn may look nice, it does come at a cost. A garden hose will dispense up to 600 gallons in two hours. If the summer is dry, usage can easily double over the summer quarter.

A toilet that leaks is another common cause for a noticeable usage increase. A good way to check is to put some food coloring in the back of the tank, wait a few minutes, and then check the bowl. If the food coloring appears in the bowl, then you know that there isn't a tight seal and water is circulation through the toilet.

6. What are your current rates?

The typical water customer can be classified into two different categories—residential and commercial each with a fixed and variable component to the cost structure. Please see our Fee Schedule for water and sewer rates.

City Water and Sewer

7. What can I do to use less water?

Visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service to learn how to conserve water.

8. What should I do if my meter is stopped?

Contact the Maintenance Department at 763-367-7875 between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. If necessary, they will set up an appointment to come to your house and repair or replace your meter. If you are calling between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, call Utility Billing at 763-367-7840 and we can contact the Maintenance Department for you.

9. Where is my meter and reader located?

Meter location varies from house to house, but it is usually in the basement or utility area. The meter has an electronic unit that transmits the reading to our meter reading handheld unit.

10. Who owns the water meter?

The builder of each dwelling is required to purchase a meter when pulling the original building permit. The City is responsible for the initial installation of the meter. The Utilities Department maintains, repairs and if necessary, replaces all meters when they are no longer serviceable due to ordinary wear and tear. The expected life of a meter is 15 - 20 years.

11. Why does my bill show zero usage?

Here again, there are two main reasons: the meter has stopped or no reading was taken. To find out what the reason is, call Utility Billing at 763-367-7840 and they can help you to determine what happened.