At Village of Ashwaubenon “Ashwaubenon” October 8, 2024 Village Board Meeting current and future Water and Sewer Rates were reviewed and discussed in detail. Previous to this meeting, the Green Bay Water Utility and Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District (NEW Water) presented their approved rate increases to Ashwaubenon. Those increases will affect the Ashwaubenon Water and Sewer Utility.
Ashwaubenon purchases drinking water from the Green Bay Utility Water. Effective August 1, 2024, Green Bay Water Utility increased their rates by 17% resulting in these rates being passed on to Ashwaubenon. In an effort to stay fiscally responsible and prepare for future maintenance and replacement projects, Ashwaubenon is working with the Public Service Commission (PSC), regulating agency for the Water Utility, in applying for a Purchased Water Clause Adjustment. If this Application is approved, the Ashwaubenon Water Rates will be increased by $0.43/1,000 gallons. The effective date of this increase is unknown but is anticipated to occur from the end of the year 2024 to early 2025. An example of how your utility bill will be impacted can be seen below.
Ashwaubenon sends its wastewater (sewage) to Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District (NEW Water). Effective annually, NEW Water will increase their rates by 7%, these rates are then passed on to Ashwaubenon. Ashwaubenon in an effort to stay fiscally responsible and ensure that operating expenses do not exceed revenues that are generated, had to look at its rates in greater detail. Ashwaubenon will be looking to increase rates by 8% annually to adjust for NEW Water charges and upcoming Capital Improvement Project costs. The effective date of this increase is January 1, 2025. An example of how your utility bill will be impacted can be seen below.
A standard utility bill from the Village of Ashwaubenon has three sections, a water utility cost, a sewer utility cost, and a storm water utility cost (refer to Stormwater Utility rate information on the Village website. Added together, these three costs in total are your utility bill. As such, a certain percentage increase in one of the three utility rates does not correspond to that percentage increase over your entire bill.
Let’s take a look at an example of a residential utility bill in the Village of Ashwaubenon with the current utility rates and the proposed utility rates beginning January 1, 2025.
Are you tired of running around trying to figure out how to pay your Ashwaubenon water bill? I’ve been there too! As a resident of the Village of Ashwaubenon myself, I understand the frustration that can come with utility payments. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the water bill payment process in our community.
The Ashwaubenon-Green Bay Partnership: What You Need to Know
First things first, let’s clear up any confusion. Since 2006, the Village of Ashwaubenon has partnered with Green Bay Water Utility for billing and collection of our quarterly utility bills. This means that while the Village maintains its own water utility crew for service, maintenance, and meter reading, all the billing stuff goes through Green Bay.
Important to note You cannot pay your water bill at the Ashwaubenon Village Hall anymore! I found this out the hard way last year when I showed up with my checkbook only to be redirected All payments now go through the Green Bay Water Utility system
6 Easy Ways to Pay Your Ashwaubenon Water Bill
Let’s break down all the different options you have for paying that quarterly bill:
1. Pay Online Through e-Care (Registered Users)
This is my personal favorite method because it’s so convenient! You can view and pay your water bill online through the e-Care system.
To get started
- Visit the pay e-Care portal
- Follow the setup instructions provided
- Create your account
- Link your Ashwaubenon utility account
- Pay whenever bills are due
The best part? Once you’ve registered, you can easily check your usage history, view past bills, and make payments anytime.
2. Make a One-Time Online Payment (No Registration Required)
Don’t want to create an account? No problem! You can still pay online without registering:
- Use the one-time payment option
- Enter your account details
- Complete your payment
This is perfect for those times when you’re in a rush or just don’t want another online account to manage.
3. Set Up Automatic Payments from Your Bank Account
If you’re like me and sometimes forget to pay bills on time, automatic payments might be your new best friend!
To set this up:
- Complete the PAP (Pre-Authorized Payment) Form
- Include a voided check
- Mail everything to:
Ashwaubenon UtilityP.O. Box 187Green Bay, WI 54305-0187
You can also use the Check Free Automatic Payment Plan by printing the form from the Village website, filling it out, and mailing it with a voided check to the same address above.
4. Set Up Bill Pay Through Your Bank
Many banks offer free bill pay services, which is super handy.
- Contact your bank about their bill pay service
- Set up Ashwaubenon Utility as a payee
- Use this mailing address:
Ashwaubenon UtilityP.O. Box 187Green Bay, WI 54305-0187
5. Mail a Check
Good old-fashioned mail still works great! Simply:
- Write a check payable to “Ashwaubenon Utility”
- Mail it to:
Ashwaubenon UtilityP.O. Box 187Green Bay, WI 54305-0187
Pro tip: Send your payment about a week before the due date to ensure it arrives on time.
6. Pay in Person
If you prefer the face-to-face approach, you can pay in person at:
Green Bay Water Utility631 S. Adams StreetGreen Bay, WI 54301Remember to make your check payable to “Ashwaubenon Utility” even though you’re paying at the Green Bay location!
Understanding Your Ashwaubenon Water Bill
Now that you know HOW to pay, let’s talk a bit about WHAT you’re paying for. Your quarterly Ashwaubenon water bill typically includes:
- Water usage charges – Based on your meter readings
- Sewer charges – Related to wastewater processing
- Public fire protection – A fee that supports hydrant maintenance and fire protection infrastructure
- Any applicable surcharges or fees – These vary depending on current village policies
The Village of Ashwaubenon purchases water through Green Bay’s system, which is why the billing partnership makes sense. However, all other utility services remain under Ashwaubenon’s management.
What If I Have Questions About My Bill?
Got questions? No worries! Here are the right contact numbers:
- Billing Questions or Address Changes: 920-492-2337
- Meter or Service Questions: 920-492-2335
I called the billing number last quarter when I noticed an unusual spike in my usage, and they were super helpful in explaining what was happening. Turns out I had a small leak that needed fixing!
When Are Ashwaubenon Water Bills Due?
Ashwaubenon water bills are sent out quarterly. While specific due dates vary based on your billing cycle, you typically have about 20 days from the billing date to make your payment.
If you’re setting up automatic payments, this is something you won’t need to worry about anymore – the system will handle it all for you!
What Happens If I Don’t Pay My Water Bill?
Let’s be real – life gets busy and sometimes bills slip through the cracks. But it’s important to stay on top of your water bill payments because:
- Late fees can be applied to overdue accounts
- Disconnection is possible for significantly overdue accounts
- Reconnection fees will apply if your service is disconnected
- Unpaid water bills may eventually be added to your property taxes
The Village works with residents facing hardship, so if you’re struggling to pay your bill, it’s best to contact the billing office before your account becomes delinquent.
High Water Usage? What To Do
Have you opened your bill to find a surprisingly high amount due? This happened to my neighbor last summer, and it was because of an undetected toilet leak!
The Village of Ashwaubenon offers a High Water Usage Assessment to help identify potential issues. Here’s what to do:
- Check for obvious leaks (toilets, faucets, outdoor spigots)
- Monitor your water meter to see if it’s running when all water is turned off
- Contact the Meter/Service department at 920-492-2335 for assistance
- Consider requesting a high water usage assessment
Water Conservation Tips to Lower Your Bill
Want to keep that water bill as low as possible? Here are some tips that have worked for me:
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets promptly
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
- Only run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine
- Water your lawn during cooler hours to reduce evaporation
- Consider a rain barrel for outdoor watering needs
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving
I implemented these changes in my own home and saw my bill decrease by about 15% over the course of a year!
Understanding Lateral Responsibility
One thing many Ashwaubenon residents don’t realize until there’s a problem is lateral responsibility. The Village’s website includes information about who’s responsible for which parts of the water service line.
Basically, homeowners are typically responsible for the water lateral from the curb stop to their home, while the Village maintains the portion from the water main to the curb stop. Knowing this ahead of time can save you headaches if you ever experience water line issues!
Second/Deduct Meters for Outdoor Water Usage
If you do a lot of lawn watering, gardening, or have a swimming pool, you might want to look into a second meter. This “deduct meter” measures water that doesn’t enter the sewer system, so you’re not charged sewer fees for this usage.
To learn more about second meters, contact the water utility department. This option isn’t for everyone, but for heavy outdoor water users, it can result in significant savings.
Water Quality in Ashwaubenon
The Village is committed to providing clean, safe drinking water. Each year, they publish a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that details water quality testing results.
You can find this report on the Village website, and I highly recommend checking it out if you have any concerns about water quality. Ashwaubenon’s water consistently meets or exceeds all federal and state water quality standards.
Cross Connection Protection
The Village also maintains a cross connection protection program to prevent contaminants from entering the public water supply. If you receive a notice about cross connection inspection, don’t ignore it! This is an important part of keeping our community’s water safe.
Final Thoughts on Managing Your Ashwaubenon Water Bill
Managing your Ashwaubenon water bill doesn’t have to be complicated. With six different payment options available, you can choose the one that works best for your lifestyle and preferences.
I’ve found that setting up automatic payments gives me the most peace of mind, but plenty of my neighbors prefer the online portal or even mailing in checks. The important thing is finding what works for YOU.
Remember that the Village of Ashwaubenon maintains its own water utility crew for service and maintenance, so if you have issues with your water service or meter, you’ll still contact the Village directly at 920-492-2335.
For billing questions, payment arrangements, or address changes, contact Green Bay Water Utility at 920-492-2337.
Have you found a particular payment method that works well for you? Or do you have questions that weren’t covered here? Feel free to reach out or share your experiences with fellow Ashwaubenon residents!
What Does This Mean for My Quarterly Utility Bill?
A standard utility bill from the Village of Ashwaubenon has three sections, a water utility cost, a sewer utility cost, and a storm water utility cost. Added together, these three costs in total are your utility bill. As such, a certain percentage increase in one of the three utility rates does not correspond to that percentage increase over your entire bill.
Let’s take a look at an example of a residential utility bill in the Village of Ashwaubenon with the current utility rates and the proposed utility following January 1, 2025.
Changes in the bill are colored red
Under the proposed utility rate increases, a total utility bill for one quarter (3 months) would include:
- 5/8″ water meter charge of $24.81
- 5/8″ sewer service charge of $24.03
- Public Fire Protection change of $9.69
- A water volume charge of 15,000 gallons at $5.13/1,000 gallons = $76.95
- A sewer volume charge of 15,000 gallons at $6.62/1,000 gallons = $99.31
- A storm utility charge of $18.75 (with 1.1 ERU)Proposed Total Bill: $255.41
According to the new rate structure, the quarterly bill for the average residential customer served by the Village Utilities (using approximately 15,000 gallons per quarter) will increase by $22.46 after the final phase of implementation.
Water Conservation in Green Bay and Ashwaubenon
0
