Hey there, Carbondale residents! I’ve been living in Southern Illinois for over a decade now, and let me tell ya, figuring out how to pay those water bills can be a bit confusing at first. Especially with different water districts serving our community! Whether you’re a SIU student who just moved into your first off-campus apartment or a long-time resident, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate paying your water bill in Carbondale.
City of Carbondale Water Services: Your Main Options
The City of Carbondale provides water and sewer services to many residents, and they’ve made it pretty easy to pay your bill. Here are all the ways you can pay:
1. Online Bill Pay (Most Convenient Option)
The City of Carbondale offers a convenient online payment system through their official website. To pay your water bill online:
- Visit the City’s Online Bill Pay page
- Select “Pay a Water/Sewer Bill” from the options
- Follow the prompts to enter your account information
- Complete payment using credit card, debit card, or electronic check
Important note: If you’re making a payment after the due date, do NOT use the online system! You’ll need to call their customer service line at 618-457-3265 instead to avoid service interruption.
2. Pay by Phone
If you prefer speaking with an actual person or need assistance with your account:
- Call the Revenue Office: 618-457-3265
- Have your account number ready
- Available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
3. Pay in Person
Some of us (like me) just prefer to handle things face-to-face. You can pay in person at:
Revenue Office200 S Illinois AvenueCarbondale, IL 62901
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
4. Pay by Mail
Old-school but reliable! Send your payment to
City of CarbondalePO. Box 2047Carbondale, IL 62902
I recommend mailing your payment at least 5 business days before the due date to ensure it arrives on time.
What About Lakeside Water District?
If you live in certain areas around Carbondale, you might actually be served by the Lakeside Water District instead of city water. Their payment process is different!
Lakeside Water District Payment Options
-
Online Payments:
- Visit Lakeside Water District’s payment page
- Enter your Lakeside Account Number from your bill
- Enter the Payment Amount
- Complete the payment process with your credit/debit card
-
Auto Deduct Available!
Good news – Lakeside is now offering automatic deduction for payments! To set this up, contact their office directly and provide:- Your name
- Address
- Phone number
- Account ID
- Email address
-
Pay by Mail or In-Person:
Lakeside Water District
3384 Dillinger Road
Carbondale, IL 62901 -
Contact for Questions:
Phone: 618-457-5547
Email: [email protected]
Special Situations and Tips
Paying for Someone Else
Need to help out your college student or elderly parent? The City of Carbondale has a special option for this! On their Online Bill Pay page, select “Pay A Water Bill for Someone Else.” This service is super helpful for:
- Parents helping SIU students
- Adult children assisting elderly parents
- Anyone helping someone who needs assistance with their bills
Water Reconnection Fees
If your service has been disconnected due to non-payment, you’ll need to:
- Pay all past due amounts
- Pay a reconnection fee
- Contact customer service at 618-457-3265
You can pay your reconnection fee online through the City’s website by selecting “Pay Your Water Reconnect Fee.”
Avoid Late Payments
I’ve learned the hard way that forgetting to pay your water bill on time can lead to extra fees and hassle. Here are my tips to stay on top of it:
- Set a recurring calendar reminder on your phone
- Consider setting up auto-pay if available
- Pay a few days early to allow for processing time
- Keep your account number somewhere easily accessible
Understanding Your Water Bill
Your Carbondale water bill typically includes:
- Base rate for water service
- Usage charges based on consumption
- Sewer charges
- Any previous balances or credits
- Due date and payment options
FAQs About Paying Water Bills in Carbondale
How often will I receive a water bill?
Most Carbondale residents receive monthly water bills, though billing cycles can vary depending on your location and service provider.
What payment methods are accepted for water bills?
Both the City of Carbondale and Lakeside Water District accept:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Electronic checks (for online payments)
- Personal checks (for mail or in-person payments)
- Cash (in-person only)
What should I do if I’m going to be away for an extended period?
If you’ll be away for a long time (like summer break for students), you still need to pay your water bill! Consider setting up auto-pay or making arrangements with someone to handle payments while you’re gone.
How do I report a water issue or billing problem?
For City of Carbondale water service issues:
- Call 618-457-3265 for billing questions
- For water emergencies after hours, contact dispatch at 618-549-5302
For Lakeside Water District:
- Call 618-457-5547 for both billing and service issues
My Personal Experience
When I first moved to Carbondale, I was confused about which water service provider I had. I went to City Hall to pay my bill, only to find out I was actually in the Lakeside Water District! I wasted an afternoon running around town trying to figure it out.
To save you from my mistake, here’s a quick tip: look at your bill carefully or call one of the providers to confirm which service you have based on your address.
Recent Updates for 2025
There have been some changes to water services in Carbondale this year:
-
Boil Water Orders: Lakeside Water District recently lifted a boil water order that affected specific areas along Fairview Dr and Nutrition Plaza. If you live in these areas, your water is now safe to drink without boiling.
-
Text Alerts: Both water providers now offer text message alerts for boil water orders and other important notifications. Contact your provider to sign up!
-
New Online Systems: The payment portals have been updated to be more user-friendly. If you haven’t paid online recently, you might notice these improvements.
Money-Saving Water Tips
Since we’re talking about water bills, here are some ways I’ve managed to keep mine lower:
- Fix leaky faucets promptly (a dripping faucet can waste gallons!)
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
- Run only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines
- Water lawns and gardens during early morning or evening hours
- Consider a rain barrel for garden watering
Contact Information Summary
City of Carbondale Water Services
- Phone: 618-457-3265
- Address: 200 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2047, Carbondale, IL 62902
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Online: www.explorecarbondale.com/411/Online-Bill-Pay
Lakeside Water District
- Phone: 618-457-5547
- Address: 3384 Dillinger Road, Carbondale, IL 62901
- Online: lakesidewatercarbondale.com/index.php?page=payments
Final Thoughts
Paying your water bill in Carbondale doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose to pay online, by phone, in person, or by mail, just make sure you pay before the due date to avoid any interruption in service.
And remember, if your making a payment after the due date, DO NOT pay online—call the customer service number instead!
Stay hydrated, Carbondale!
Navigation for section Resources
Its our most precious natural resource. Every drop counts…
