Living in Buffalo Grove? Then you likely receive a water bill from the village for your water and sewer utility services. Paying this bill on time and in full is important to avoid late fees or service disruptions. The good news is Buffalo Grove offers multiple convenient payment options to fit every resident’s needs!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline everything you need to know about paying your Buffalo Grove water bill. We’ll cover how bills are calculated, when they are due, payment methods, assistance programs, and tips for avoiding high bills. Let’s dive in!
How Water Bills Are Calculated in Buffalo Grove
Your water bill amount is based on your actual water consumption and sewer usage. The Village of Buffalo Grove uses water meters to measure how much water your household uses during each billing period. They then take that consumption amount and apply the current water and sewer rates to calculate your charges.
Water rates are charged per 1000 gallons used. Sewer rates are charged at a fixed percentage of your water consumption charge. The sewer rate aims to cover the costs of transporting wastewater and operating Buffalo Grove’s water reclamation facility.
In addition to usage charges, your bill may also include a fixed monthly meter service fee. This helps cover meter maintenance and replacement.
The Village reviews water and sewer rates annually and may adjust them to account for infrastructure operational costs and future needs. Rate information is published on the Village website.
When Are Water Bills Due in Buffalo Grove?
Buffalo Grove bills residents for water and sewer usage on a bi-monthly basis. This means you receive a bill once every two months.
Your due date depends on your assigned billing cycle. Bills are issued on the 1st or 15th of the start month for your cycle. Payment must be received by the due date shown on your bill to avoid late fees. Due dates are typically around the 25th of the month.
For example:
- Cycle 1 bills are issued January 1st and due January 25th
- Cycle 2 bills are issued January 15th and due February 25th
If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, bills are due the next business day. The Village does NOT offer grace periods for payment. Be sure to pay by the due date printed on your bill.
Paying Your Buffalo Grove Water Bill: Payment Options
Buffalo Grove makes paying your water bill fast and convenient through multiple payment options:
Online Payments
You can pay your water bill online through the Village’s web portal. To do so:
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Go to www.vbg.org and click on “Make a Water Bill Payment”
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Sign into your utility billing account
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Select “Make Payment” and enter your payment details
Online payments incur a 3.95% service fee. You can also setup recurring auto-pay through the portal.
By Phone
Call toll-free 1-888-973-6238 to pay your water bill via phone. Have your account number ready. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted for phone payments. A 3.95% service fee applies.
Mail-In Payment
Detach the payment stub from your paper bill and enclose it along with a check or money order. Mail to the address listed on your bill. No additional fees apply for mail payment.
Drop-Off Payment
Bring your payment stub and check or money order to Village Hall during business hours. You can also use the 24/7 drop box located on the north side of Village Hall. No extra fees.
Auto-Draft Payment
Forget late payments for good! Sign up for auto-draft directly from your bank account. No transaction fees apply. Grab an auto-draft form from Village Hall or online and submit it along with a voided check.
In-Person Payment
Make a payment in-person at Village Hall using cash, check, credit/debit card, or money order. This option incurs applicable service fees.
Payment Assistance for Buffalo Grove Water Bills
Is an unexpectedly high water bill causing financial hardship? The Village understands things happen. Reach out to the Water Billing Department to discuss flexible payment plan options and avoid service disruption.
Buffalo Grove also partners with Salvation Army to administer a water bill aid program for qualifying residents facing crisis situations. You can apply for a one-time grant up to $150 to help cover an outstanding balance. Contact the Salvation Army or Village Hall for details.
Avoiding High Water Bills in Buffalo Grove
No one wants to see an unusually high amount due on their water bill. Here are some tips to keep your water usage and charges under control:
- Monitor your consumption via the online portal to catch leaks early
- Check for silent toilet leaks by adding dye to tanks
- Install high-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators
- Run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers
- Fix drips and update old plumbing fixtures
- Water outdoors conservatively and only when needed
- Review bills for accurate meter reads and rates
Detecting issues quickly and using water wisely makes a big difference! The Village also offers free water check-ups to diagnose trouble spots.
We’re Here to Help!
Sewer Blockages and Backups
The service line from your home to the sewer main may become obstructed due many reasons. Likewise, the Village main line can become obstructed as well. Both of these reasons will cause a backup in your home.
If you experience a sewer backup, notify Public Works immediately. You can call us at 847-459-2545 during normal business hours. Or, after normal business hours, call the Police Department non-emergency number at 847-459-2560. Public Works staff will inspect the Village sewer main. Staff will determine if the blockage exists in the Village sewer main or within your service line.
If the blockage is in your service connection, it is your responsibility to have the blockage cleared. Any licensed, bonded, and insured plumber can rod the service line to clear the block.
Remember, first call the Public Works Department before calling the plumber.
Buffalo Grove High School Watershed Day
FAQ
Where does Buffalo Grove get its water from?
Is Chicago water metered?
What payment options does the village of Buffalo Grove offer?
The Village of Buffalo Grove offers several payment options for your water and sewer utility bill. Please note that some payment options have associated transaction fees. Just move in or need to update your utility account information? Complete the New / Update Water Account Form.
Is there an issue with Buffalo Grove water bill?
According to a Jan. 18 social media post on the Buffalo Grove Twitter account, there are issues with the Village’s utility software program sending e-mails to E-Billing participants. The most recent water bill was issued on January 13 and can be viewed online.
How do I pay my Buffalo water (NY) Bill online?
Pay your Buffalo Water (NY) bill online with doxo, Pay with a credit card, debit card, or direct from your bank account. doxo is the simple, protected way to pay your bills with a single account and accomplish your financial goals. Manage all your bills, get payment due date reminders and schedule automatic payments from a single app.
What happened to Buffalo Grove’s utility bills?
Buffalo Grove officials discovered that some customers who receive their utility bills electronically did not receive the usual notification emails after the bills were sent out on Jan. 13. The bills were not delivered to their email boxes. The village finance director, Chris Black, expressed apologies for any inconvenience caused to the customers.