FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Great question!  There are many ways to conserve water in the home and yard.  Click on the below document for a list!

25 Ways to Conserve Water in the Home and Yard

Meters are read on the 1st each month.

Statements are generated and mailed between the 11th and 15th of each month.

Water bills are due on or before the 10th of the following month, regardless of the day of the week or holiday.  Late fees will be applied to delinquent accounts on the 11th of each month, regardless of the day of the week or holiday.

*If you are participating in our free ACH payment program, payments will be pulled from your bank by our bank between the 2nd - 5th of each month and always before the 10th. 

The Town Council analyzes water rates every year. The water fund is considered an "enterprise fund" meaning it has to be self-sufficient. The town cannot legally use general fund monies to support the water fund. Therefore, water rates must be able to cover all expenses including, but not limited to: electric bills, computer monitoring and programs, chlorination supplies, operating supplies, testing, maintenance of the system, a portion of public works salary, and emergency maintenance. All expenses vary from year to year and most are outside of the Town's control. 

Our current rates are:

a.         For residential properties within the limits of the Town of Rolling Hills -

$42.00 per month for a service fee.
$0.00 for the first 1,000 gallons of water
$3.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 1,000 gallons up to 5,000 gallons
$3.25 per each 1,000 gallons over 5,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons
$3.50 per each 1,000 gallons over 10,000 gallons up to 20,000 gallons
$4.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 20,000 gallons up to 50,000 gallons
$4.50 per each 1,000 gallons over 50,000 gallons up to 100,000 gallons
$5.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 100,000 gallons up to 120,000 gallons
$5.50 per each 1,000 gallons over 120,000 gallons

b.         For residential properties not located within the Town of Rolling Hills -

$57.00 per month for a service fee.
$0.50 for the first 1,000 gallons of water
$3.50 per each 1,000 gallons over 1,000 gallons up to 5,000 gallons
$3.75 per each 1,000 gallons over 5,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons
$4.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 10,000 gallons up to 20,000 gallons
$4.50 per each 1,000 gallons over 20,000 gallons up to 50,000 gallons
$5.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 50,000 gallons up to 100,000 gallons
$5.50 per each 1,000 gallons over 100,000 gallons up to 120,000 gallons
$6.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 120,000 gallons

c.         For commercial businesses on the Town of Rolling Hills distribution system -

$42.00 per month for a service fee.
$2.00 for the first 1,000 gallons of water
$3.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 1,000 gallons up to 5,000 gallons
$3.25 per each 1,000 gallons over 5,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons
$20.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 10,000 gallons up to 25,000 gallons
$30.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 25,000 gallons up to 50,000 gallons
$40.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 50,000 gallons up to 75,000 gallons
$50.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 75,000 gallons up to 100,000 gallons
$60.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 100,000 gallons up to 125,000 gallons
$70.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 125,000 gallons up to 150,000 gallons
$80.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 150,000 gallons up to 175,000 gallons
$90.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 175,000 gallons up to 200,000 gallons
$100.00 per each 1,000 gallons over 200,000 gallons

Great question! Let's use Betty Sue's account with mock usage as an example.

January 11th: Betty Sue was mailed a bill in the amount of $50 for December usage. Payment is due on or before February 10th.

February 11th: No payment has been made by Betty Sue for the January statement. A $10 late fee is applied to her account. 
Additionally, Betty Sue is charged $40 for January's usage. Payment is due on or before March 10th.

Recap: 
January 11th statement of $50 
+ late fee penalty of $10 
+ February 11th statement of $40 for January usage
 = $100 due on or before March 10th.

February 25th: No payment has been made by Betty Sue. A late notice is mailed.

March 11th: No payment has been made by Betty Sue for the February statement. A $10 late fee is applied to her account.
Additionally, Betty Sue is charged $60 for February usage.
Additionally, Betty Sue is now sent a certified collection letter and a penalty of $20 for the cost of the certified letter is applied to her account.

Recap: 
January 11th statement of $50 
+ late fee penalty of $10 
+ February 11th statement of $40  
+ late fee penalty of $10
+ March 11th statement of $60
+ certified letter penalty of $20
= $190 due; $100 of which is "past due"

*When a certified letter is mailed, residents have ten days from the date of receipt of the certified letter to pay at least the past due amount in order to avoid service interruption. If a certified letter is not claimed and returns to the Town, service interruption occurs immediately.

No payment is received from Betty Sue pursuant to the certified letter. At that point, service is shut off due to non-payment and the account must be paid in full in order for service to be reinstated. 
Of note, the following notices have been sent to Betty Sue at this point - (1) January statement, (2) February statement, (3) February past due notice, (4) March statement, (5) certified letter.

Recap:
January 11th statement of $50 
+ late fee penalty of $10 
+ February 11th statement of $40  
+ late fee penalty of $10
+ March 11th statement of $60
+ certified letter penalty of $20
+ service turn-off fee of $30
+ service turn-on fee of $30
= $250 due before service is turned back on; additionally, if there is no deposit on the account then one must be submitted in the amount of $100

April 11th:  a water statement is sent to Betty Sue for March usage and the above timelines start over again.

But wait! Good news! Betty Sue now understands the penalties and late fees that can be applied to her account and that water is an essential expense that she cannot live without. Betty Sue enrolls in the Town's free ACH program and never misses a water payment nor incurs a fee or penalty again! Good job, Betty Sue!