• Water:  Water charges consist of a flat service charge whether any water is used or not.  These charges cover the utility's fixed costs.  In addition, there is a volume charge per 1,000 gallons of water used.  Water charges are $13.39 per month plus $4.69 per 1,000 gallons of water used.
• Sewer:  Sewer charges consist of a flat service charge, as well as a volume charge.  The volume charge for sewer is based on the gallons of water used except when the summer residential credit is in effect.  Sewer charges are $7.49 per month plus $6.13 per 1,000 gallons of water used.
• Stormwater:  The stormwater charge is collected to provide funding to meet the state's permit requirements regarding water runoff.  Residential units are charges for one ERU (Equivalent Runoff Unit).  Other customers' charges are based on the amount of impervious surface on their property.  Stormwater charges are $12.16 per month for residential properties unless otherwise noted.
• Public Fire Protection (Pub Fire):  This fee is based on the size of the water meter and is used to cover the costs incurred by the water utility to provide hydrants and capacity in the water system to fight a fire without taking away from normal water usage.  Public fire protection charges are $11.79 per month for 5/8" residential meters.
• Private Fire Protection (Fire Protection):  This is a charge for customers that have fire protection sprinklers in their buildings.
• Late Fees:  Bills not received in the mail by the due date or by 8:00 a.m. in the night drop box the day after the due date will be considered late and will be assessed a 1% late fee.  We are not responsible for U.S. Mail delivery.  

Summer Residential Credit for Sewer:

For the months of June through September, residential customers may receive a credit for the sewer volume charge if their water volume is more than 110% of the volume in May. If usage is more than 110%, the sewer usage will be capped at 110% of the May volume. You will notice this in the section showing usage.  There is no need to call and request a Summer Residential Credit for sewer as it will automatically be applied if you qualify.  

High Utility Bills:

If you feel your bill is unusually high, review some of the common causes listed below:

• Has your household water usage changed?  Is a child home from school or have you had guests staying with you? The average person uses 40-80 gallons of water per day.  
• Have you been watering your lawn or garden more than usual?  If you have a lawn irrigation system, be sure it is checked regularly for leaks and that the timer is programmed properly.  
• Do you have a leaking/continuously running toilet or dripping faucet?  Even small leaks can waste hundreds and even thousands of gallons of water.  Routinely check your plumbing and home for any leaks.  Toilets are the cause of high bills over 90% of the time.  You can also review a helpful tutorial on our Water Utility page to check your toilet yourself.  

Please attempt to identify these potential leaks on your own.  If you need assistance on locating these leaks you can request a Flow Test to be performed by our Water Utility Department. Flow tests can generally be scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To request and schedule a flow test, call the Sussex Civic Center at 262-246-5200.

Remember, residents are responsible for all water usage that passes through the meter (including leaks).  

If you have any questions about your utility bill please call the utility clerk at 262-246-5224 or send an email.

Below are the 2026 utility rates for the typical residential home. The full list of rates, including commercial rates, is available here.