Zion purchases its water from the Lake County Public Water District and uses approximately 2,000,000 gallons per day.
With a crew of seven, the Water Division maintains an estimated 100 miles of water main and 75 miles of sewer main.
For billing questions or payment extensions call (847) 746-4008. For reading or service call (847) 746-4060.
Applications and Deposits
Municipal Code Section 94 requires any owner starting a new water, sewer, and/or waste service to make application with the City of Zion and pay a deposit of $200 for residential properties of 4 units and fewer. For multi-unit residential properties of 5 units or more, a deposit of $125 per unit is required.
Any person who currently owns real estate in the City and has a non-delinquent payment record for the last five (5) years shall be exempt from the deposit requirement if the service being applied for will be for their personal residence (not rental/lease property).
Deposits are held for two (2) years with a non-delinquent payment record, then refunded to the customer with interest.
Persons acquiring rental properties for income are required to pay deposits on all properties up to a maximum of $500. All accounts shall be in the owner’s name with an application signed for each property.
The City pays interest on deposits at 4% per annum. Interest is due and payable when a final bill is paid, along with any other amounts due to the City, unless refunded earlier as above.
Final Readings
A final reading is required when selling your property. Set an appointment for a final water meter reading to protect against future liability for water usage.
Final readings require access to the interior meter. Water will be shut off at the time of a final reading unless the new owner has made a deposit and signed a contract for water service in advance. For extended vacancy, consider removing and storing the meter.
Billing Information
The City is divided into three (3) billing sections. Customers receive a bill every three (3) months for water, sewer, and waste.
- Water meters are read between the 1st and 15th of the month.
- Bills are prepared and mailed on the last day of the month.
- The penalty date is twenty (20) days from the billing date.
- Three (3) days after the penalty date, termination notices are mailed to all unpaid accounts.
Call (847) 746-4008 for bill questions, disputes, or extension requests. Payments after the due date incur a 5% penalty on the water and sewer total.
Note: Bills are considered paid when received at City Hall, not the mailing date. The City is not responsible for late payment due to mail delivery. A drop box is available outside the main door at City Hall when closed.
Section I
Streets
Edina, Elizabeth, Lake Front, Deborah, Ebenezer, Hilltop, Elim, Sheridan, Elisha, Emmaus, Colgate, Enoch, Eshcol, Holdridge, Bethesda, Bethel, and Ezekiel.
Sub-divisions
Sunset Ridge, Butterfield Place, Countrywood Hills, Harbor Ridge, and Zion Senior Cottages.
Section II
Streets
Ezra, Gabriel, Sharon Place, Gideon, Clover Lane, Gilboa, Gilead, Galilee, Hebron, Hermon, Horeb, and Jethro.
Section III
Streets
Joanna, Joppa, Lewis, Stella, Lydia, Lowery, Calvary, Industrial, Matthew, Willow, 18th, 16th, 17th, Camp Logan, Ravine, Logan, Thompson, Winthrop, 19th, Kedron, Wilson, 20th, Barnhart, 21st, 23rd, Shiloh, Salem, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th, Lebanon, 31st, Horizon, Greenbay, Carmel, 32nd, 33rd, Yale, 34th, Paxton, Marguerite, Oak Forest, Michigan, Channey, Crissy, Coolidge, Lorelei, Gregory, Timothy, Douglas, Franklin, Brigadoon, Highland, Tarton, Thistle, Shetland, and Luckie.
Sub-divisions
Brighton Ponds, Lorelei Acres, Stonebridge, Cypress Park, Shepherds Crossing, Shepherds Point, and Trumpet Park.
Termination of Water Service
Water Shut Offs
If service is terminated for non-payment, there is a $110.00 turn off/on fee ($55 each way) to restore service. This fee plus the unpaid balance must be paid in full before restoration.
Payments after termination must be made by cash, money order, or certified bank check. No Friday shut-offs. Restorations occur within 24 hours after balances are paid. No after-hours (after 5:00 P.M.) restorations.
An adult must be home at the time service is restored. The $110.00 turn off/on fee applies to each non-payment unless an approved extension is in place.
The Water Department Supervisor may address extraordinary circumstances and must report decisions in writing to the City Council.
Water Turn On Policy
Service will be reinstated within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of full payment including fees. The owner/occupant must be present at time of turn-on.
Requests for Turn On/Turn Off of Service
Owner/realtor-requested shut-off or re-instatement for testing/repairs/etc. incurs a $110.00 fee ($55 off + $55 on).
Water Bill Extension Policy
Definitions of Requests for Extensions
Residents unable to pay their quarterly utility bill may request an extension of the cut-off date by calling (847) 746-4008.
Policy
- Pay 50% of the bill to receive an extension.
- Penalty amount must be paid.
- Property owner must sign the extension contract in person on or before the penalty due date (bring photo ID).
- No extension if any outstanding fines/liens/tickets/bills are owed to the City by the owner/tenant.
- No extension if default occurred on a prior extension.
- Violation of the payment terms results in termination of service.
Policy Concerning Cut Off of Service
Residential Accounts
Single family & two (2) units: standard cut-off policy applies (subject to policies above). Three (3)+ units: a “Notice of Termination” will be posted prior to cut-off. Residents may pay the bill and pursue reimbursement from the owner/landlord.
Business Accounts
Prior to termination, the Water Department will make a personal visit and notification. Thereafter, standard policy applies.
Sewer and Refuse Only
Unpaid sewer portion incurs a 10% penalty (minimum $5.00).
High Bills
Payment plan for excessively large water bills (defined below).
Definition of Excessively Large Bills
Any bill with usage 20%+ above prior usage and over $200.00. Bills under $200 may use the standard extension policy.
Procedure
Call City Hall or the Water Department to request a meter/usage inspection. The Water Department will investigate (plumbing vs. meter) and notify you of findings. A proactive alert system is used to notify Finance of 20%+ usage; Finance will mail residents to verify cause and coordinate investigation if needed. If usage is valid, the following schedules apply:
Payment Amount & Schedule
- $200–$399 — pay over the next 2 months (equal payments)
- $400–$599 — pay over the next 3 months (equal payments)
- $600–$799 — pay over the next 6 months (equal payments)
- $800 and over — pay over the next 9 months (equal payments)
Requirements for these schedules:
- All future garbage, water, and sewer bills must be paid on time.
- A written contract reflecting the payment schedule is required.
- All payments must remain current or water will be terminated.
Leaks
Small leaks waste significant water (e.g., a small drip ≈ 170 gallons/day; a 1/16″ leak can exceed 1,000 gallons/day). Toilets are common hidden sources. Check for overflow/valve issues and use food coloring in the tank to test for plunger-ball leaks. Regularly inspect fixtures—early detection saves money.
Cross Connections
A cross-connection is any link between the water system and another liquid or gas. Pressure drops (breaks, repairs, hydrant use) can cause backflow/backsiphonage. Examples elsewhere have included contamination from car washes, HVAC antifreeze, and pesticide mixing via hoses. The City’s goal is safe water for every user.
The Water Division operates a cross-connection program. By ordinance, all plumbing must comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 ILL. Adm. Code 890; Exhibit “A” on file with the City Clerk). New services where prior service was a well must be carefully inspected. Certain commercial/industrial properties require yearly certified inspections of devices.