Having reliable access to clean water is something we often take for granted. But ensuring high-quality water requires infrastructure and resources that have ongoing costs. If you live in Lake County and pay your water bill to the county utility department, it pays for operations, repairs, and future improvements.
Paying your water bill on time each month avoids penalties and service disruption, But who has time to mail checks and keep tabs on due dates? The good news is that Lake County offers easy online bill payment options, Read on as I provide a step-by-step guide to paying your Lake County water bill online
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Understanding your water bill
- Setting up an online account
- Making one-time payments
- Setting up autopay
- Paying by phone
- Avoiding late fees
- Getting help with your account
Let’s dive in and get savvy on how to pay your essential water bill with just a few quick clicks each month
Step 1: Understand Your Water Bill
Before paying your water bill take a moment to review the charges and confirm they look accurate. Your Lake County utility bill will include
- Water service charge – Based on your meter size
- Water usage fee – Charge per 1,000 gallons used
- Sewer service and usage charges
- Taxes and other fees
- Past due balances or credits
Understanding the costs will help you budget and detect any unusual spikes in use. Review bills in your online account to compare usage.
Step 2: Set Up Your Online Account
To pay your water bill online, the first step is creating an account on the payment portal:
- Go to waterbill.lakecountyil.gov
- Select “New Account Registration”
- Enter your account number, address, and email
- Create a password and agree to the terms
After registering, check your email for a verification link to activate your account. You’ll then be able to log in to view bills, make payments, and manage autopay.
Step 3: Make One-Time Payments
When logged into your online account, you can easily pay your water bill:
- Select “Pay Bill” from the top menu
- Choose your payment amount
- Enter your credit card or bank account info
- Review payment details and select “Process Payment”
One-time payments are processed instantly. You’ll receive an email confirmation with details for your records.
Step 4: Set Up Autopay
For maximum convenience, enroll in autopay to have your water bill paid automatically each month. Here’s how:
- Click on “My Profile” and select “AutoPay Accounts”
- Choose “Enroll in AutoPay”
- Select your payment method and enter details
- Pick the payment date that works for you
With autopay, you’ll avoid late fees and service interruptions from forgotten bills. Your payment will be drafted automatically each month.
Step 5: Pay by Phone
If you prefer to pay your water bill over the phone, call 847-377-7500 and select option 1 for the automated phone payment system. You’ll need to provide your account number and follow the prompts.
Phone payments process instantly when using a credit card or checking account. Fees apply for debit card payments over the phone.
Step 6: Avoid Late Fees
To avoid late fees on your Lake County water bill:
- Pay your balance by the due date each month
- Set payment reminders and enroll in autopay
- Opt-in to receive email bill reminders
- Monitor your account for any missed bills
Late fees are 1.5% per month. Pay on time to avoid penalties!
Step 7: Get Account Help
If you need assistance with your online account, paying your bill, or have questions about charges, contact Lake County Utility Billing:
- Email [email protected]
- Call 847-377-7500 and select option 2 for customer service
- Chat with an agent during business hours
- Schedule an appointment to meet with staff
The utility billing team is available to help resolve any issues quickly. Reach out!
Convenient Online Bill Pay Is Here
Paying your Lake County water bill online saves you time and gives you flexibility. Thanks to the user-friendly portal, you can:
- Review bills and usage data
- Pay instantly 24/7
- Automate payments with autopay
- Avoid late fees
- Access account info from anywhere