Show All Answers

1. How often do I receive a utility bill?

The City of Waconia bills for all utility charges on a monthly basis. Bills are normally sent out via regular mail or email on the last day of the month being billed. The due date for the billing is on or about the 21st of the following month.

2. Why is my bill higher than usual?

The accuracy of the city’s water meters is +/-2% of 100%. If you should experience an unusually high usage on your monthly bill, it could indicate some type of leak in your plumbing. We recommend that you first compare the reading on your bill with the current reading on your meter. The reading on your meter should be slightly higher than the billing, depending on the amount of time that has passed since the reading and how much water you normally use.

Your water meter has a leak detector on its face. This is a black triangle in the middle of the meter which will stand still when there is no water going through the meter. To see if you may have a leak, turn off all the water in the house. If the leak detector is moving, there is a leak.

oftentimes, running toilets are identified as the problem. You cannot always hear or see a toilet that is running and may result in significant usage. You can check your toilets for leaks by putting food coloring into the tank. If there is a leak, the food coloring will show up in the bowl.

Another source of high usage is a water softener, which may be leaking or regenerating improperly. To check your water softener, take a water meter reading before you retire for the evening. Take another reading in the morning, before any water is used. Any difference in the readings should be the result of the water used to regenerate your softener. Repeat this procedure for a week or 2 to check the consistency of the usage. This will verify how often the softener is regenerating. It should not be regenerating every night. If you believe the amount of water used is too high, or that your softener is regenerating too frequently, check with your manufacturer or dealer for proper usage and instructions on how to correct the problem.

3. How can I check that my bill is accurate?

As a homeowner you are able to check your meter to calculate your usage at any time. The meter is generally located downstairs or in a utility room, where the water enters your home. On the top of the meter there is a dial that reads like a car odometer. The City of Waconia rounds down to the nearest 1,000 gallon for billing purposes. This number is listed on your bill under "current" as the current or most recent read we received from your meter.

4. How are water meters read and when are they read?

The City of Waconia utilizes an automatic meter reading system whereby water meters are read monthly. Meters are generally read on the 22nd of each month. If the 22nd falls on a weekend or holiday, meters will be read to account for a 30 day usage period.

5. I haven’t used any water, why am I still getting a bill?

All properties will receive a minimum service charge billing on a monthly basis. The city’s base rates are defined in the city’s fee schedule (Ordinance 1100). Ordinance 1100

6. I own an empty piece of land, why do I still receive a bill?

The bill you receive is for storm water management and street lighting throughout the community. These are charges that all properties within the city receive, regardless of the stage of development on the land.

7. How does a new resident sign up for utility billing?

Residents needing to enroll in water utilities can complete the online Move Form. Submitting the form at least 24 hours in advance will give us time to schedule a final meter read so we can bill as accurately as possible. Any questions can be directed to the Utility Billing Department at 952-442-3107, or by email. Move Form

8. How do I cancel my utility service if I am moving out of my residence?

Access the Utility Department's resource on canceling service for more information. Canceling Utility Service

9. How can I pay my bill?

There are several ways to pay your utility bill. Homeowner Utility Bill Pay Page

10. What are the regulations on watering my lawn?

The City of Waconia implements watering restrictions throughout the entire year! These restrictions include odd-even watering and time of day restrictions. Under the odd-even system, residents and businesses with addresses ending in an odd number may water on odd numbered calendar days. Those with even-numbered addresses may water on even numbered calendar days. Odd-even watering will assist in maintaining appropriate water reserve levels and puts less “peak” demand on the water supply system.

Time of day restriction is a water conservation method that limits watering to certain times of the day. Watering is not permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. This method limits water usage during dry periods and assists in maintaining appropriate water supply levels.

Odd-even restrictions and time of day restrictions apply to all city water customers and to new sod and landscaping. Timed sprinkler systems must be adjusted to comply with restrictions. Residents using lawn services should consider these restrictions when scheduling their service. Irrigation tickets will be issued to residents that do not comply with these restrictions.

In the event of drought or other water emergencies, more stringent restrictions may be imposed. If further restrictions are imposed or modified, they will be publicized on cable TV channel 8 and in the local newspaper. If in doubt, contact Public Works at 952-442-2615 or the Utility Billing Department at 952-442-3107.

11. What services am I being billed for and how are they calculated?

The City bills for water, sanitary sewer, storm water, and street light charges. For additional details see the following resource. Services the City Bills For

12. Who is responsible for paying the utility bill?

The property owner is responsible for making sure bills are mailed to the correct address and payments are made to the city. The property owner can ask the city to send a copy of the bill to a tenant or another party. Emailed copies of billing statements are provided for free, while mailed copies are charged an additional fee as established in the city’s fee schedule (Ordinance 1100). 1100 Permits, Licenses, and Fees (PDF)