FAQs • Pewaukee, WI • CivicEngage

There is sewage backed up in my basement.: The sewer line extending from your home may be plugged. The sewer line that runs from your home to the main sewer line, usually in the middle of the street, is the property owners responsibility to repair/unplug.

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Water and Sewer

1. When do water/sewer bills get mailed?: Utility bills are mailed quarterly:
March 20th
June 20th
September 20th
December 20th
Bills are due on the 10th of the following month.

2. Why am I getting a water/sewer bill when I no longer live in Pewaukee?: Unless you notify the Public Works Dept in writing your quarterly bills will still be in your name. The City of Pewaukee has an "Identity Theft Policy" required by the Federal Government. All changes of ownership must be in writing.

3. I just purchased a softener, how hard is my water?: The East Side water system hardness averages 338 ppm/19.8 grains of hardness. The West Side water system hardness averages 345 ppm/20 grains of hardness.

4. Why does my water meter need to be changed?: The water utility is required to operate under rules established by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. The rules were set so that the Utility would bill the customer for the accurate amount of so that the Utility would bill the customer for the accurate amount of water consumed. As with anything, meters wear out over time. These are similar requirements established for the electric and gas utilities in the state.

5. Where does my water come from?: The City of Pewaukee Municipal water supply operates two water systems. Both systems are served from ground water wells. The East Side (Main) system which serves the area of the City East of Hwy 16 to Springdale Road, has 7 ground water wells. The West Side system (Highlands Coop) lies west of Hwy 16 to approximately Hwy SS/I-94. Three groundwater wells currently serve this area.

6. Why does my water taste/smell like chlorine?: The Department of Natural Resources requires that we disinfect the water at each water pumping station. The stations are scattered throughout the City. Your home maybe located in close proximity to one of these sites. There is also a possibility that your home is some distance away. In this case, there is a phenomenon knows as "break point" being reached. This actually is a reduction in chlorine levels, but the odor actually becomes more noticeable. Try filling a pitcher of water and chill in the refrigerator. The chlorine will dissipate over time.

7. There is a metal disk/pipe in my yard about 3" round. What is this?: This is the "curb box" for your property. This pipe allows the Utility &/or your plumber to shut off the water to your home if the valves fail inside your home. A special "key/wrench" accesses a valve below the ground that will shut off the water service to your home. It is the property owners responsibility to keep this pipe accessible and not damage, or fill with debris. Please DO NOT plant trees, cover with landscaping etc. The valve cover should sit flush with the ground so that you can mow over it. Sometimes the "curb box" will wind up in your driveway. Please contact the Utility BEFORE you pave or pour concrete. We should make sure the pipe/valve is working correctly. It would be a terrible waste to pave, and then need to tear it out because repairs are required.

8. Do you add fluoride to the water?: The City of Pewaukee does not add fluoride to the water. There is a natural level of fluoride contained in the well water. The natural level in the East Side water system is .42 ppm.The natural level in the West Side water system is .45 ppm.

9. When will you bring municipal water to my neighborhood?: Typically, the Utility will extend water main for three reasons: 1) The City intends to pave out an existing subdivision: 2) A developer/the Utility is required to extend municipal water service to a new subdivision. 3) The residents of an existing subdivision petition the City to extend services.

10. I think the hydrant in my yard is UGLY. Can I hide/screen it?: The answer is NO. Water systems are designed to provide quality water service to there customers and equally important to provide fire protection to your property. Screening and landscaping around a fire hydrant is highly discouraged. Screening is bad for the Fire Department when approaching a fire. Landscaping around the hydrant makes it difficult when Utility staff is conducting the semi-annual flushing program. Screening and landscaping around a fire hydrant is highly discouraged. Screening is bad for the Fire Department when approaching a fire. Landscaping around the hydrant makes it difficult when Utility staff is conducting the semi-annual flushing program. Utility staff does not take any pleasure in "blowing" water and wood chips all over the place when trying make sure your hydrant works correctly.

11. Why are there flags in my yard?: When you or your contractor calls Diggers Hotline the Utility is notified that there will be work in your yard. The Utility is required to locate any facilities (water or sewer lines) that may be in your yard. The Utility is not able to locate any lines beyond the road right of way or what would be your private yard.

12. What if I pay my Water Bill Late?: Interest of 10% per annul will start accruing at the close of business on the due date. Under state law failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the bill or any interest or fines incurred due to late payment(s). It is the responsibility of the homeowner to secure his/her water bill when one is not received.

13. My meter change letter says that I must work the valves near my meter. Why should I have to do that?: The water utility is only responsibility for the meter that the Utility owns. The Utility does not install, or own the valves in a private residence/building. We highly encourage owners to exercise the valves around the water meter periodically. Valves seize up if not operated on a regular basis. It is in your best interest. We've had a few 'catastrophic' incidents where washing machine hoses fail, or other emergency plumbing failures cause even more damage because valves were inoperable.

14. Why are there guys in big trucks opening manhole covers?: The Utility contracts out sewer cleaning every year. Approximately one third of the system is cleaned each time. Therefore, you will see the cleaning crew once every three years.

15. My basement smells like sewage, but there is no back up.: All basements contain floor drain systems. These drains should be installed with J - traps. The trap when filled with water should not allow any sewer gas to come through. If you notice the smell with no back up, pour a bucket of water down the drain. This will fill the trap again.

16. There is sewage backed up in my basement.: The sewer line extending from your home may be plugged. The sewer line that runs from your home to the main sewer line, usually in the middle of the street, is the property owners responsibility to repair/unplug.

17. There is a metal cover in the street/yard about 6" round. What is this?: These are covers for water valves. These are "valve boxes" allow the Utility to access water valves that are located below ground. The valves are on the larger water mains that flow water to your houses water service lateral. If you find a cover missing, please contact the Utility office at 262.691.0804.

18. What happens if I overpay my Water Bill?: Over payments will be applied to the next billing cycle.