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1. Why are utility rates increasing?

In 2020, the Town announced the multi-year wastewater capital improvement plan. The plan includes more than 20 million dollars to continue the federal mandate of separating combined sewer connections, major investments in technology and other wastewater plant operations. These improvements will increase efficiencies of service delivery and to meet increased demands. The projects will be funded by bond issuances as well as a nominal rate adjustment on wastewater bills over the next four years.

Stormwater and Water rates are unaffected by these projects.

2. How do I calculate my utility bill?

Your metered water charges are calculated using the following formula:

[Water Consumption # - gallons allowed per minimum (2,000 gallons for standard 5/8-inch residential customers)] x .00304 ($3.04 rate for the first 10,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons) + $8.57 (Base charge) = billed water charge

For example:

If you are a residential customer who used 8,900 gallons of water and you have standard 5/8-in meter with the corresponding base charge of $8.57.

(All numbers per the 25-2019 Ordinance schedule of rates) 

8,900 – 2,000 (gallons allowed per base charge) = 6,900 gallons

(6,900 x 0.00304) + $8.57 = $29.55 (water charge that appears on your bill) 

(0.00304 = $3.04/1,000 because it’s measured per 1,000 gallons)

Your sewer charge is calculated using this formula:

[Water Consumption # x All Flow Rate (per 1,000 gallons)] + Base Charge 

For example:

If you are a residential customer who used 5,000 gallons of water last month and you have a standard 5/8 inch meter, your sewer calculation would look like this:

(All numbers per the 25-2019 Ordinance schedule of rates) 

$5.87 All flow rate

$7.05 Base charge for 5/8-inch meter

(5,000 x 0.00587) + $7.05 = $36.40 (this would be the sewer charge that appears on your bill)

(0.00587 = $5.87/1,000 because it’s measured per 1,000 gallons)

Sales tax is based on the water charge and 7% in Indiana. 

Residential Stormwater Fee $4.00

Mandatory Recycling Fee $1.00

3. What is the difference in wastewater and water?

Used water from toilets, showers, baths, kitchen sinks, laundries and industrial processes is known as wastewater. Domestic households produce an average of 200–300L of wastewater per person every day! Ninety-nine percent of this wastewater is water, the other one percent is the contaminating waste. 

Non-wastewater is water that has undergone quality testing and follows clean water statutes.

4. What is the average water consumption per person each day?

The average American uses around 88 gallons per day per person in the household. That means a family of four would use around 10,500 gallons in a 30-day period. 

(Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/understanding-your-water-bill)

5. What if it looks like my water usage has gone up?

Water usage tends to increase in the summer season, that is why the Town of Plainfield offers the Summer Sewer Rate. Summer Sewer Rates are a set rate for residents, who apply, to alleviate any substantial increase in bills as they anticipate increased water usage. This is mainly because the Town understands that much of the extra water being used over the summer goes into the ground rather than travelling through the wastewater treatment system. When the Summer Sewer Program ends on November 1^st of each year, customers may notice a change in their monthly bill.

Customers must drop off applications for the program along with the $50 application fee in person. Applications are due May 15^th each year, after that date the application fee increases to $60. Each year the Summer Sewer Program must be passed by Town Council before any application are accepted. 

If you see an extreme increase in your water usage, you may have a leak. If you suspect this, please call the Utility Billing office to arrange a leak test, 317-837-0000. 

6. What if I have higher water usage and a leak test shows no indication of a leak?

Toilet and Faucet Leaks

The most common cause for a high water bill is running water from your toilet. A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more. Some leaks are easy to find, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet. You can usually hear a running toilet, but not always. See the toilet assessment below for help in determining if this is the cause of your high water bill. Routinely check your plumbing and home for leaky faucets, toilets, and outside taps and irrigation lines.

• Do-It-Yourself Toilet Assessment 
   First, check for the most common leak: a deteriorated or defected flush valve (flapper) ball at the bottom of the toilet tank. If it does not make a tight seal, water will leak into the toilet bowl. To check for this, take the lid off of the tank behind the bowl, flush the toilet, then wait for it to fully refill. Next, put a few drops of dye or a colored dye tablet in the tank. Wait at least 20 minutes and longer if you suspect it is a small leak. If there is any color in the toilet, there is a leak.

The second most common type of leak has to do with an improperly adjusted or broken fill (ballcock) valve. To check for this, take the lid off the toilet tank, flush, and see if water is draining into the overflow tubes when the tank is full.

Outdoor and Underground Leaks

Leaks can also occur in harder to find places, such as under your house or in the service line between your water meter and your home. Check outdoor spigots and crawl spaces, and look for wet spots in your yard, which may indicate a leak.

Irrigation Systems

During the summer, irrigation systems are a common source of high water use. Automated irrigation systems should be checked regularly to be sure they are functioning properly and have no leaks or broken sprinkler heads. If a sprinkler valve sticks on, it could waste an extremely large quantity of water. 

Water Softeners

Customers with water softeners have higher water bills due to the regeneration or backwash cycles their systems go through. Systems are preset to regenerate or backwash on a regular basis. Water is used to clean the filter media and discharge the wastewater into the ground next to the system. There are times when these systems will get stuck in a cycle which will cause higher water use.

Changes in Water Use

Did you have house guests, water your lawn longer than usual, or do anything else out of the ordinary in the last month? If so, this may account for an increase in your water bill.

7. Why are my sewer charges higher than my water charges?

Sewer charges are based on water charges, however, because water going through the sewer system must be treated in a variety of ways before it is safe to be used or released back into the water system, there is an additional cost associated with that. 

8. How do I start/stop service?

To start or stop service, please call the Utility Billing office, and choose the appropriate option from the pre-recorded menu. Your first and final bills will typically take more time than a regular billing cycle arrive. To start service, a deposit is required. Any deposit on your account will be credited to your final bill.  

9. What is the due date for my utility bill?

Utility bills are always due on the 15^th of the month. 

10. What is the billing cycle? Is it different if you have sewer only?

The billing cycle is the same regardless of service. Our bills range from the previous read date to the current read date, typically the 17^th of the month to the 18^th of the next month. 

For example: 1/17/2023 – 2/18/2023. 

The bill date is always the 23^rd of the month. 

11. Who do I call if I have issues with the online billing portal?

If you have locked yourself out of your account and need your password reset, please contact the Utility Billing office, 317-837-0000. 

12. How is a late fee calculated?

Late fees are calculated as 10% of the current bill, it is assessed on any remaining balance of that most recent bill when the due date passes per town ordinance. 

13. What do I have to do to restore service if I have been turned off for non-payment?

Once your service has been interrupted, to restore it the following must be paid in full:

Past due balance

Current charges

$50 reconnect fee 

14. Is shut off day the same day every month?

Shut off day is usually the 23^rd of the month unless a holiday or other event requires that we move it.

15. What are my options for paying my bill?

You can pay your bill using a variety of methods:

If paying cash:	If paying by check:	Paying using your checking or savings account:	Paying using a VISA or MASTERCARD:
Come pay in person at the Government Center Utility Billing Office	Come pay in person at the Government Center Uility Billing Office	Sign up for ACH payments and have your payment taken automatically from your account on the due date each month. Sign-up in person or online.	Come pay in person at the Government Center Utility Billing Office
**Please DO NOT put cash in the Dropbox outside of the Government Center	Use the Dropbox at the Government Center's Mill Street entrance	Call the automated payment line: 317-204-7446	Call the automated payment line: 317-204-7446
	Mail your check to our PO Box: PO Box 6012, Indianapolis, IN 46206	Pay online: townofplainfield.com Click the "Pay Bills" button to get started	Pay online: townofplainfield.com Click the "Pay Bills" button to get started
	Mail your check directly to the Government Center: 206 W. Main Street, Plainfield, IN 46168