Question & Answer
Why is my bill so high?
Running toilets are the most common cause of high water bills. The best way to check for a leak in the toilet is to add a couple of drops of food coloring to the water in the back tank of the stool. Wait 15-20 minutes without flushing the toilet, check the water in the bowl of the toilet. If the water in the bowl has changed color, then there is evidence that your toilet needs repair. This also may require several times testing to discover the leak.
Other possible explanations:
• A change in the number of people in the household
• New appliances such as dishwasher, hot water tank, heating system or lawn sprinklers
• Result of higher seasonal demands such as filling pools, watering lawns or washing cars
• It could be the result of a “catch-up” bill, if your meter was misread or estimated on the previous bill it could result in higher usage and charge when an accurate or actual reading was obtained
If you find that none of your toilets, sinks, water heater, ice maker, faucets or outside connections are leaking, you may wish to contact your water provider.
Why is my bill so much higher than my neighbor’s?
Many times neighbors like to compare water bills. However, this comparison does not accurately reflect what may be occurring in your household. Water usage habits vary greatly from the number of people in your household to how often hands are washed to how long you shower. Other factors could include what type of toilet(s) you have, the size of your washing machine or if you bathe rather than shower.
Here are a few water usage facts:
• It takes 20 gallons of water to wash dishes by hand
• Taking a bath uses approximately 36 gallons of water
• Taking a shower uses anywhere from 25 – 50 gallons of water
• 5 to 7 gallons are used each time the toilet is flushed (lower if you have a newer model)
Because of the different variables that could contribute to the amount of water used, the most accurate way to compare the usage would be to go back to a year ago and compare the usage. This allows for a more accurate comparison.
Here are some examples of monthly usage for a family of 4:
• 4 showers or baths @ 40 gallons each = 160 gallons per day, 160 gallons @ 30 day billing cycle = 4,800 gallons per month.
• 4 family members flushing the toilet on average of 3 times a day per person @ 5 gallons each would result in 1,800 gallons used per month.
• Washing dishes in the sink once a day @ 20 gallons would result in 600 gallons per month.
Adding all of the above would be a monthly usage of 7,200 gallons resulting in a charge of $39.92 at the current rates.
Where and how can I pay my bill?
Payment Options include:
Night Drop - Items in the drop box will be picked up at 8:00 am each morning M-F. Located in the Drive-Thru on the South Side of the building.
DRIVE-THRU - parking lot beside the office building on the south side (enter off Brooks St)
ON-LINE - WWW.Illinoisepay.com- scroll down to the middle of the page and in the make payment box type in Westville then hit search. Then click on the highlighted Westville Belgium Sanitary District, next click on utility bill following by entering your account, click next then enter the amount you want to pay and select payment method where the red asterisks are highlighted, then choose pay now.
PHONE PAYMENT - 217/267-3131. Account # and amount due are required.
IN OFFICE - Debit/Credit, cash and checks are accepted.
Sanitary Emergency
Call the Office at 217/267-3131 during office hours or after hours call 217/267-2331
Hints for avoiding frozen lines
With temperatures plummeting during the winter months, the following list may be helpful to keep lines thawed.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to get to the pipes.
• Allow water to trickle or slowly drip from a faucet.
• Make sure pipes are well insulated inside and out. If living in a mobile home, make sure underpinning is secure and pipes under trailer are well insulated. Some customers use heat tape which is strictly up to the homeowner.
• Remove hoses from outside faucets.
• If you plan on being gone overnight or for an extended period, set the thermostat to no lower than 55 F.
How often will I receive a sewer bill?
You will receive a bill each month.
The bills are mailed out on or after the 12th of each month and are due on the 3rd of the following month. If the 3rd falls on a weekend or holiday bills will be due the following business day.
Important Notice about Bill Date Changes:
Back in 2020, amidst the challenges of COVID, our board members and I decided to modify our billing due dates. Just so you know – this decision was made with you in mind. We recognized many's hardships and wanted to provide more leeway for bill payments. Further complicating matters, mail services have faced delays, and we've received our readings from Westville Gas and Water later than usual. This unforeseen delay meant our customers had 5-7 days to review and pay their bills. Everyone deserves ample time to manage their finances. The updated bill date aims to extend this courtesy by giving you more breathing room for payments. This change is a positive step forward, ensuring our community members can navigate their expenses without unnecessary stress. We always strive to serve you better, and we thank you for your understanding and continued trust in us.