Billing

- Bills are sent out in timely manner to receive bills by the 1st of every month

- If you do not receive paper copy of the bill, you're still responsible for payment. You can have your bill emailed to you. To set this up, call the water department. 859-734-2312 ext. 100/101.

- Payments not received by the 10th of the month are subject to a 10% late payment penalty.

- Any balance not paid by the 20th of the month is subject to disconnect. To avoid service disconnect, balances must be paid in full by close of business on the 20th of each month. 

- Service will not be restored until payment is made in full plus a $50 reconnect fee.

***Dates may vary for weekends, holidays, unusual circumstances, etc. at the discretion of the city.***

Wise Water Use

We are constantly looking for ways to ensure water is available for future generations. Part of that commitment includes helping our customers understand what they can do to help.

By using the tips below, you can make water conservation a part of your daily routine and also save water and money. With some small changes, you can be a part of this commitment while at the same time, help lower the cost of your water bill.

Outside your home

• Lawn & Garden watering uses a lot of water. Water your lawn or garden only when it needs it. An easy way to tell if your lawn needs water is to simply walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, your lawn may be thirsty! Generally, lawns and gardens only need an inch or so of water per week during the summer months. Water your lawn wisely by:
  • Making the most of your watering by watering in the early morning or late evening. As much as 30 percent of water can be lost to evaporation by watering during midday.
  • Planning for fewer, deep-soaking watering to encourage deep root growth and stronger turf.
• Set your lawn mower one notch higher to make your lawn more drought-tolerant.
• Use drip irrigation hoses to water plants or slow release bags/containers for trees so less water is lost to the soil and is taken up by roots.
• Consider using porous pavement (gravel is a good example) instead of asphalt for driveways and walkways, the rain will soak into the soil instead of running off and contributing to erosion.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your sidewalk, driveway, or patio.
• Plant appropriately for your local climate. Check with local nurseries for non-invasive, drought-tolerant plants.
• Reduce the amount of water used for washing vehicles or reduce how often you wash them.  Don’t let the water run during soaping, use only for rinsing.  This can save as much as 150 gallons of water.

Inside your home

• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
• Adjust the water level of your clothes washer so it matches your load size.
• Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks. If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible.  You can test toilets by putting food coloring in your toilet tank.  If color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak.  A slow dripping sink can add up to 15 gallons per day / 450 gallons per month of water loss.  A 1/16^th inch leak for example can add up to 950 gallons per day / 28,300 gallons per month of water loss.  Leaks are the single most contributing factor in increased water bills.  As sharp increase in your bill from month to month could also indicate a leak.   

• Check your water meter before and after a one-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
• Consider water and energy-efficient appliances. Products and services that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance. The -- USEPA reports that EPA-certified Energy Star washing machines may use 35% less water per load. Water-saving showerheads, toilets and faucet aerators can also help cut your water usage.
• Insulate exposed water pipes with pre-slit foam insulation. You’ll enjoy hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes in the sink.
• Take shorter showers and turn off water while shaving or brushing your teeth.
• Defrost food in the refrigerator versus under running tap.

In summary, by using water saving devices and simple practices in your home, you can potentially reduce the amount of water used by 25-35%.  This means the average households, which uses 350 gallons per day, can save 125 gallons per day or 45,000 gallons per year, ultimately conserving water and saving money in the bank.