Kenosha Water Utility Fast Help: Pay, Call, Report, Move or Check a Bill
Use this page like a utility desk: pick the problem, grab the official number/link, prepare the exact details, and avoid slow-payment or wrong-department mistakes.
Start Here: What Do You Need?
| Searcher intent | Best official action | Bring / prepare | Critical detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay now | Quick Pay or Paymentus | 13-digit water account number, balance, payment method. | Paymentus posts next day if paid before midnight; after midnight can post within 48 hours. |
| Payment fee / limit | KWU Payment Options | Know amount before card/e-check. | KWU lists $2.95 online convenience fee and $700 max per transaction. |
| Billing or account problem | 262-653-4300 | Account number, service address, bill date, confirmation number. | Ask one exact question: posted? balance? shutoff? final bill? high usage? |
| Water/sewer emergency now | Use emergency routing | Address, cross street, issue type, when it started, safety risk. | Water and sewer have different after-hours numbers. |
| Moving / final bill | Final Bill Request Form | Stop date, forwarding address, service address, contact info. | Submit before closing/selling/leaving rental. |
| Digging / flags in yard | Diggers Hotline or 811 | Work area, project date, address. | Blue = water, green = sewer. Private irrigation/service lines may not be marked by KWU. |
Official KWU Info Box
Main office
Kenosha Water Utility
4401 Green Bay Road
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: 262-653-4300
Fax: 262-653-4320
Email: KenoshaWater@kenosha.org
Hours & leadership
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
General Manager: Curt Czarnecki, P.E.
Utility type: municipally owned, fiscally independent utility.
Service area
KWU provides water and wastewater service to more than 100,000 people in the Kenosha area.
Localities: City of Kenosha, Villages of Bristol, Pleasant Prairie, and Somers.
Source water: Kenosha drinking water comes from Lake Michigan. KWU says Lake Michigan has been the community’s drinking water source since 1894.
Pay a Kenosha Water Bill: Best Method by Situation
Auto payment
Call customer service or use official enrollment/direct payment option.
Do not assume autopay is active until confirmed.
Kenosha Water Utility
4401 Green Bay Road
Kenosha, WI 53144
Not ideal near cutoff.
| Payment route | Official details | Use when | Avoid mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online one-time payment | Paymentus: pay in 3 steps without registering; account number from paper bill required. | You need a quick online payment. | Save confirmation number. Payment timing depends on before/after midnight. |
| Online with account | Paymentus portal supports login/register and shows card/e-check/PayPal/Venmo options. | You want saved access or recurring account management. | Use official portal only; avoid ad-looking bill-pay sites. |
| Cash or check in person | KWU 4401 Green Bay Road; Municipal Building 625 52nd Street Room 105; Johnson Bank Kenosha branches; Festival Foods 3207 80th Street check only. | You need in-person payment or a receipt. | Confirm hours and accepted payment type before going. |
| Drop box | 4401 Green Bay Road; Downtown Boulevard at 8th Ave & 56th St; Municipal Building 625 52nd Street. | After-hours check/money-order drop. | Do not put cash in a drop box. |
| By mail | Kenosha Water Utility, 4401 Green Bay Road, Kenosha, WI 53144. | Normal bills with time before due date. | Mail can be too slow for shutoff notices. |
Emergency Numbers: Water vs Sewer
After-hours water
Water emergency:
262-653-4330
Main break, no water, severe pressure loss, water production issue.
After-hours sewer
Sewer emergency:
262-653-4335
Sewer backup, wastewater issue, urgent sewer trouble.
| Issue | Call / say this | Useful details |
|---|---|---|
| Street leak / main break | “Water is flowing/bubbling at [address/cross street].” | Direction of flow, pavement damage, time started, photos only if safe. |
| No water / low pressure | “All taps / some taps affected at [address].” | Neighbors affected? nearby work? cold weather? shutoff valve safe? |
| Sewer backup | “Wastewater is backing up at [fixture/location].” | Basement/floor drain/toilet, stop using water, keep children/pets away. |
| Rusty water | “Water is brown/rusty after [break/hydrant/flushing/unknown].” | KWU FAQ says main breaks or sudden hydrant opening can stir sediment; run cold water until clear. |
Read the Bill: Searcher Questions Answered
Account number
Needed for online payment. KWU says online pay asks for the 13-digit water account number from the bill.
100 cu ft used
KWU bills water in 100 cubic feet. 1 unit = 748 gallons. Example: 11 units = 8,228 gallons.
Due date
Payment is due 20 days after the bill is rendered. Rates PDF lists 1% monthly late charge if not paid within 20 days.
| Bill line | What it means | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Billing period | Dates the meter was read. KWU says it performs actual readings except unusual circumstances. | Compare period length before assuming usage jumped. |
| Meter readings | Hundred cubic feet registered on meter. | Subtract prior from current to estimate usage. |
| Customer class | RE residential, CO commercial, CR multi-family, PU public, IN industrial, PF private fire. | Make sure the class matches your property. |
| Meter size | Determines base charge for water, sewer, and public fire protection. | Useful for businesses, multi-family, and service changes. |
| Sewerage | Based on water consumed; pays to treat wastewater before discharge back into Lake Michigan. | Ask about sprinkling credit only if eligible. |
| HHW | Monthly household hazardous waste service for residential customers. | City residential HHW charge listed at $0.50/month. |
| Storm water / EHU | EHU represents runoff rate from typical residential property in high-intensity storm. | For EHU questions, KWU points to City Public Works at 262-653-4150. |
| Sprinkling credit | City residential sewer-volume credit when summer usage exceeds winter average and minimum usage rules apply. | Look for it as a separate line; applies to City residential customers only. |
High Bill: Meter, Leak, Toilet and Outside Tap Checks
Meter location
Inside the home, usually basement, street side, close to floor.
Read all numbers
Provide all numbers, including leading and stationary zeroes. Last two right-side numbers may not match billing.
Toilet leak
Food coloring in tank, do not flush, wait about 10 minutes. Color in bowl = silent leak.
Outside taps
Check hoses/spigots tightly, especially during summer sprinkling season.
| Check | What official KWU guidance says | What user should do |
|---|---|---|
| Faucets/showerheads | Leaks often come from worn washers or O-rings. | Turn off supply line, replace washer/O-ring, retest. |
| Basement/storage taps | Seldom-used taps should be checked periodically. | Look for slow drips in basement, utility room, garage. |
| Toilet overflow | Water level should be about half inch below overflow pipe. | Adjust float/control screw if needed. |
| Flapper/plunger ball | Silent leaks are often around flapper/plunger at tank bottom. | Dye test; replace hardware-store parts if needed. |
| Outside hose | A hose left dribbling can waste thousands of gallons over summer. | Close outside faucets tightly after every use. |
| Usage math | 100 cubic feet = 748 gallons. | Usage units × 748 = estimated gallons. |
Rates and Charges People Search For
Water rates
2026 brochure lists water rates effective 7/3/25.
Sewer rates
Sewerage service rates effective 1/1/26.
Late payment
1% per month added to bills not paid within 20 days of issuance.
| Charge | Official amount shown | Why user cares |
|---|---|---|
| Online payment convenience fee | $2.95 | Added to each online third-party processor transaction. |
| Online max payment | $700.00 | Large balances may need multiple transactions or another method. |
| Check reprocessing | $30.00 | Returned/failed payment can add cost. |
| Thawing frozen services | No charge first time per winter season; $100 listed after that. | Important during Kenosha cold spells. |
| Water sample test | $19.50 state water quality; $21.00 with chlorine residual. | Useful when asking about water quality testing. |
| Valve turned on at curb stop | $78 normal hours; $105 after hours. | Ask before reconnection/turn-on. |
| Meter reinstallation with curb stop | $78 normal hours; $105 after hours. | Can apply when meter/service is restored. |
| No charge item | No charge for disconnection services. | Useful when closing/stopping service. |
| Residential water service charge | 5/8" & 3/4" meter: $5.28/month. | Common base water service line for residential accounts. |
| Water volume charge | First 1,700 cu ft/month: $2.33 per 100 cu ft. | Useful for estimating usage portion. |
Official rate PDF:
Moving, Selling or Final Bill
Start service
- Service address and unit.
- Move-in/closing date.
- Owner/tenant details.
- Billing email and mailing address.
Stop service
- Stop date.
- Forwarding address.
- Autopay cancellation question.
- Final meter/read question.
Official form
Submit Final Bill Request Form
Use this for final billing before property sale, move-out, or tenant change.
Freezing, Cross Connection, Sump Pump and Yard Flags
Frozen service prevention
- Leave a small flow running during the worst cold spell.
- Keep the water running until the cold spell is over.
- Open undersink cabinet doors so house heat reaches pipes.
- Call KWU if you lose water during freeze conditions.
Cross connection survey
- Inventory of water-use points: faucets, toilets, hose bibs, irrigation, boilers.
- Checks whether backflow protection is in place.
- Residential inspection: free, typically paired with meter replacement, every 10 years.
- Commercial/industrial/public authority: licensed plumber/inspector survey every 2 years.
Sump pump warning
Sump pumps and downspouts should not discharge into the sanitary sewer. KWU says rainwater entering sanitary sewers can contribute to flooded basements and overburden the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Yard flags / locate colors
Blue: water • Green: sewer • Red: electric • Yellow: gas • Orange: communications • Pink: survey • White: proposed excavation.
Engineering/GIS: 262-653-4315.
Private line note: KWU FAQ says private services like irrigation systems, domestic water line from curb shut-off to home, and sanitary lateral from main to home are private and may not be located by KWU.
Before Digging, Fencing, Landscaping or Irrigation Work
1. Contact
Call 811, 800-242-8511, or 262-432-7910.
2. Wait
Diggers Hotline says wait required time for utilities to mark.
3. Respect marks
Paint/flags identify utility lines.
4. Dig carefully
Use care near markings and private lines.
Water Quality, CCR, Lead and PFAS: Useful Facts Only
CCR basics
2024 report: Kenosha Water Utility, PWS ID 23000461.
KWU says water meets or exceeds state and federal water quality standards and is tested more than 10,000 times per year.
Source water
Three active sources, all in Lake Michigan: two intakes about 35 feet deep and a third intake about 5 feet deep.
Water questions
Director of Water Production: 262-653-4331
EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 800-426-4791
| Concern | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Lead test result summary | 2024 CCR: lead 90th percentile 5.30 ppb; 0 of 120 results above action level; no violation. | If concerned, call 262-653-4315 or email lead@kenosha.org. |
| Copper test result summary | 2024 CCR: copper 90th percentile 0.079 ppm; 0 of 120 results above action level; no violation. | Use CCR for official context; ask KWU for testing details. |
| PFAS | CCR lists detected PFAS including PFOA 2.10 ppt, PFOS 1.30 ppt, PFOA+PFOS total 3.40 ppt from 2023 data. | Review CCR table; levels and health guidance can change. |
| Hardness | Other monitored parameter: total hardness average 142 ppm in 2024. | Useful for softener settings and appliance scale questions. |
| pH | Average pH listed as 7.76 in 2024. | Useful for water-quality comparison questions. |
| Lead reduction steps | CCR says use cold water for drinking/cooking/formula; boiling does not remove lead; flush pipes before use. | Use certified lead-reduction filter if needed and follow filter instructions. |
Official water quality links:
Lead Service Line Replacement: Check, Respond, Filter
2026-2027 project
Lead service line replacements in City of Kenosha census tracts 3, 8 and 9 are financed through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Scale
KWU says the project will help remove over 1,250 lead water service lines from the local water distribution network.
Program contact
Phone: 262-430-1610
Text: 262-207-4083
Email: LeadFreeKenosha@cdmsmith.com
| User question | Direct answer | Official route |
|---|---|---|
| How do I know if I have lead? | Check KWU service-line inventory/map; older homes before about 1947 are more likely. | Lead Service Replacement Map |
| Can KWU help identify my line? | Email a photo of the service line before the meter, or call Engineering/GIS. | KenoshaWater@kenosha.org / 262-653-4315 |
| What form may be needed? | KWU lists online and PDF Right of Entry / Release forms for the 2026 program. | 2026 Lead Replacement Program |
| How do I reduce exposure now? | Use cold water, flush pipes, use certified filter if needed; boiling does not remove lead. | EPA Filter Tool |
Utility / Energy Assistance in Kenosha County
Local WHEAP agency
UMOS
925 59th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: 262-657-2170
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Online application
State page says review may take up to 10 business days; incomplete applications denied after 30 days.
Disconnected / no heat
Customer Care Center: 1-800-506-5596
If no heat after hours/weekends/holidays, contact local law enforcement center per Kenosha County guidance.
| Program fact | What it means | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Season | WHEAP one-time heating-season payment: October 1-May 15. | Apply early; benefits are not intended to cover entire bills. |
| Energy emergency | Crisis help may assist with reconnection, disconnection prevention, furnace repair/replacement. | Notice, account number, income details, household details. |
| Online documents | Helpful uploads include paychecks/W-2, fuel/utility bill, lease if applicable. | Use Chrome; have email/mobile for 6-digit passcode. |
| Home Energy Plus services | Also references HVAC, water conservation, and weatherization help. | Ask whether water heater/leak/water conservation support applies. |
Household Hazardous Waste: City Residents Only
Accepted-user rules
- For City of Kenosha residents.
- Not available to businesses.
- Not available to people outside City limits.
- Bring current driver’s license showing City residence or current water utility bill plus photo ID.
Collection schedule
- No collections in January or February.
- March, April, December: first Saturday.
- May-November: first and third Saturday.
- Time: 8:00 AM-11:00 AM.
- Location: 4401 Green Bay Road.
Do not dump: KWU says never dispose of household hazardous waste or medications down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in garbage cans because it can pollute Lake Michigan.
| Not accepted / special route | Official direction type | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Antifreeze and engine oils | Separate oil/antifreeze drop-off information. | Use official City/KWU linked route. |
| Electronics | Separate electronics drop-off route. | Do not bring as HHW unless current flyer says yes. |
| Appliances | Separate appliance pick-up information. | Use City waste/recycling route. |
| Medication and sharps | Kenosha County disposal information and locations. | Do not pour down drain. |
Map, Addresses and Local Places
| Place | Address | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Kenosha Water Utility | 4401 Green Bay Road, Kenosha, WI 53144 | Main office, mail, payment, drop box, HHW, utility questions. |
| Municipal Building | 625 52nd Street, Kenosha, WI 53140 | Room 105 payment option, drop box, Board meetings in Room 202 when scheduled. |
| Festival Foods | 3207 80th Street, Kenosha, WI | Listed as check-only payment location. |
| Downtown Boulevard drop box | 8th Avenue & 56th Street, Kenosha, WI | Listed drop box location. |
| UMOS Kenosha | 925 59th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140 | Local WHEAP / utility-energy assistance agency. |
Kenosha Water Utility FAQ
What is the Kenosha Water Utility phone number?
Main customer service is 262-653-4300. Engineering/GIS is 262-653-4315. Water production plant is 262-653-4330. Wastewater treatment plant is 262-653-4335.
What is the KWU address?
Kenosha Water Utility is at 4401 Green Bay Road, Kenosha, WI 53144. The City Municipal Building is at 625 52nd Street, Kenosha, WI 53140.
How do I pay my Kenosha water bill online?
Use official Quick Pay or Paymentus. You need the 13-digit water account number from your bill. Paymentus says payments before midnight post next day; after midnight post within 48 hours.
Is there an online payment fee?
KWU lists a $2.95 convenience fee for online third-party processor payments and a maximum allowable payment of $700.
Where can I pay with cash or check?
KWU lists payment at 4401 Green Bay Road, Municipal Building Room 105, Johnson Bank Kenosha branches, and Festival Foods at 3207 80th Street for check only.
What are the emergency numbers?
During business hours call 262-653-4300 for water and sewer emergencies. After hours call 262-653-4330 for water and 262-653-4335 for sewer.
Why is my water bill high?
Check toilet leaks, faucet washers/O-rings, outside taps, hoses, summer sprinkling, billing period, and meter reading. KWU bills in 100 cubic feet; multiply units by 748 for gallons.
Where is my water meter?
KWU says meters are inside the residence, normally in the basement toward the street side near the floor. Provide all numbers including leading and stationary zeroes.
How do I test a toilet for a silent leak?
Add food coloring to the toilet tank, do not flush, wait about ten minutes. If color appears in the bowl, the leak is likely around the flapper/plunger ball.
How do I prevent frozen water service?
During severe cold, KWU recommends leaving a small water flow running until the cold spell is over and opening undersink cabinet doors so heat reaches pipes.
What is the sprinkling credit?
KWU says City residential customers may receive a sewer-volume reduction when summer usage exceeds winter average. It appears separately on the water bill and applies only to City residential customers.
Who do I call before digging?
Call Diggers Hotline at 811, 800-242-8511, or 262-432-7910 before digging, fencing, planting, irrigation work, or excavation.
Does Kenosha have lead service line replacement?
Yes. KWU’s 2026-2027 lead replacement project covers City of Kenosha census tracts 3, 8, and 9 and aims to remove over 1,250 lead water service lines.
Where do I get help with utility bills?
Kenosha County lists UMOS at 925 59th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140, phone 262-657-2170. The state Home Energy Plus online application is at energybenefit.wi.gov.
Is this the official Kenosha Water Utility website?
No. This is an informational guide. Confirm live balance, shutoff status, fees, notices, service changes, and emergency instructions with official KWU sources.
30-Second Utility Checklist
Paying: 13-digit account number → official portal → fee/limit → confirmation number.
Emergency: business hours 262-653-4300; after-hours water 262-653-4330; after-hours sewer 262-653-4335.
High bill: units × 748 gallons → meter read → toilets → faucets → outside taps → call with proof.
Moving: submit final bill form, stop date, forwarding address, autopay question.
Lead/water quality: CCR PDF, service-line map, 262-653-4315, lead@kenosha.org, cold-water/filter/flush steps.