Water Reclamation Services
Sewer Trouble?
If you are having trouble with your sewer service please contact the city before you call a plumber. A staff member of the sewer department will check the sanitary main for proper operation. If the problem is in the main, the city will clean the line. Once the line is clean your service should be restored. If you continue to have a problem you must call a plumber to have your service line checked.
The service is free and available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. During normal working hours call the Customer Service Department at 815-622-1115. After hours, weekends and holidays call the Police Department 815-622-1140.
Permits
For more information on service requests and permits, please contact the Building Department Administrative Assistant, Jessica Mangan.
Phone: 815-622-1108
Property Owner Responsibilities
The property owner is responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of the sanitary sewer service from the building to the connection at the city main.
All sewer digs require a J.U.L.I.E. and city permit, etc.
City of Rock Falls Sanitary Sewer Lining Project (L17-4786)
The project consists of sewer lining and manhole rehabilitation, which includes: sewer cleaning, installation of approximately 4,200 lineal feet of cured-in-place structural pipe lining within existing 24 inch diameter sewer pipe and rehabilitation of 12 manholes with spray-on liner. Sewer lining is a much more cost effective way of sustaining Rock Falls’ sanitary sewer system rather than replacing the existing pipe. This project is funded in whole by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Water Pollution Control Loan Program,
Inspections
The department will inspect all newly installed and/or repaired sanitary services to ensure that the connections to the city main follow all city ordinances. The department is also responsible for grease trap and Industrial pre-treatment inspections.
Residential Rates
The following are the rate plans for the City of Rock Falls.
Standard Wastewater Rates
This is the rate that applies to most residents of the city who have city-supplied, metered water.
| Rates Effective May 1, 2022 | Rates Effective May 1, 2023 | Rates Effective May 1, 2024 | Rates Effective May 1, 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic User Charge (first three units minimum) | $21.46 | $21.46 | $21.46 | $21.46 |
| Basic Usage Rate (per unit charge after first three units) | $6.70 | $6.70 | $6.70 | $6.70 |
| Capital Improvement | $6.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant (first three units minimum) | $25.50 | $25.50 | $25.50 | $25.50 |
| Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant Usage Rate (per unit charge after first three units) | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 |
Non-Metered Wastewater Rates: City Limits
These rates are if you are inside the city limits on city sanitary sewer system but are not connected to city water.
| Number of People in the Household | Rates Effective May 1, 2022 | Rates Effective May 1, 2023 | Rates Effective May 1, 2024 | Rates Effective May 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | $73.27 | $73.27 | $73.27 | $73.27 |
| Two | $88.37 | $88.37 | $88.37 | $88.37 |
| Three or More | $103.47 | $103.47 | $103.47 | $103.47 |
| Commercial | $103.47 | $103.47 | $103.47 | $103.47 |
Non-Metered Wastewater Rates: Out of City Limits
If you live outside the city limits and do not have a pre-annexation or annexation agreement, this is the charge to be on the city’s sanitary sewer system.
| Number of People in the Household | Rates Effective May 1, 2022 | Rates Effective May 1, 2023 | Rates Effective May 1, 2024 | Rates Effective May 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | $146.54 | $146.54 | $146.54 | $146.54 |
| Two | $176.74 | $176.74 | $176.74 | $176.74 |
| Three or More | $206.94 | $206.94 | $206.94 | $206.94 |
Industrial Pre-Treatment Wastewater Rates
This rate applies to any user operating a pre-treatment facility.
| Rates Effective May 1, 2022 | Rates Effective May 1, 2023 | Rates Effective May 1, 2024 | Rates Effective May 1, 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic User Charge (first three units minimum) | $16.07 | $17.80 | $19.63 | $21.46 |
| Basic Usage Rate (per unit charge after first three units) | $2.08 | $2.12 | $2.20 | $2.28 |
| Capital Improvement | $6.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant (first three units minimum) | $25.50 | $25.50 | $25.50 | $25.50 |
| Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant Usage Rate (per unit charge after first three units) | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 |
Category Descriptions
| Rate Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic User Charge (first three units minimum) | This charge is used for salaries, insurance, wastewater and storm water collection operations and maintenance, treatment plant operations and maintenance and vehicle repairs, etc. |
| Basic Usage Rate (per unit charge after first three units) | As above. |
| Capital Improvement | This charge goes towards capital improvements, i.e., major repairs and equipment purchases within the wastewater and storm water collection system and wastewater facility. |
| Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant (first three units minimum) | This charge goes toward the cost for building the new wastewater treatment plant. |
| Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant Usage Rate (per unit charge after first three units) | As above. |