Are two different water bills in Aurora throwing off your budget? You are not alone. Many owners and landlords are surprised by how city water and Fox Metro sewer bills work together. In this guide, you will learn how billing is structured, how to set up accounts, what Illinois law says about billing tenants, and the best ways to avoid costly surprises. Let’s dive in.
How Aurora water billing works
City water and fees
Most Aurora properties receive a bi-monthly water bill from the City of Aurora. Charges include a Basic Availability Fee, listed as $21.05 for the current published period, plus usage-based water and sewer fees. The city also adds stormwater and other municipal fees. For current rates and definitions, review the city’s published Service Description and Fees.
Fox Metro sewer charges
You will also receive a separate bi-monthly bill from Fox Metro Water Reclamation District for wastewater treatment. Fox Metro uses the city’s meter reads to calculate its charges. A common published example is $8.26 per 1,000 gallons, but you should confirm current pricing on Fox Metro’s rates and fees.
Two accounts to track
The City of Aurora and Fox Metro are separate billers. Nonpayment on either account can lead to service action, so make sure both are up to date. The city outlines this relationship on its Sewer Service Fox Metro page.
Set up or transfer service
Starting service
Owners can open or maintain accounts with the City of Aurora and may designate a manager or realtor as an authorized agent using the city’s forms. Renters can open accounts too. The city typically requires a renter deposit, often $100, which an owner can request to waive. Find forms and steps on the city’s Start Water Service page.
Selling or closing
If you are selling, request a Statement of Open Accounts at least five business days before closing so title can process your paperwork. You can submit the request through the city’s Stop Water Service page. Also confirm with the buyer and your agent who pays water and sewer through the closing date.
Landlord billing rules in Illinois
Master meters and disclosures
If your building is master metered and you plan to pass utility costs to tenants, Illinois law requires written disclosure before a new or renewed lease. You must explain how charges are allocated and provide copies of prior utility bills. You cannot charge tenants for common area usage unless it is properly disclosed and allocated. Review the Rental Property Utility Service Act on the Illinois statutes site: 765 ILCS 735.
Submetering basics
If you use submeters, they must be accurate and disclosed in the lease. Many situations prohibit profiting from the utility charge itself, and any admin fees must be reasonable and disclosed. Tenants may request testing of a submeter. Keep copies of city and Fox Metro bills to support your pass-throughs and talk with an attorney for complex setups. The details are in 765 ILCS 735.
Prevent surprises and high bills
Use EyeOnWater alerts
Aurora’s EyeOnWater portal shows near real-time usage so you can catch leaks or unusual spikes fast. Set up continuous flow alerts for each rental unit and watch hourly and daily patterns. Get started through the city’s EyeOnWater portal.
Find leaks early
Toilet leaks are a common culprit. Try the food coloring test, then watch the meter before and after a no-use period to spot hidden flow. The city’s leak page lists simple checks you can do right away. See Aurora’s leak guidance.
Outdoor irrigation tips
Summer irrigation can double a bill if schedules are too long or systems are leaking. Program shorter, deeper watering, check for broken heads, and shut down irrigation for rainy weeks. If you manage multiunit landscaping, decide who controls the timer and communicate watering rules with tenants.
Private well properties
If your property uses a private well but connects to Fox Metro for sewer, Fox Metro may apply a presumed usage per billing cycle unless a meter is installed. Ask Fox Metro about metering options if you want charges to match actual wastewater volume.
If a tenant does not pay
- Do not shut off utilities yourself. Follow the law and avoid self-help actions.
- Contact the City of Aurora Water Billing Division to review the account, pay past due amounts, and schedule restoration if needed. The city’s Water Turn-On Policy explains what is required to restore service.
- Coordinate with Fox Metro if there is a sewer delinquency. The city may require both accounts to be current before water is restored.
- If the resident qualifies, share the city’s assistance resource, Aurora Water Cares.
- Document notices and payments, and consult an attorney for lease enforcement steps consistent with Illinois law.
Quick checklist for owners and landlords
- Confirm you will receive two bills: City of Aurora water and Fox Metro sewer.
- Add your manager or agent as an authorized user on the city account if needed.
- Save copies of utility bills and disclose your billing method in leases.
- Enroll in EyeOnWater and set continuous flow alerts.
- Run leak checks at every turnover and seasonally.
- If selling, request the Statement of Open Accounts at least five business days before closing.
- For restorations, follow the city’s Water Turn-On Policy and coordinate with Fox Metro.
Keeping water and sewer accounts organized in Aurora is very doable with the right steps. If you want guidance on setting up utilities before a purchase or preparing for a smooth closing, reach out to Marzena Castillo for local, hands-on support across the Fox Valley.
FAQs
How do Aurora water and sewer bills differ?
- The City of Aurora bills for water service and municipal fees, while Fox Metro bills separately for wastewater treatment, both typically every two months.
What fees should I expect on the city bill?
- Expect a Basic Availability Fee plus usage charges and municipal items like stormwater; see the city’s published Service Description and Fees for current details.
Can my tenant open a water account in Aurora?
- Yes. Renters can open accounts, often with a deposit, and owners can request a deposit waiver; forms and instructions are on Start Water Service.
What does Illinois law require if I bill tenants for water?
- You must disclose the billing method in writing, provide prior bills for master-metered setups, and avoid profiting from the utility charge; see 765 ILCS 735.
How can I catch leaks early at a rental?
- Enroll in EyeOnWater, set alerts for continuous flow, and use the city’s simple tests from Aurora’s leak guidance.
