Utilities Frequently Asked Questions
Your bill is based on the amount of water that passes through your meter, multiplied by the current water and sewer rates. Additional fees are applied as shown on your bill.
Example calculation
(Effective July 1, 2025 — rates approved by the City Council on May 19, 2025. See the City Fee Schedule for full details.)
If “current usage” = seven units, the bill would be:
- Water: 7 × $5.69 = $39.83
- Sewer: 7 × $6.13 = $42.91
- Infrastructure fee = $5
- Rubbish collection = $12.91
- Stormwater runoff = $29.08
Total: $129.73
Stormwater charges represent the cost of treating stormwater in the city’s combined sewer system. Each customer pays based on their runoff potential, which is determined by:
- Total property size
- Amount of pervious area (grass, soil, etc.)
- Amount of impervious area (driveway, roof, pavement)
This method ensures each property pays its fair share of runoff generated during rain events.
The infrastructure fee is based on a customer’s water meter size, which represents potential demand on the water and sewer system. This fee supports operating, maintaining, repairing and replacing the city’s systems and creates a more equitable billing structure.
If there is an “E” in the TYPE column on your bill, the read was estimated.
You may request an actual reading by contacting Utility Billing Office at (248) 691‑7470.
Common causes include:
- Multiple estimated bills
When an actual read is finally obtained, previously unbilled usage appears all at once. - Leaks
Running toilets and dripping faucets—especially basement toilets—are frequent sources of high usage. - Billing cycle timing
Bills are issued in arrears, meaning the water was used weeks earlier than the bill date.
Use the red diamond or triangle on your water meter—this is your leak detector.
To check for leaks:
- Turn off all faucets; avoid flushing toilets.
- If the detector moves, water is flowing somewhere.
For a longer test:
- Write down the meter reading before leaving home or going to bed.
- Check it again when you return or wake up.
- Any change may indicate a leak.
Comparing bills between homes is not reliable. Usage varies based on:
- Shower and bath habits
- Laundry frequency
- Appliance age and efficiency
- Leak presence
- Seasonal variations
Monitor your own usage to identify patterns and savings.
A final bill is issued when property ownership or occupancy changes. It ensures charges are assigned to the correct resident or landlord.
Request a final bill when:
- You move out of a property
- You move into a property and need to confirm charges belong to the previous occupant
- Request duplicate bills be sent to your home or office to monitor activity.
- Encourage tenants to enroll in automatic bill pay.
To enroll in autopay, tenants must complete the automatic-debit-authorization-form.pdf , attach a voided check and return it to:
City of Oak Park Utility Billing
14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Oak Park, MI 48237
You can also monitor your utility bill online.
If you do not receive a bill during your billing month:
- Contact Utility Billing at (248) 691‑7470 to obtain your balance
- View or pay your bill online through the city’s billing portal. Click here to access your utility bill online.
Failure to receive a bill does not waive penalties, and payment is still required by the due date.
- Running toilets and dripping faucets can significantly increase bills.
- Check leak detectors regularly.
- Shorten shower times when possible.
- Turn off water when brushing your teeth.
- Monitoring usage helps lower bills and conserve water.