Lake County conducted a comprehensive rate study and connection fee analysis to identify the cost of providing services and to develop appropriate charges for all Lake County Public Works service areas. These studies are the basis for the water, sewer and user charges as identified in Chapter 51: Rates and Charges.

Chapter 51: Rates and Charges

Unpaid Water and Sewer Charges

Starting on Dec. 1, 2023, Lake County Public Works will utilize Municipal Collections of America, Inc. to manage delinquent charges. 

In the event the sewer and/or water service charges including any penalty then due are not paid within 60 days after the date of billing, such charges and penalty shall be deemed and are hereby declared to be delinquent. Such delinquency shall be a violation of this subchapter and subject to enforcement and imposition of fines. Pursuant to 55 ILCS 5/5-43035, the County has the authority to charge a late fee to cover any fees or costs incurred by the County for carrying and collecting delinquent payments, with respect to attorneys or private collection agents retained by the County. A cost of collections fee of 35% of the unpaid balance due shall be applied to the unpaid balance of the bill and become immediately due and payable.

There are a number of resources for Lake County residents to utilize if they are struggling to pay their water and/or sewer bills. Learn more about water and sewer bill payment assistance. 

Lake County Code of Ordinances

Lake County has worked with each department and elected office to compile and codify all county codes and ordinances. 

The Lake County Code is searchable. Use the Lake County Code website’s "quick search" function to return search results from within all county codes, or use the (Ctrl+F) search function built in to most browsers to return search results from within the section of the ordinance that is currently open in your browser.

Visit Lake County Code of Ordinances.

Considerations and Principles Relating to Intergovernmental Agreements for Sewer and Amendments to Existing Agreements.