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Consumer Information

      
   
What if my water utility asks for a deposit?

A utility may request a deposit from some customers. The regular deposit is based on the 2 highest consecutive bills within the last 12 months for the address where the service is being used. A winter moratorium non-payer deposit is based on the 4 highest consecutive bills within the last 12 month review period.

  • A new residential customer may be asked to post a deposit if they owe an undisputed bill for any utility service incurred in Wisconsin within the last six years.
     
  • A current residential customer may be asked to post a deposit if :
        -Their service was shut off during the last 12 months.
        -They falsified a service application.
        -They accrued charges that became 60 days late within the first eight months of new service.
        -They fail to pay during the winter and their bill becomes over 80 days past due.

Residential deposits are returned with interest after 12 consecutive months of prompt payment.

The utility may accept, in lieu of a residential cash deposit, a contract signed by a guarantor satisfactory to the utility. The contract guarantees a specified sum not exceeding the amount of the cash deposit or guarantees payment of all future bills.

  • A new commercial customer may be asked to post a deposit if the applicant's credit hasn't been established to the utility's satisfaction
     
  • A current commercial customer may be asked to post a deposit if :
        -They have not made prompt payment of all utility bills in the last 24 months.
        -They fail to pay during the winter and their bill becomes over 80 days past due.

Commercial deposits are returned with interest after 24 consecutive months of prompt payment.

The utility may accept, in lieu of a commercial cash deposit, a contract signed by a guarantor satisfactory to the utility.  The contract guarantees a specified not exceeding the amount of the cash deposit.

**You do not have to post a deposit if your income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines.