Rates and Bill Charges
Water Rates and Municipal Services Bill Charges
Learn about current water rates and other charges that may appear on your City of Milwaukee Municipal Services Bill. Many people call this the “water bill,” but water is only one part of the bill.
Charges vary by property and can include water, sewer, storm water, garbage collection, street lighting, snow and ice removal, and other City service charges.
Visit Pay Your Bill to learn about your payment options.
Current Rates and Charges
Use the current rates and charges information to understand how your bill is calculated.
View current water rates and Municipal Services Bill charges:
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Learn more about your bill
What is the Municipal Services Bill?
The City of Milwaukee Municipal Services Bill is issued by Milwaukee Water Works. The bill includes Milwaukee Water Works charges and other City service charges.
Depending on the property, your bill may include charges for:
- Water service and water use
- Sewer service
- Storm water management
- Garbage collection
- Extra garbage carts
- Street lighting
- Snow and ice removal
- Other City services
What are the charges on my bill?
Charge |
What it pays for |
|---|---|
| Water usage | Water used at the property |
| Water service charge | Meter reading, billing, customer service, meter maintenance, and related water service costs |
| Fire protection fee | Water mains, hydrants, and other infrastructure used for fire protection |
| Sewer treatment charges | Regional wastewater treatment services |
| Local sewerage charge | Local sewer system maintenance and operation |
| Storm water management charge | Storm sewer and drainage system maintenance |
| Solid waste charge | Garbage collection and related solid waste services |
| Extra garbage cart charge | Additional garbage carts beyond standard service |
| Street lighting charge | Street light operation, repair, and maintenance |
| Snow and ice removal charge | Snow plowing, salting, and other winter street maintenance services |
Why do people call it the water bill?
Many customers call it the “water bill” because Milwaukee Water Works sends the bill and water charges appear on it.
The official name is the City of Milwaukee Municipal Services Bill.
Why are other City charges on this bill?
Milwaukee Water Works issues the Municipal Services Bill and provides customer service for billing questions. Some charges are for water service. Other charges are for City services or regional sewer services.
If you have a question about a charge, Milwaukee Water Works Customer Service can help explain the charge or direct you to the correct department.
Why do charges vary by property?
Not every property has the same charges. Charges may vary based on:
- Water use
- Meter size
- Property type
- Number of residential units
- Lot or street frontage
- Hard surface area
- Garbage cart service
- Whether the property receives certain City services
Public Service Commission and water rates
Water rates for Milwaukee Water Works are regulated by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
You can find Public Service Commission documents related to Milwaukee Water Works charges at the PSC website. Search by utility name or by case number 3720-WR-109 for information about the PSC order related to the 2023 water rate increase.
Copies of the PSC order are also available at the Milwaukee Water Works Customer Service Center:
Milwaukee Water Works Customer Service Center
841 N. Broadway, 4th floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Wisconsin state law establishes that water rates are based on the cost of operations and services, not on household income levels. Drinking water utilities are not allowed to charge lower rates based on income because the Public Service Commission, which regulates water utilities, considers this a discriminatory practice.
If you need assistance managing your bill, contact our Customer Service Reps at 414-286-2830 and ask about a payment plan.
Questions about rates or charges
Contact Milwaukee Water Works Customer Service if you have questions about your Municipal Services Bill.
Customer Service Center: 414-286-2830
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Need to make a payment? Learn about payment options at Pay Your Bill.