Welcome to the City's Water Department
Al Sodman, Water Systems Supervisor
Phone: (989) 224-8944 Ext 235
Fax: (989) 224-0958
E-Mail: asodman@ci.saint-johns.mi.us
Emergency 'After Hours' Phone (989) 224-9192
Delinquent Water/Sewer Accounts
The City bills residential customers four (4) times a year. We do not send late notices nor do we shut water off for non payment. Any unpaid (delinquent) water/sewer charges are assessed to the Summer Taxes.
Each year on May 22nd any unpaid water/sewer charges from the previous calendar year is assessed to the Summer Taxes.
Ultimately the property owner is responsible to the City for the consumption charges. The City does not pursue individuals for payment.
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Final Reading
The City bills quarterly, in arrears. Therefore, if you need a billing as of a particular date you will need a 'final reading'. This requires a manual reading of your meter and a 'hand' generated billing. You should come into City Offices, fill out the necessary paperwork, make an appointment when this meter should be read and pay the required service fee of $25.00.
Utility Account Information Change Form
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions is a listing of some of the more common questions that arise regarding meters and billing.
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Meter Reading - Billing
At the present time, the City reads residential water meters for billing on a quarterly basis. Meters are read in the months of April (due May 22nd), July (due August 22nd) , October (due November 22nd) and January (due February 22nd). These bills are due by the 22nd without penalty, after that date there is a 10% penalty added.
The City bills your consumption in arrears. You actually consume the water for a three month period and then are billed for that consumption.
The sewer charges are based on the water consumption and is based on the size of your water meter.
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Meter Repair
If you feel you have a defective meter or the meter has been damaged in some way please call or come into City Offices to report the problem. Our staff will set up an appointment that is convenient for you, to come to your home and inspect the meter.
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Meter - Sprinkler
A sprinkler meter is for 'water only' use. A resident may purchase a meter from the City to use to water the lawn, wash cars, etc. The resident is responsible for purchasing a meter from the City and filling out the proper paperwork. You must have the meter plumbed according to City specifications for 'water only' use. Once the meter is installed and inspected by the City personnel you will be billed for water use only; no sewer charge. We do not bill residential sprinkler meters for 1st quarter (Jan-Feb-March). The remainder of the year is billed accordingly.
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Miss Dig
Before you dig - Call MISS Dig at 1-800-482-7171
Water, sewer, natural gas, electric, cable, fiber optic and other service lines are buried underground. State law requires that you call MISS DIG at 1-800-482-7171 at least three (3) working days before starting any project that involves digging.
MISS DIG will notify the utilities in your area, who will mark the location of the underground lines with flags or paint - for free - so you can avoid them.
Some of these lines may not be buried very deep, so even if you are just planting a tree or putting in a mailbox post, it's important to call.
If you will be digging anywhere near a marked area - especially if you are using power equipment - use a shovel and hand dig to expose the lines. This will prevent emergencies and unnecessary service interruptions to you and your neighbors.
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Name Change
The City requires a signature to change the name on a water/sewer account. This may be done by coming into the Office or printing the form from this site and putting it in the drop box (located in the back parking lot of the Court House), mailing or faxing it to the City. Please remember that the City bills quarterly and the name change is effective quarterly.
Utility Account Information Change Form
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Safe Drinking Water
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has primary enforcement authority in Michigan for the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act under the legislative authority of Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act.
Click on links below for further information:
http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3675---,00.html
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Safety Award
The American Water Works Association presented the City of St Johns Water Department with the 2005 December Safety Award. The award is administered by the Safety Practices Committee, which recognizes excellence in water utility safety programs. The competition involved the review and evaluation of the department's safety record, as well as its' program. As a Michigan section winner, the Department will be entered in the AWWA national Wendell R. LaDue Safety Award competition for possible national recognition. Pictured are the Water Department Staff Members.
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Testing Water
Chlorine levels are tested twice daily. Phosphate testing is done daily. Bacteria is tested at fourteen (14) different sites throughout the City every month.
It is required that the City gather bacteria samples from all new construction mains.
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Turn on / Turn off Meter
Home Repair and/or Improvement
The City does not charge for turning off or turning on the water meter for home repair and/or improvement. Please call the office to arrange an appointment, during business hours, for this free service.
Turn off Meter for Extended Period of Time
If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time (Snowbirds) or if your home will be vacated for an extended time you may want to have the meter turned off. When the City turns off your meter you are not charged for that time period. You must make an appointment and fill out the necessary paperwork, there is a $25.00 fee for this service. For further information please visit or call City Offices.
Turn on Meter
When you return from an extended trip, etc. and have had the meter turned off you must have the meter turned on. You must make an appointment and fill out the necessary paperwork, there is a $25.00 fee for this service. For further information please visit or call City Offices.
Utility Account Information Change Form
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