Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can pay your utility bill by phone through our third-party payment provider, Payment Service Network (PSN). The Utilities Office is not able to accept payment information over the phone for security reasons.

To pay by phone: Call 1 (877) 885-7968

• Follow the automated prompts to complete your payment
• Press “0” at any time to speak with a live PSN representative

If you experience any issues, contact the Utilities Office at (608) 789-7536 and we can help direct you to the correct support.

Water Rate Increase

In the City of La Crosse, water rates are determined by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Rate adjustments may occur for the following reasons:

• Replacing, maintaining, and upgrading the water system
• Employee wages and operational costs
• System growth and infrastructure needs

These factors help ensure the community continues to receive safe and reliable drinking water.

For more information on how water rates are determined, visit the PSC Rate Setting page.

Sewer Rate Increase

Sewer rates are established by the La Crosse Common Council, supported by rate case studies completed by a third-party consultant (Trilogy Consulting LLC). Sewer rate adjustments are made to ensure the sanitary sewer system can be properly maintained, repaired, and updated without operating at a deficit.

Stormwater Rate Increase

Stormwater rates are also established by the La Crosse Common Council and follow similar cost-recovery principles as water and sewer utilities.

Since the creation of the Stormwater Utility in 2012, there were no rate increases until July 1, 2025. The recent increase reflects the need to address long-term funding gaps and avoid operating deficits.

Future rate adjustments are intended to be more gradual to reduce the impact on customers and residents of the City of La Crosse.

Utility rates must be sufficient to cover the full cost of providing service and to maintain financial stability.

For current rates, visit the Utility Rates & Charges page.

Stormwater Utility Credits

If you are looking to reduce stormwater charges on your property, credits may be available for approved stormwater management practices.

Residential Properties

Residential properties may qualify for credits by installing stormwater management features such as:

• Installing a minimum of four rain barrels
• Constructing a rain garden
• A combination of rain barrels and a rain garden

Non-Residential Properties

Non-residential properties may qualify for credits by implementing stormwater management systems such as:

• Stormwater retention ponds
• Bio-retention cells
• Porous pavement systems

Please note there is a maximum credit of 80% available.

For more information, visit the Stormwater Utility page.

One billing units equals 1 Ccf, which is 100 cubic feet and measures out to 748 gallons. Therefore, if you family used 20 cubic feet on your bill, you've used 14,960 gallons in that quarter.

The water meter is always located inside the home or business, normally in the basement or crawl space. If you home or business does not have a basement, it may be in a laundry room, in a closet or under a sink, the meter must be located inside and in an area that is heated to prevent the meter from freezing during the winter months.

Please make sure your water meter is accessible at all times in case we need to access it.

If you run on a faucet and find you have no water, try another faucet in your home or business. If you find you do have water at second faucet, you have an internal problem and would need to contact a plumber for further assistance. IF you find no water that the second faucet, call the water utility at (608) 789-7536

If you are experiencing lower water pressure than usual, start by checking other faucets or water connections in your home or business.

• If other faucets have normal pressure, the issue is likely within your plumbing. You may need to investigate further or contact a plumber.
• If all faucets have low pressure, contact the Water Utility at (608) 789-7536.

If pressure is low throughout the building, it may be caused by a service leak prior to the meter.

If you are currently experiencing discolored water, run cold water for about one minute in a bathtub or utility sink. If the cold-water runs clear, shut off the cold water and let the hot water run for a minute. if the hot water is still discolored, your hot water heater may need to be purged. If the cold water remains discolored, check to make sure aerator is not plugged with sediment. If discolored water continues call the water utility at (608) 789-7536

If you hear or experience any of the following, it may indicate a service leak or a failing pressure regulator:

• Sound of running water when no fixtures are in use
• Decreased water pressure in the home or business
• Dirty water that does not clear after running cold water at a bathtub or utility sink
• Hammering or knocking sound near the water meter
• Pipes vibrating

If you notice any of these conditions, contact the Water Utility at (608) 789-7536.

If you notice water bubbling up in the street or sidewalk, this can indicate a leak somewhere in the street, call the water utility at (608) 789-7536

If you notice a leaking fire hydrant, call the water utility at (608) 789-7536

• Run all faucets for 10 mins
• Clean hot water heater or disinfect
• Using baking soda and vinegar thought drains. 

Common reasons for sewer odors inside a home or business include:

• Dried drain trap in a floor drain, sink, bathtub/shower, or toilet
• Blocked or damaged roof vent preventing sewer gases from escaping the system
• Washing machine drain traps that are clogged or holding debris, causing odors during use
• Persistent drain clogs or sewer backups

If you are unable to identify the source of the odor, contact the Sewer Utility. Staff can perform a courtesy visit to help determine the cause and advise whether a plumber is needed.

Typical water pressure ranges from 40 to 80 PSI in the City of La Crosse. Depending on your location, pressure may be stronger or weaker in different areas of the system.

When Water Pressure is a Concern

• Water pressure below 40 PSI may result in slow water flow or weak shower pressure.
• Water pressure above 80 PSI may damage plumbing and appliances over time.

If pressure is consistently above 80 PSI, a pressure-reducing valve may be recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Contact a licensed plumber before installation to determine if this is necessary.

If pressure is below 40 PSI, check fixtures and plumbing to ensure proper flow.

Common things to check:

• Shutoff valves under sinks, toilets, and showers
• Main shutoff valve near the water meter
• Aerators on faucets for debris or buildup
• Possible leaks by temporarily shutting off water at the meter (see Leaks and Their Costs page)
• Contact the Water Utility at (608) 789-7536 to check for system maintenance or construction in your area