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1. Is there a charge for trimming my tree which is within the public road right-of-way? If you cut it down, do I pay for it?

There is no charge for trimming or removing a hazardous, diseased, or dead tree which is within the public road right-of-way.

2. What can and can’t be flushed?

Common questions are for pharmaceuticals, engine fluids, and paint products. The City has a pharmaceutical drop off box in the entryway of the municipal building for pharmaceuticals.

Jefferson County and Walworth County also have Clean Sweep programs in place to accept old medications and household chemicals. These programs should be utilized annually as City Ordinance 16.14.575 prohibits the above discharges. Information for these programs can be found at the Jefferson County website or the Walworth County website.

3. What are the compost site hours and rules?

Compost Site Schedule & Location

Update - Effective Wednesday, September 13, 2023 the hours of operation will change at the compost site from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. to 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.  This will remain in effect until the site closes for the season on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.  However, the site will still remain open on Saturdays through November 11, 2023 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The City will provide a loader, for loading chips and compost, the first Saturday of every month until the site closes for the season.

 *Please allow enough time for unloading as the compost site will close promptly at the posted times.*

 NOTICE:   It is against city ordinance to deposit any yard waste debris on City streets or right of ways other than City of Whitewater designated days.

 If you have any questions please call the Department of Public Works at 262-473-0560.

The compost site is located at:
599 N. Jefferson Street
Whitewater, WI 53190

Compost Site Rules

The compost site is available to City of Whitewater residents only. Residents can bring yard waste to the site for disposal. Residents are required to empty the yard waste from any container used in the transportation of the yard waste and take the container home.

Residents can also help themselves to composted material or wood chips at the site. Residents must load their own compost or wood chips.

NOTICE:  City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited from depositing any yard waste debris on city streets or right of ways other than City of Whitewater designated days.

Questions

If you have any questions please call the Department of Public Works at 262-473-0560.

4. I seem to be using a lot of water. What should I do?

Most, but not all, water leaks come from a toilet that is leaking or sticking. In most cases you will not be able to hear the leak. A small leak can rob you of 500 gallons per day or more.

Have a qualified person check for leaks or call the Water Department at 262-473-0560 or the billing office at 262-473-1383 for other suggestions.

5. My street light is burnt out or doesn't work properly. Who takes care of it?

To report a light that needs maintenance call the Streets Department at 262-473-0560.

6. Who maintains the trees within the public road right-of-way?

The city routinely trims trees on a four or five year cycle. Trimming is done for the health of the tree and to prevent hazardous conditions for pedestrians and vehicles. The city will remove a hazardous, diseased, or dead tree as necessary. Questions may be directed to the Department of Public Works by calling 262-473-0560.

7. I have rusty water. What should I do?

From time to time you may experience "rusty" water. This is usually caused by:

• Hydrant flushing
• Someone using a large flow of water in a short time
• Unauthorized hydrant use
• A water main break

This water is bacteriologically safe to drink, but unpleasant to look at. This situation can be solved by running your cold water until it clears up. Call the Water Department at 262-473-0560.

8. I am moving out of the city. What should I do?

Make sure you call the Water Utility billing office at 262-473-1383 to order a "final" reading for water and sewer charges.

9. What type of wastes can be treated at the Wastewater Utility?

The Wastewater Utility has programs in place to accept septage and holding wastes. Other wastes such as leachates and specialty wastes (i.e. remediation site waste, pit waters) can utilize the facility if the waste is approved by city personnel after analysis. RV waste is also accepted at the facility for a nominal fee.

10. I have a question about my utility bill. Who should I contact?

Please call the Water Utility billing office at 262-473-1383 regarding any questions on your water/sewer bill.

11. Is my water safe to drink?

You bet it is! Municipal water is regulated by both the Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency. View a copy of the water quality report (PDF) from the Municipal Building.

12. What is the proper way to install a sump pump?

According to City Ordinance 16.14.570, it is illegal to discharge sump flows into the sanitary sewer. On a cumulative basis this overloads the collection system. Perhaps causing problems for your neighbors and/or city facilities. Sump pump discharges should be routed to the curb line for discharge to the stormwater system.

13. Does the city plant terrace trees?

Planting of terrace trees is the responsibility of the city. For more information please call the Forestry Department at 262-473-0560.

14. When is brush chipping?

Brush chipping is every Tuesday, all year. To have your brush chipped all you need to do is call 262-473-0560 before 5 a.m. on every Tuesday and leave your city address.

View City of Whitewater's Brush Collection Policy (PDF).

15. What do I do when there is a sewer backup in my home?

View information about sewer backups in the home. You can also review the no fault sanitary sewer backup damage reimbursement policy (PDF) and a list of area plumbers (PDF).