Since May 1, 2012, the City of Sterling has assumed responsibility for utility billing from Illinois American Water. Illinois American Water made a decision to cease operations in municipal billing starting on May 1, 2012.
You will continue to receive your monthly Illinois American Water bill, but your sewer and trash bill will be mailed to you from the City. For questions about your water service or bill, call Illinois American Water at 800-422-2782. For questions about your sewer and/or trash service or bill, please contact the City of Sterling at 815-632-6632.
View Utility Billings Online
You may now view your bill, account history, and pay your utility bills online here.Payment Options
You may pay your solid waste/sewer bill online with a debit or credit card or enroll in automatic withdrawal.
You may also drop off your bill in person to the Sterling City Hall (City Clerk), mail your bill to the City, or drop off your bill at the City drop box located on E 3rd Street.
| Commercial Drop-off Locations | |||
| Grummert's Best Hardware | 424 Locust Street | 815-625-2587 | M-F 8-5 & Sat 9-4:30 |
| El Vaquero Western Wear | 1221 W 4th Street | 815-626-9011 | M-Sun 8am - 9pm |
| Wal-Mart | 4115 E Lincolnway | 815-626-7200 | M-Sun 7am - 10pm |
Automatic Deduction/Bill Pay
Your sewer/garbage bill payment can be automatically deducted from your bank account. The City of Sterling will continue to mail a copy of your monthly sewer/garbage bill to you in advance so that you know the amount to be deducted from your bank account.
Signing up is easy. Simply complete this form and follow the instructions provided.
Automatic Deduction Application (word)
Automatic Deduction Application (pdf)
Drop Off Locations
The City of Sterling is now partnering with Walmart, Grummerts, Check Into Cash, and El Vaquero Western Wear in an effort to provide our customers with convenient, cost-effective bill payment options. These retailers provide safe and convenient options for customers to pay their City of Sterling bill.
To make a payment:
1. Bring your current bill stub to a Walmart MoneyCenter or Customer Service Desk.
2. Choose your payment option
· Standard payment: $0.88 (delivered within 3 business days)
· NextDay payment: $1.88 (delivered the next available business day)
3. Make your payment using cash or your PIN-based debit card
4. Receive a receipt as proof of payment
Water Shut-Offs
The City of Sterling, in coordination with Illinois American Water, may discontinue water service to any citizen who has an outstanding utility account balance over $100. A disconnection notice will be sent to the citizen by mail and they will have 10 (ten) days to bring the account to current before the water will be disconnected. Should the water service be disconnected a disconnection fee will also need to be paid prior to the water service being restored.
To restore water service, please contact Finance at 815-632-6637 or stop into the administration level at City Hall. To restore service, the City of Sterling will only accept payment by cash or a debit/credit card. Personal Checks will not be accepted.