Utility Billing

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. For questions about your sewer and/or trash service or bill, please contact the City of Sterling Finance Division.

View Utility Billings Online

You may now view your bill, account history, and pay your utility bills online at the Sterling Utilities Services website. You will need to create a username and password to pay your bills online.

Cancel or Change  Utility Bill

To cancel your utility bill or change your address please contact Illinois American Water Company at 1-800-422-2782.  Illinois American Water will forward all your information to the City of Sterling.  Sewer bills are based on the previous months water bill, your final sewer bill will arrive the month after your final water bill.

Payment Options

You may pay your solid waste/sewer bill online with a debit or credit card or enroll in automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings account.

You may also pay your bill with a debit or credit card by phone (815) 632-6632, drop off your bill in person to the Sterling City Hall, mail your bill to the City, or drop it off at the City drop box located on E 3rd Street.

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.  Your account must have a zero balance to sign up and the final bill will not bank draft.  

Signing up is easy. Simply complete an Automatic Deduction Form and follow the instructions provided:

• Automatic Deduction Application (DOC)
• Automatic Deduction Application (PDF)

Commercial Payment Drop-off Locations

The City of Sterling is now partnering with Walmart, 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 Money Center or Customer Service Desk
2. Choose your payment option:
   • Next Day payment: $1.88 (delivered the next available business day)
   • Standard payment: $0.88 (delivered within 3 business days)
3. Make your payment using cash or your PIN-based debit card
4. Receive a receipt as proof of payment

Location Information

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 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.

Restore Service

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.