Utility Department

The Summer Sprinkling Credit period for sewer billing does not begin until June 16th.

What is a Summer Sprinkling Credit?

To ensure our residential sewer customers aren't charged extra for outdoor water usage like watering lawns and gardens during the summer months, the Town of Porter offers a "Summer Sprinkling Credit."

How Does It Work?

• Billing Period Covered: The sprinkling credit applies for sewer bills issued in September and November, covering usage from June 16 through October 15.
• Calculation: The Town calculates your summer sewer charges based on your average water usage from the previous winter months (mid-December to mid-April).
  • If your summer water usage is higher than your winter average (due to outdoor watering), you will only pay based on your lower winter average.
  • If your summer water usage is lower than your winter average, you’ll pay based on your actual summer water usage.
• New Customers: If you’re new and don’t have usage history from the previous winter, you’ll become eligible for the sprinkling credit after your first full winter of service.

Who Qualifies?

This credit applies only to single-family domestic and residential properties. It does not apply to properties partially or wholly used for commercial or industrial purposes unless separate water meters are installed specifically for the residential portions.

Billing Schedule:

Your sewer bills are issued every other month:

• January Bill (Usage: Oct 16 – Dec 15)
• March Bill (Usage: Dec 16 – Feb 15)
• May Bill (Usage: Feb 16 – Apr 15)
• July Bill (Usage: Apr 16 – Jun 15)
• September Bill (Usage: Jun 16 – Aug 15)
• November Bill (Usage: Aug 16 – Oct 15)

Payment and Penalties:

Payments are due by the 15th day of the month after your bill is issued. Late payments incur a 10% penalty. Non-payment of charges may result in disconnection of water service and charges unpaid for over 90 days may become a lien against the property served.

Owners of private swimming pools that meet the established criteria may be eligible for an adjustment to a sewer bill once per calendar year (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31).  A Swimming Pool Adjustment Form must be completed and returned within seven (7) days of filling your pool, along with a photo of your swimming pool. You must obtain a meter reading before and after filling your pool.

Only one adjustment will be granted per household per year. Please note that adjustments do no apply to unmetered water users of if accurate meter readings are unavailable. In order to be eligible, a private swimming pool must:

• Minimum depth of 24 inches
• Surface area of at least 100 square feet
• Permanently equipped with a recirculating system

Forms may be returned by: mail or drop off to Porter Town Hall, 303 Franklin Street, Porter, IN 46304; fax to (219) 395-8811; email to tsufana@townofporter.in.gov or frontdesk@townofporter.in.gov.

Click to download: Swimming Pool Adjustment Form

Submission of a form does not guarantee an adjustment, and if approved, adjustments will apply to the corresponding billing of water consumption for the pool fill.