Green Bay Water & Sewer Metering Ordinances

Utilities and Infrastructure Wisconsin 3 Minutes Read ยท published March 01, 2026 Flag of Wisconsin

Green Bay, Wisconsin residents and businesses must follow city rules for water and sewer metering, billing, and conservation. This guide summarizes where to find the controlling municipal rules, who enforces them, required actions for meters and leak response, and practical conservation steps. It highlights official contacts and forms so you can report problems, apply for services, or appeal enforcement decisions.

For official service, rates, and utility contact information see the City of Green Bay Water Utility page[1]. For controlling municipal ordinance language on utilities and related enforcement, consult the Green Bay municipal code online[2].

Overview of Metering and Conservation Rules

Green Bay operates municipal water and sewer utilities that meter individual service connections. Metering rules determine who must have a meter, acceptable meter types, access to read or replace meters, and requirements to prevent cross-connections and unauthorized use. Conservation duties may be set through utility rules, billing practices, or emergency restrictions during shortages.

Check meter access and report any leak immediately to protect your bill and service.

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal code and utility rules set compliance obligations and enforcement pathways. Specific fine amounts and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited municipal code and utility pages; see the cited sources for the controlling text and any fee schedules[2].

  • Enforcer: City of Green Bay Water Utility and Public Works handle inspections, compliance, and enforcement; complaints and service requests go to the utility contact page[1].
  • Fines: exact monetary amounts and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed in the municipal code or by contacting the utility[2].
  • Escalation: the municipal process typically escalates from notice to fines and then to further legal action; specific escalation steps and ranges are not specified on the cited pages[2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: possible measures include compliance orders, service disconnection, meter sealing or removal, and civil actions in municipal court; the cited sources describe enforcement authority but do not list every sanction amount[2].
  • Inspections and complaints: report meter tampering, leaks, or unauthorized connections through official utility contact channels[1].
Appeals and review pathways depend on the specific ordinance cited and the enforcement notice received.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes customer service and billing resources through the Water Utility. Specific meter variance, penalty appeal, or conservation rebate forms are not specified on the main utility and municipal code pages referenced; contact the utility for current forms and submission instructions[1][2].

Common Violations

  • Tampering with a meter or removing seals
  • Unauthorized private connections to the sewer or water main
  • Failure to repair known leaks causing excessive use or sanitary hazards
If you discover a leak, shut off the affected valve and contact the Water Utility immediately.

How to Comply and Conserve

Follow these practical steps to maintain compliance and reduce water use:

  • Keep clear access to the meter so utility staff can read, inspect, or maintain it.
  • Respond promptly to any notice from the utility about a leak or compliance issue to avoid escalation.
  • Keep records of repairs, meter readings, and communications with the utility.
  • Ask the utility about conservation programs, rebates, or billing adjustments for verified leaks.
Document repairs and photo-evidence when disputing a bill or penalty.

FAQ

Who enforces water and sewer metering rules in Green Bay?
The City of Green Bay Water Utility and Public Works are the primary enforcers; contact information is on the official utility page.[1]
How do I report a suspected leak or meter tampering?
Report leaks or tampering through the Water Utility contact channels; emergency procedures may be available for major leaks.[1]
What fines apply for violations?
Specific fine amounts and escalation details are not specified on the cited municipal pages; consult the municipal code or contact the utility for current penalty information.[2]

How-To

  1. Locate your water meter and note the account or meter number shown on the bill or meter face.
  2. If you see continuous flow on the meter while all fixtures are off, turn off indoor isolation valves and recheck the meter to confirm a leak.
  3. Document the reading with a photo and contact the Water Utility to report the issue and request an inspection.
  4. If the utility identifies a bill adjustment or repair requirement, follow submission instructions for any required forms or evidence.
  5. Appeal a penalty by following the appeal instructions on the enforcement notice or by contacting the utility for the formal process.

Key Takeaways

  • Keep meters accessible and report leaks quickly to limit charges.
  • Use official City contacts for complaints, inspections, and appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Green Bay Water Utility - official page
  2. [2] Green Bay Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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