Homeowners are responsible for all water use, even if it results from a leak.

If you are wondering why your bill is higher than usual please consider the following items:

• Is this the time of year for outside watering or sprinkling?
• Is there a faucet leaking or dripping in your home?
• Does the toilet fail to shut off after flushing or have a leak?
• Is the water softener functioning correctly?

Water bills are based on how much water is used. The accuracy of the City’s water meters is +/- 2% of 100%. If you should experience an unusually high usage on your monthly bill, it could indicate some type of leak in your plumbing. We recommend that you first compare the reading on your bill with the current reading on your meter. The reading on your meter should be slightly higher than the billing, depending on the amount of time that has passed since the reading and how much water you normally use.

Oftentimes, running toilets are identified as the problem. You cannot always hear or see a toilet that is running and may result in significant usage. You can check your toilets for leaks by putting food coloring into the tank. If there is a leak, the food coloring will show up in the bowl without flushing.

Another source of high usage is a water softener, which may be leaking or regenerating improperly. To check your water softener, take a water meter reading before you retire for the evening. Take another reading in the morning, before any water is used. Write down your readings or make notes. Any difference in the readings should be the result of the water used to regenerate your softener. Repeat this procedure for a week or two to check consistency of usage. This will verify how often the softener is regenerating. It should not be regenerating every night. If you believe the amount of water used is too high, or that your softener is regenerating too frequently, check with your manufacturer or dealer for proper usage and instructions on how to correct the problem.

Other areas for common leak sources are indoor outdoor faucets, humidifiers attached to furnace and irrigation systems. You may be able to hear a leak before you see it, so listen carefully for water flow or leaks.

How can I check that my bill is accurate?
As a homeowner you are able to check your meter to calculate your usage at any time. The meter is generally located downstairs or in a utility room, where the water enters your home. On the meter there is a dial that reads like a car odometer. The City of Albertville rounds down to the nearest 1,000 gallon for billing purposes. This number is listed on your bill under “current” as the current or most recent rad we received from your meter. You may need a flash light to “wake up” the meter to read it.

I haven’t used water, why am I still getting a bill?
All properties will receive a minimum service charge billing on a monthly basis. The City’s base rates are defined in the City’s fee schedule.

What is the shut off policy for delinquent utility accounts?
The policy is set by city ordinance which can be reviewed in Title 9, Chapter 2 of the City Code.

How is the sanitary sewer charge on my water bill calculated?
The monthly sanitary sewer charge is based on metered water usage. For residential properties, a maximum monthly charge is set based on the February statement.  

What is the storm water fee?
The storm water utility fee pays for the City’s storm water system (pipes, catch basins, culverts, holding ponds) and the annual maintenance costs of the system. The fee also pays for federal and state mandates such as the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) program. Like water and sewer, the storm water utility fee is a user fee that all properties regardless of ownership are required to pay (even if you don’t have City water or sewer). The fee charged to commercial properties for storm water is based on the size of the lot and the amount of impervious surface.

Recycling carts are typically left at the property when someone moves out. Please verify you don’t already have a cart before requesting one. There are three size options for recycling cart and pick up is every two weeks. To find your collection day please see the Recycling page under City Services.

If you need more information or have questions please contact City Hall at 763-497-3384, option 2.

Also please visit our Resident Guide page for more general information.   

The City of Albertville is proud to offer recycling to its residents. 

The City contracts with Republic Services for recycling services. The recycling is emptied every other Thursday.

2024 Recycling Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: Only items placed inside recycling carts will be collected. And additional boxes, bags, etc. outside of the recycling cart will not picked up.

Republic Services
320-252-9608

New Residents 

Recycling carts are typically left at the property when someone moves out. Please verify you don’t already have a cart before requesting one. There are three size options for recycling cart and pick up is every two weeks. If you need more information or have questions please contact City Hall at 763-497-3384, option 2.

Winter Placement Guidelines

Republic Services Recycling Q & A 

What should I do with over flow recycling?
With overflow recycling, cardboard must be flattened, cut into sections no larger than 3ft’ x 3ft’, and bound with string or twine. If a resident has frequent overflow recycling, they can upgrade the size of their cart or get an additional recycling cart, at no extra charge.
*Please give Tracey in Utility Billing at the City of Albertville a call at 763-497-3384 to request

Randy’s Sanitation Trucks -  Why do I see Randy’s Sanitation trucks picking up recycle?
In December 2020, Randy’s was acquired by Republic Services. Our St. Michael Hauling, where Albertville is serviced out of, has a few Randy’s trucks in their fleet that are servicing the area. Albertville recycling is serviced by a Republic Services branded truck but in some circumstances a Randy’s truck might be needed for service.

Other notable policies:

• Carts out by 6 am on your service day or the night before.
• Carts should be a minimum of 3-5 feet away from one another, as well as any objects or items that could be damaged or mistaken for removal. This included cars, mailboxes, etc.

Sprinkling Restrictions

Calendar sprinkling is mandatory from June 1 through September 30. Odd addresses may water on odd days and even addresses may water on even days only. Days begin at midnight and end at midnight, however you may NOT sprinkle between 10 am and 7 pm. A violation will cost $75 the first time and go up by $25 for each additional violation.

EXCEPTIONS:

• New sod and seed is exempt from watering restrictions for 60 days only. You must notify the Water Department at 763-497-3611 as soon as possible to claim this exemption.
• Hand watering is allowed any time.
• Children may run in the sprinkler at any time.

Water Quality Report