Utilities
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Payment
Learn about payment options, setting up automatic payments, delinquent accounts, and more.
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Set Up New Accounts-End Accounts Online
Find how to start a new account with the City.
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Moving-Start or End Service
Utility accounts are specific to an address. Residents who move from one address in Grimes to another address in Grimes will need a new account.
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New Service Online Application
Set up utility services online
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Services Directory
Learn who to specifically contact regarding certain utility services.
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Water Conservation Tips
Using water efficiently can equate easily to savings in your pocketbook. That's not the only reason to conserve water. Water is a valuable resource many people tend to take advantage of.
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Water Quality Reports
View past annual water quality reports in the Archive Center.
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Permanent Irrigation Meters & Backflow
Irrigation meters are used to measure water use for irrigation of yards, swimming pools, gardens and other uses for which sanitary sewer charges are not applicable.
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Property Owner Responsibility for Water and Sewer Service Lines
Water and sewer customers are often unaware that they are responsible for sewer and water service lines which go from the utility connections at the street to their homes. The lines are located underground and often enter homes from beneath the basement floor.
Utility Rates
| Type of Utility | Fee |
|---|---|
| Water | $10.72 per 1,000 gallons |
| Irrigation Water | $10.72 per 1,000 gallons |
| Sewer | $8.84 per 1,000 gallons |
| Garbage and Recycling | $14.51 per month |
| Additional Garbage Cart | $11.13 per month |
| Meter Charge | $1.62 per month (standard house meters) |
| 1" Meter Charge | $2.45 per month (standard house irrigation meter) |
Utility payments must be made by the 20th of the month. Late payments will receive a 1.5% penalty and a $5 service fee for the disconnect notice, which is printed and sent on the first business day that occurs after the 20th of the month.
Emergency Services
For water- or sewer-related emergencies, please call the 24/7 hotline 515-985-0667. Examples of emergencies include:
- Broken water main / fire hydrant
- Water service line (between a water meter and the street)
- Sewer backups (possibly caused by city infrastructure
- Water gushing from the middle of a street
This line is not able to help with any billing issues.
Stormwater Utility Fee
In order to comply with NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit requirements, the City must develop water quality regulations, stormwater quality monitoring with outfall inspection and sampling, stormwater programs, ordinances, master planning, watershed management, education, and public outreach.
| Property Type | Number of Equivalent Residential Lots | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Undeveloped Properties | N/A | $0.00 |
| Single Family Dwelling | 1 Equivalent Residential Lot | $6.38 |
| Duplex Dwelling | 1 Equivalent Residential Lot | $6.38 |
| Townhome Dwelling | 1 Equivalent Residential Lot | $6.38 |
| Mobile Home Dwelling | 1/2 Equivalent Residential Lot | $3.19 |
| Apartment Dwelling | 1/2 Equivalent Residential Lot | $3.19 |
| Non-Residential Properties | 1 to 40 Equivalent Residential Lots | $6.38 per Equivalent Residential Lot |
An Equivalent Residential Lot (ERL) is based on the total area for an average residential lot in the community. ERL shall be used as the basis for determining stormwater management fees. One ERL is equal to 10,000 square feet.
The number of ERLs on non-residential properties shall be calculated by reference to the Polk and Dallas County records. Stormwater fee billing will begin upon water meter installation (if applicable). The maximum number of ERLs is capped at 40.
Why Stormwater Management is Necessary
Stormwater Management Permits
Grimes National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (PDF) - The permit covers the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024.
Resources
Videos
View some helpful videos on ways you can help cut down on stormwater pollution on YouTube.
Illicit Discharge Reminder
View our Illicit Discharge Reminder - Draining Pools and Spas (PDF).