City of Lincoln

Municipal water, including bottled water products, might reasonably contain small quantities of various contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, you can contact the USEPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Water sources in our region include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or through soil layers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

Some individuals may have increased vulnerability to certain water contaminants, particularly Cryptosporidium. This microscopic organism appears in most surface waters, and while filtration removes it, even advanced filtration methods cannot guarantee 100% elimination. Current testing cannot determine if detected organisms are viable and disease-causing.

Cryptosporidium ingestion may cause gastrointestinal illness with symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Most healthy people recover within weeks, but immunocompromised individuals—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, certain elderly individuals, and infants—face higher infection risks and should consult healthcare providers about their drinking water.

USEPA/CDC guidelines for reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

1. When is my bill due? Bills must be paid within 20 days from billing date. Payments made within this period require only the net amount shown. Late payments incur penalties: 10% for wastewater service and 3% each for water and electric service. Avoid penalties by enrolling in direct debit.
2. Do you offer direct debit payment? Yes! This convenient option saves time and money while helping keep rates affordable. Once enrolled, your bill will arrive marked "DRAFT—DO NOT PAY" and your account will be automatically debited 20 days after billing. You'll have until the due date to review charges and contact us with concerns.
3. How can I pay my bill? We offer six convenient payment methods to suit your preferences.
4. Is budget billing available? Yes! Homeowners in standard electric residences can participate in our Budget Billing Program. Your monthly amount is calculated based on previous year's consumption at current rates. The program begins each June with reconciliation the following May. Contact Customer Service for enrollment assistance.
5. Can I pay online? Absolutely! Please note that online payments appear immediately in our system but don't officially "post" until the next morning's reconciliation.
6. Can I arrange payment if I can't meet the due date? Before disconnection, customers unable to pay by the due date can establish a "Promise To Pay Agreement" tailored to individual circumstances. However, customers with previous unfulfilled agreements must reestablish 12 consecutive months of good payment history before new arrangements.
7. What happens if I don't pay? Unpaid bills incur penalties after the due date (10% for wastewater, 3% each for water and electric). Service termination occurs if payment isn't received within 14 days after the due date. Disconnections won't be performed after noon before weekends/holidays or when temperatures fall below 32°F (unless for bad checks).
8. What if my check bounces? Customers with insufficient funds have three days to resolve the issue or face disconnection without further notice. Cash or money order payment is required for reconnection, and check payment privileges are suspended until 12 consecutive months of good payment history is established.