Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How do I pay my water bill?
A: Water bills can be paid in person by cash, money order or credit card. Customers also have the option to pay by telephone with a credit and/or debit card. Bills paid subsequent to the due date printed on the bill are subject to a penalty.
If you receive a shut-off notice, cash, money orders and debit/credit cards will be accepted in person.
Q: What is the current water bill schedule?
A: Water Bill Schedule
District 1 District 2 District 3
March (Dec.Jan.Feb.) January (Oct.Nov.Dec.) February (Nov.Dec.Jan.)
June (Mar.Apr.May) April (Jan.Feb.Mar.) May (Feb.Mar.Apr.)
September (Jun.Jul.Aug.) July (Apr.May Jun.) August (May Jun.Jul.)
December (Sep.Oct.Nov.) October (Jul.Aug.Sep.) November (Aug.Sep.Oct.)
Q: How do water meter readings work?
A: Water meters are read by the Village of Dolton. However, in the event that the meter reader fails to gain access to read a meter, a yellow card is left in the mailbox for the owner to complete. To avoid estimated bills, please read the water meter, place the reading on the yellow card, sign it and mail it back to the Water Department. The cards are pre-addressed to the Village for your convenience.
Village water personnel must enter the property at least once per year to read water meters. Please make entry accessible to avoid estimated billings.
Q: When will I be able to pay my bill online?
A: We’re working on it. ![Description: C:\Users\owner\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\C5ML02PK\MC900437581[1].wmf](DoltonNews_clip_image004.gif){kind=small}
Why does Dolton need Red Light Cameras?
Traffic studies show that Red Light Running is a problem at several intersections within the Village. The goal of the camera program is to promote safe driving, and to change driver behavior by encouraging compliance with traffic signal laws through around-the-clock enforcement.
There are Two Types of Red Light Violations:
(1) Right Turn on Red Without coming to a complete stop and
(2) Entering an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
The Village of Dolton's Red Light Cameras are located as follows:
West bound Sibley Blvd. at Lincoln Av.
East bound Sibley Blvd. at Lincoln Av.
East bound 142 St at Lincoln Av.
A common misconception is that the cameras will be photographing everyone as they drive thru the community. In fact, Sensors placed in the pavement activate the camera only when a vehicle enters the intersection during the red light cycle. A total of 3 photographs will be taken plus 8-10 seconds of digital video. The images include: the car entering the red light intersection, the car passing thru the intersection and finally, a close-up of the license plate. All 3 images, plus a link to view the video footage on-line, will be provided to the vehicle's registered owner who is mailed the violation. According to Illinois Law, it is illegal to photograph the faces of either drivers or passengers.
Click here for more Red Light Camera information
Why aren’t Police Officers monitoring these intersections?
The Dolton Police Department is committed to the safety of their residents, but no community can afford to police every red light intersection 24 hours a day. Traditional enforcement also creates a safety hazard for the violator, other drivers, pedestrians and the officer when police chase a violator through a red light. This technology frees up officers to assist and protect residents in other ways. Click here for more Red Light Camera information
Is this simply a way for the Village to make money?
The objective of this program is to deter drivers from disobeying the law, not catch them. There is no cost to the Village for installing, operating or maintaining the system. The program is completely violator funded. Click here for more Red Light Camera information
Q: What do I do if sewage backs up in my home?
A: If sewage backs up in a toilet or basement tub, and you believe it is the result of a problem outside your house, call the Public Works Department at 708-201-3280 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays, or the Police Department non-emergency line at 708-841-2999 after normal business hours and on weekends and holidays.
Q: Why should I call the Public Works Department first?
A: The Public Works Department will immediately send someone to your home to check the city's main sanitary sewer for blockage. If the city's main is blocked, the Public Works Department will clear it at no expense to you. If you call a plumber before you call the Public Works Department, the plumber's fee will be your responsibility even if the blockage is in the main sewer.
Q: What if the cause of the backup is not in the main sewer?
A: If the cause of the backup is somewhere in the service line that connects your home to the main sewer, it is the responsibility of the property owner to hire a licensed plumber to clear the blockage.
Q: Who's responsible for clearing a blockage in the service line?
A: It is the property owner's responsibility - whether the blockage can be freed by power rodding or a repair is needed. If a repair to the house connection is necessary, the owner must hire a licensed contractor to perform the work, under permit from the Village. In short, any service line problem that prevents the homeowner's sanitary sewer flow from entering the public main line is the property owner's responsibility. If the homeowner's lateral has a previous history of root problems, the Public Works Department should be notified so we may televise the public main line.
Q: Do backwater valves help prevent sewage backing up into my basement?
A: Yes. While blockages are far less predictable than sewer surcharges, the end result is essentially the same -- sewage in your basement. A backwater valve will prevent backups by allowing sewage to only flow in one direction (out of your home).
Q: Could an overhead sewer help prevent sewage backing up into my home?
A: Yes. Sewer surcharges can occur when rainwater enters the sanitary sewer system. An overhead sewer will prevent backups as it discharges out of the home at a higher elevation than the manhole in the street.
Click here for more Red Light Camera information
Have more questions? Email them to tkennedy@vodolton.org. 