Frequently Asked Questions

There is no charge for trimming or removing a hazardous, diseased, or dead tree which is within the public road right-of-way. Questions may be directed to the Streets Department at 262-473-0560.

Common questions are for pharmaceuticals, engine fluids, and paint products. The City has a pharmaceutical drop off box in the entryway of the municipal building for pharmaceuticals.

Jefferson County and Walworth County also have Clean Sweep programs in place to accept old medications and household chemicals. These programs should be utilized annually as City Ordinance 16.14.575 prohibits the above discharges. For more Information call Walworth County at 262-741-3367 or Jefferson County at 920-674-7430. 

Now closed for the season!

 Regular Hours of Operation

• Saturdays | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays | 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 Important Notes

• Whitewater residents only.
• Yard waste must be emptied from containers; containers must be taken home.
• Residents may take compost or wood chips (self-load).
• A loader is available for wood chips on the first Saturday of each month.
• Arrive early enough to unload—the site closes promptly at posted times.

🚫 Reminder:
 Per City Ordinance 12.08.010, depositing yard waste on city streets or right-of-way’s is prohibited, except on designated days.

 📍 Location: 599 N. Jefferson St.
📞 Questions? Call Public Works at 262-473-0560

Most, but not all, water leaks come from a toilet that is leaking or sticking. In most cases you will not be able to hear the leak. A small leak can rob you of 500 gallons per day or more.

Have a qualified person check for leaks, call the Water Utility Billing Department at 262-473-1383 or the Water Utility at 262-473-0560.

Most street lights are owned and maintained by WE-Energies.  To report a light that needs maintenance go to https://www.we-energies.com/services/streetlight. Otherwise, call the Streets Department at 262-473-0560.

The city routinely trims trees on a four or five year cycle. Trimming is done for the health of the tree and to prevent hazardous conditions for pedestrians and vehicles. The city will remove a hazardous, diseased, or dead tree as necessary. Questions may be directed to the Department of Public Works by calling 262-473-0560.

From time to time you may experience "rusty" water. This is usually caused by:

• Hydrant flushing
• Someone using a large flow of water in a short time
• Unauthorized hydrant use
• A water main break

This water is bacteriologically safe to drink, but unpleasant to look at. This situation can be solved by running your cold water until it clears up. Call the Water Department at 262-473-0560.

Make sure you call the Water Utility billing office at 262-473-1383 to order a "final" reading for water and sewer charges.

The Wastewater Utility has programs in place to accept septage and holding wastes. Other wastes such as leachates and specialty wastes (i.e. remediation site waste, pit waters) can utilize the facility if the waste is approved by city personnel after analysis. RV waste is also accepted at the facility for a nominal fee.

Please call the Water Utility billing office at 262-473-1383 regarding any questions on your water/sewer bill.

You bet it is! Municipal water is regulated by both the Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency. View a copy of the water quality report (PDF) from the Municipal Building.

According to City Ordinance 16.14.570, it is illegal to discharge sump flows into the sanitary sewer. On a cumulative basis this overloads the collection system. Perhaps causing problems for your neighbors and/or city facilities. Sump pump discharges should be routed to the curb line for discharge to the stormwater system.

Planting of terrace trees is the responsibility of the city. For more information please call the Forestry Department at 262-473-0560.

Brush chipping is every Tuesday, all year. Residents are asked to call the Department of Public Works at 262-473-0560 to make an appointment. Please leave your name, address and phone number when requesting brush. Appointments must be made by 12:00 noon on the Monday before the Tuesday collection day.  

View City of Whitewater's Brush Collection Policy (PDF).

View information about sewer backups in the home. You may call the Wastewater Utility at 262-473-0560 to report your issue. Click on the list of area plumbers (PDF).