Utilities

Water Department  |  Detention Basin

The Detention Basin handles all of the wastewater and storm water for the City of Whiting. Since the City of Whiting does not operate a wastewater treatment facility, the water is pumped to the City of Hammond for treatment. Whiting's Detention Basin has a 30 million gallon holding basin, which allows it to store water during periods of heavy rainfall. The Basin operation is manned 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. The Detention Basin operation falls under the jurisdiction of the Whiting Board of Sanitary Commissioners who meet each month on the 1st Wednesday following the 3rd Monday.

Current Schedule of Rates and Charges for Sewer Users

Summer Sprinkling Credit
Residential customers receive a reduced wastewater charge during the summer months of June, July and August.  This charge is based on the average of your water usage during the winter months of December, January and February.  You will see the wastewater sprinkling credit on the bills you receive in July, August and September.  For further information contact the Water Department office at 659-6200.

Sewer Service Line Responsibilities
The sewer lines that serve your home or business have defined levels of responsibility.  In short, the property owner maintains a portion of the lines and the City maintains a portion.  Each year, the City of Whiting will distribute a brochure outlining these responsibilities to each customer and the brochures are also available at the Cashier's Office in Whiting City Hall.  To review a short description of a homeowner's responsibilities - Click Here.

Staff
Paul Tumo, Utilities Director
Tom Mashura - Group Leader
4 Plant Operators

Contact Information
1500 Central Avenue
Whiting, Indiana 46394
219-659-2725
219-659-1870 (Fax)
E-Mail:

Residential Sewer Service Lines
Owners are responsible for the installation and cleaning of the sewer service line from the building to the sewer main in the street.  Owners are only responsible for repairs to the outside sewer line from the building to the property line (see drawing for an example).  The City of Whiting cannot make a repair on private property.

• The property line is typically the building edge of the sidewalk, but in some cases this may not always be true.
• In situations where the concrete sidewalk must be removed to repair the sewer line, the City will repair the sidewalk after the work has been completed at the City’s expense.
• The City of Whiting advises the hiring of a professional contractor who is licensed in the City of Whiting to repair or investigate all sewer problems.  A list of licensed contractors can be obtained from the Clerk-Treasurer’s office or by visiting the City’s web site by clicking here.
• If a hired professional contractor incurs problems which indicate liability to the City,  the plumber will be required to complete a certification form before the City can consider a reimbursement to the property owner.  The property owner will also need to file a Notice of Claim before a reimbursement can be processed.  It is also recommended that the property owner contact the City Utilities Director at 659-0407 so a field inspection to verify the problem can be scheduled.

Plumber Certification Form for Sewer Line Reimbursement - Click Here

Sewer Service Line Reimbursement Notice of Claim Form - Click Here

Additional Information

• The City of Whiting does not provide sewer rodding servicesand these services are the responsibility of the homeowner.
• Please report all plugged or blocked catch basins (street drains) to the Street Department at 659-1219.
• If you experience a sewer problem during heavy rainfall, please contact the Utilities Director at 659-0407 ASAP.

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