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289 Danforth Street Coopersville, Michigan 49404 Ottawa County United States of America |
Phone: 616-997-9731 Fax: 616-997-0088 Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Water & Sewer Department
The Coopersville Water Department is happy to have you as a customer. Our goal is to serve you, the people of Coopersville, by providing high quality water and wastewater services, by protecting public health and by acting in the best interest of our environment.
We hope that this web site will provide some information about our services but if there is anything we can do to better serve you, please let us know. You can stop by our offices or give us a call at (616) 997-9731.
We hope that this web site will provide some information about our services but if there is anything we can do to better serve you, please let us know. You can stop by our offices or give us a call at (616) 997-9731.
Water Shutoff Fees IncreasedOn August 13, 2018, Coopersville City Council approved to increase water shutoff fees effectively immediately. The fees increased to $50.00 each instance (turn off/turn on), for a total of $100.00 plus the cost of the outstanding water bill. The city has 24 hours to restore service after the bill is paid in full. Please use drop box for payment if city offices are closed.
2019 Annual Quality Report
The 2019 Annual Water Quality Report describing the source and quality of your drinking water is now available. To receive a paper copy in the mail, contact Coopersville City Hall, 616-997-9731. Go Green. Go Paperless.Help save natural resources and sign up for paperless utility bills. We'll send your water/sewer bill by e-mail. Sign up today. Download and complete the form and return to City Hall.
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Utility Billing Rates
Service Charge: Each user shall pay a service charge for the operation, maintenance and repair of the system in the amount of: Water: $3.471/100cf + $12.00 (Service Charge per Billing Period) Sewer: $2.8798/100cf + $12.00 (Service Charge per Billing Period) Water Turn Off Fee: $50.00 during normal hours of operation. $75.00 after normal hours of operation. Water Turn On Fee: $50.00 during normal hours of operation. $75.00 after normal hours of operation. You can now look up your Utility Bills and payment history here.
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Automatic Payments of Utility Bills
Stop writing checks! Avoid late fees! No more remembering to stop at City Hall to pay your utility bill! (Not that we don’t like to see you!)
Having your utility bill automatically deducted from your checking or savings account on the due date is the easiest way to pay your bill. When you receive your water bill, it will show the amount due and remind you not to pay it; but it will be deducted from your bank account.
Just complete the ‘Automatic Payment (ACH)’ enrollment form. Drop it off at the Administrative Offices, fax it to 616-997-6679 or mail it to the Water Department, 289 Danforth Street, Coopersville, MI 49404.
Stop writing checks! Avoid late fees! No more remembering to stop at City Hall to pay your utility bill! (Not that we don’t like to see you!)
Having your utility bill automatically deducted from your checking or savings account on the due date is the easiest way to pay your bill. When you receive your water bill, it will show the amount due and remind you not to pay it; but it will be deducted from your bank account.
Just complete the ‘Automatic Payment (ACH)’ enrollment form. Drop it off at the Administrative Offices, fax it to 616-997-6679 or mail it to the Water Department, 289 Danforth Street, Coopersville, MI 49404.
Is it safe and secure?
Yes, both the City of Coopersville and our financial institution are required to keep your banking information confidential.
Will I still receive a bill?
Yes, you will simply no longer need to write a check to make your payment. The payment will be automatically deducted on the due date as indicated on your bill.
Yes, both the City of Coopersville and our financial institution are required to keep your banking information confidential.
Will I still receive a bill?
Yes, you will simply no longer need to write a check to make your payment. The payment will be automatically deducted on the due date as indicated on your bill.
What if I don't agree with the amount charged?
Contact Customer Service at 997-2114 as you normally would with a billing question. You will need to contact us within 10 days of the billing date to allow time to resolve concerns before the payment due date.
Once I send in this form will my next bill be paid automatically?
NOT NECESSARILY. You will need to allow 30 days for your enrollment to be processed. Continue to pay as you normally would until your bill shows that you have been signed up for automatic payment.
What if I change banks or accounts?
You will need to submit a new enrollment form. Contact Water Customer Service at 997-2114 and we will send one to you. Or print the enrollment form (PDF) above.
What if my payment is returned by the bank?
Payments may be returned by a financial institution for insufficient funds, closed accounts or other reasons. If your payment is returned for any reason you will be charged a processing fee. The City reserves the right to discontinue your participation in the program. If your payment is rejected more than once in a six month period. Your financial institution may also charge fees for rejected payments.
Contact Customer Service at 997-2114 as you normally would with a billing question. You will need to contact us within 10 days of the billing date to allow time to resolve concerns before the payment due date.
Once I send in this form will my next bill be paid automatically?
NOT NECESSARILY. You will need to allow 30 days for your enrollment to be processed. Continue to pay as you normally would until your bill shows that you have been signed up for automatic payment.
What if I change banks or accounts?
You will need to submit a new enrollment form. Contact Water Customer Service at 997-2114 and we will send one to you. Or print the enrollment form (PDF) above.
What if my payment is returned by the bank?
Payments may be returned by a financial institution for insufficient funds, closed accounts or other reasons. If your payment is returned for any reason you will be charged a processing fee. The City reserves the right to discontinue your participation in the program. If your payment is rejected more than once in a six month period. Your financial institution may also charge fees for rejected payments.
On-line Credit Card Water Bill Payments
As part of our commitment to provide the citizens of Coopersville with efficient and convenient services, we are pleased to announce that the City of Coopersville has partnered with G2G Cloud Solutions to offer you the option of electronic payments.
Paying utility bills electronically allows consumers to take advantage of card rewards, payment flexibility, convenience, and safety. This service is safe and reliable and in accordance with state and government regulations.
Click here to access the credit card payment site.
An Enhanced Access fee is charged on the transaction amount. The consumer is notified of this fee before their payment is made. The convenience fee is NOT revenue for the City of Coopersville, but a service fee charged by G2G Cloud Solutions.
As part of our commitment to provide the citizens of Coopersville with efficient and convenient services, we are pleased to announce that the City of Coopersville has partnered with G2G Cloud Solutions to offer you the option of electronic payments.
Paying utility bills electronically allows consumers to take advantage of card rewards, payment flexibility, convenience, and safety. This service is safe and reliable and in accordance with state and government regulations.
Click here to access the credit card payment site.
An Enhanced Access fee is charged on the transaction amount. The consumer is notified of this fee before their payment is made. The convenience fee is NOT revenue for the City of Coopersville, but a service fee charged by G2G Cloud Solutions.
Billing Information
Water and sewer is billed according to usage. Water and sewer bills are mailed as noted in the chart below. A penalty of 10% of the current charges for water and sewer will be added to any account paid after the due date.
*Dates are Approximate
Past Due and Shut Notices are mailed following the due dates.
Water and sewer is billed according to usage. Water and sewer bills are mailed as noted in the chart below. A penalty of 10% of the current charges for water and sewer will be added to any account paid after the due date.
*Dates are Approximate
Past Due and Shut Notices are mailed following the due dates.
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Billing Period
November - January January - March March - May May - July July - September September - November Past Due Notices Mailed
February 11th April 11th June 11th August 11th October 11th December 10th |
Begin Meter Reading
January 1st March 1st May 1st July 1st September 1st November 1st Past Due Payment Date February 20th
April 20th June 20th August 20th October 20th December 20th |
Mailing Date
*January 15th *March 15th *May 15th *July 15th *September 15th *November 15th Shut Off Notices Mailed
February 21st April 21st June 21st August 21st October 21st December 21st |
Due Date
February 10th April 10th June 10th August 10th October 10th December 10th Shut Off Scheduled For
March 2nd April 30th June 30th August 30th October 30th December 30th |
Occasionally you may receive an estimated bill. An estimated bill is generated by our computerized billing system when circumstances such as inclement weather, inaccessible or obstructed equipment, locked gates so that our service personnel are unable to read the meter, or if the meter is broken. We may also estimate usage when there are questionable changes in current consumption compared to historical usage.
A bill that is higher than expected, but not due to outside watering, may indicate leaking toilets or pipes. In fact, one leaking toilet can lose a lot of water. One way to check for leaks in the toilet is to put some liquid food coloring into the top of your toilet tank, wait at least 20 minutes, and then check the toilet bowl. If the color has seeped into the bowl, you have a toilet leak. Also make sure that outside hose bibbs and faucets aret turned off.
Tracking your water usage is as simple as tracking the mileage on your car. Just take a look at your water meter and read the numbers on the dial. To determine your water usage, subtract your previous reading from your current reading.
We offer property inspections to help you determine whether a plumbing fixture is leaking. However, city personnel will not do any repair on your plumbing or fix leaks. If you suspect a leak, we encourage you to contact a plumber. A delay in investigating the reasons for increased consumption at a property can result in a future high bill.
The City may shut off and discontinue the supply of water to any premises for nonpayment of water and sewer charges when due. If water or sewer charges for services furnished to any premises are not paid within thirty days after the due date thereof, water service to such premises will be shut off and discontinued and will not be restored until all such charges and penalties have been paid.
All questions regarding your utility bill should be directed to the Water Department at (616) 997-2114. If you are moving, be sure to call for a final reading on your account. The Water Department will need a forwarding address for the final billing.
A bill that is higher than expected, but not due to outside watering, may indicate leaking toilets or pipes. In fact, one leaking toilet can lose a lot of water. One way to check for leaks in the toilet is to put some liquid food coloring into the top of your toilet tank, wait at least 20 minutes, and then check the toilet bowl. If the color has seeped into the bowl, you have a toilet leak. Also make sure that outside hose bibbs and faucets aret turned off.
Tracking your water usage is as simple as tracking the mileage on your car. Just take a look at your water meter and read the numbers on the dial. To determine your water usage, subtract your previous reading from your current reading.
We offer property inspections to help you determine whether a plumbing fixture is leaking. However, city personnel will not do any repair on your plumbing or fix leaks. If you suspect a leak, we encourage you to contact a plumber. A delay in investigating the reasons for increased consumption at a property can result in a future high bill.
The City may shut off and discontinue the supply of water to any premises for nonpayment of water and sewer charges when due. If water or sewer charges for services furnished to any premises are not paid within thirty days after the due date thereof, water service to such premises will be shut off and discontinued and will not be restored until all such charges and penalties have been paid.
All questions regarding your utility bill should be directed to the Water Department at (616) 997-2114. If you are moving, be sure to call for a final reading on your account. The Water Department will need a forwarding address for the final billing.
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Call 911 and the appropriate service personnel will be notified.
Emergency services are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Call 911 and the appropriate service personnel will be notified.
Water Only Accounts
Water only accounts are available by contacting the Water Department at 997-9731. A water only account would monitor all water used on the outside of the home. To establishing a water only account:
A plumbing permit is required so that internal and external water usage can be monitored separately. Includes inspection by a city official.
Purchase of an additional water meter so that the usage could be monitored separately from the usage of water and sewer. Call the water department of current fees for a second meter.
Trunkage fees would also be charged (based on a 5/8” meter) in the amount of $500.00 or current day rate.
Each billing period, two bills would be sent. One bill is for water and sewer usage inside the home and the other bill is for water only outside of the home.
Water only accounts are available by contacting the Water Department at 997-9731. A water only account would monitor all water used on the outside of the home. To establishing a water only account:
A plumbing permit is required so that internal and external water usage can be monitored separately. Includes inspection by a city official.
Purchase of an additional water meter so that the usage could be monitored separately from the usage of water and sewer. Call the water department of current fees for a second meter.
Trunkage fees would also be charged (based on a 5/8” meter) in the amount of $500.00 or current day rate.
Each billing period, two bills would be sent. One bill is for water and sewer usage inside the home and the other bill is for water only outside of the home.
Coopersville Water Distribution System
In 1978, Coopersville completed construction of a water main that connected to the Grand Rapids water system. The resulting water distribution system consists of over 12 miles of water mains, two 250,000 gallon elevated storage tanks and a supply main with a metering and booster station in Allendale. The station regulates the amount of water distributed to Coopersville to allow the elevated storage tanks to fill and empty over their normal operating range. The booster pumps are designed to maintain adequate pressure for transmission of water from the Grand Rapids main to the City of Coopersville during periods when the Grand Rapids booster station is not operating. Significant unused capacity is available within the City’s water system.
Over the last decade, Coopersville water system has been extended so that it services 99% of the residential and commercial facilities. It also has been upgraded to eliminate smaller water mains.
Water samples from different locations are taken weekly to the Lake Michigan filtration plant for bacterial analysis. Once a year all the water valves are closed and reopened, as well as the flushing and testing of fire hydrants.
In 1978, Coopersville completed construction of a water main that connected to the Grand Rapids water system. The resulting water distribution system consists of over 12 miles of water mains, two 250,000 gallon elevated storage tanks and a supply main with a metering and booster station in Allendale. The station regulates the amount of water distributed to Coopersville to allow the elevated storage tanks to fill and empty over their normal operating range. The booster pumps are designed to maintain adequate pressure for transmission of water from the Grand Rapids main to the City of Coopersville during periods when the Grand Rapids booster station is not operating. Significant unused capacity is available within the City’s water system.
Over the last decade, Coopersville water system has been extended so that it services 99% of the residential and commercial facilities. It also has been upgraded to eliminate smaller water mains.
Water samples from different locations are taken weekly to the Lake Michigan filtration plant for bacterial analysis. Once a year all the water valves are closed and reopened, as well as the flushing and testing of fire hydrants.
Cross Connection Control Program
When cross connection or faulty backflow protection devices exist within the public water system, the public drinking water is compromised. Cross connection is an arrangement of piping which could allow undesirable water to enter your water system as a result of backflow. State law requires the City of Coopersville to inspect commercial and industrial facilities within the city limits to ensure the safety of the city’s water system. The City Council approved the Cross Connection Program in
2002 and personnel from the Water Department continue to inspect facilities for compliance.
The city recommends that homeowners consider cross connection within their homes. Areas of concern would be underground sprinkling lines, private wells hooked to homeowner’s water system or outside hose spigot without the proper vacuum breaker. If you have any questions or would like further information, please call the Water Department at (616) 997-9731.
When cross connection or faulty backflow protection devices exist within the public water system, the public drinking water is compromised. Cross connection is an arrangement of piping which could allow undesirable water to enter your water system as a result of backflow. State law requires the City of Coopersville to inspect commercial and industrial facilities within the city limits to ensure the safety of the city’s water system. The City Council approved the Cross Connection Program in
2002 and personnel from the Water Department continue to inspect facilities for compliance.
The city recommends that homeowners consider cross connection within their homes. Areas of concern would be underground sprinkling lines, private wells hooked to homeowner’s water system or outside hose spigot without the proper vacuum breaker. If you have any questions or would like further information, please call the Water Department at (616) 997-9731.
Avoid Frozen Water Lines
Here are a few tips to keep your water flowing freely all winter:
Disconnect all hoses from outside faucets.
Eliminate drafts around your home, especially where the water service enters the household.
Insulate pipes; use weatherproof insulation or heat tape.
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from an indoor faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipes, at a pencil width, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Protect and insulate the water meter.
Should pipes become frozen, it is recommended to either allow for normal thawing or use a handheld hair dryer. Never use a torch or open flame of any kind on water pipes. Before the thawing process, determine where the shut-off valve is and turn it off. This valve is usually located next to the water meter. During the thawing process, carefully notice water leaking from pipes and joints. New leaks may develop from frozen pipes that have become damaged due to the expansion of water as it freezes.
If the service line is frozen, thawing the line is your responsibility. The City will not be responsible for frozen lines. Please be sure to contract a licensed and insured plumber to thaw your lines.
Here are a few tips to keep your water flowing freely all winter:
Disconnect all hoses from outside faucets.
Eliminate drafts around your home, especially where the water service enters the household.
Insulate pipes; use weatherproof insulation or heat tape.
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from an indoor faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipes, at a pencil width, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Protect and insulate the water meter.
Should pipes become frozen, it is recommended to either allow for normal thawing or use a handheld hair dryer. Never use a torch or open flame of any kind on water pipes. Before the thawing process, determine where the shut-off valve is and turn it off. This valve is usually located next to the water meter. During the thawing process, carefully notice water leaking from pipes and joints. New leaks may develop from frozen pipes that have become damaged due to the expansion of water as it freezes.
If the service line is frozen, thawing the line is your responsibility. The City will not be responsible for frozen lines. Please be sure to contract a licensed and insured plumber to thaw your lines.
Water Conservation Information - Water costs money… Don’t waste it!
In the Bathroom…
Two-thirds of the water used in an average home is used in the bathroom, so it’s probably where you can most reduce your usage.
Too many people take 20 minute showers – using five to 10 gallons per minute. That’s a lot of wasted water. Take shorter showers and use low-flow shower heads, which can reduce excessive water use by as much as two-thirds. For baths, fill the tub only half way. That can save up to 25 gallons of water.
A toilet uses a lot of water – two to seven gallons for each flush – so never use it as a garbage can. Gum wrappers, cigarette butts, spiders, diapers or anything that can be discarded into the garbage can should not go into the toilet. Installing a toilet dam is also very effective in saving water.
In the Laundry Room…
A washing machine uses 40 or more gallons of water per load, so save up for a full load and makes your water work efficiently. If your machine can be adjusted, remember to reset the water level for smaller loads.
In the Kitchen…
Automatic dishwashers use the most water in kitchens – approximately five gallons per run. Always run your dishwasher with a full load and when washing dishes in the sink, be sure not to let the water run excessively. It’s always more efficient to use one pan of soapy water for washing and a second pan of hot water for rinsing. Installing a low-flow faucet aerator can save as much as two gallons of water per minute.
Outside…
Try to water your lawn, garden and flowers before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Also, be sure your sprinklers are positioned to water your lawn and not the pavement. The use of mulch, special grouping of plants according to water needs will help conserve water. When washing your car, wet it quickly, turn off the spray, and then wash it with soapy water from a bucket. Finish by rinsing quickly. If possible wash on a grassy area. Use a broom, not the hose, to clean dirt off the pavement and driveway.
Digging or working near overhead electric wires?
Call 3-full working days before you dig:
Call Miss Dig…….1-800-482-7171 or 811
(There is no charge for this service)
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EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
1-800-426-4791
In the Bathroom…
Two-thirds of the water used in an average home is used in the bathroom, so it’s probably where you can most reduce your usage.
Too many people take 20 minute showers – using five to 10 gallons per minute. That’s a lot of wasted water. Take shorter showers and use low-flow shower heads, which can reduce excessive water use by as much as two-thirds. For baths, fill the tub only half way. That can save up to 25 gallons of water.
A toilet uses a lot of water – two to seven gallons for each flush – so never use it as a garbage can. Gum wrappers, cigarette butts, spiders, diapers or anything that can be discarded into the garbage can should not go into the toilet. Installing a toilet dam is also very effective in saving water.
In the Laundry Room…
A washing machine uses 40 or more gallons of water per load, so save up for a full load and makes your water work efficiently. If your machine can be adjusted, remember to reset the water level for smaller loads.
In the Kitchen…
Automatic dishwashers use the most water in kitchens – approximately five gallons per run. Always run your dishwasher with a full load and when washing dishes in the sink, be sure not to let the water run excessively. It’s always more efficient to use one pan of soapy water for washing and a second pan of hot water for rinsing. Installing a low-flow faucet aerator can save as much as two gallons of water per minute.
Outside…
Try to water your lawn, garden and flowers before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Also, be sure your sprinklers are positioned to water your lawn and not the pavement. The use of mulch, special grouping of plants according to water needs will help conserve water. When washing your car, wet it quickly, turn off the spray, and then wash it with soapy water from a bucket. Finish by rinsing quickly. If possible wash on a grassy area. Use a broom, not the hose, to clean dirt off the pavement and driveway.
Digging or working near overhead electric wires?
Call 3-full working days before you dig:
Call Miss Dig…….1-800-482-7171 or 811
(There is no charge for this service)
*********
EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
1-800-426-4791
Coopersville Sanitary Sewer System
The original vitrified clay sewer system was constructed in 1903. This system served the downtown area.
The next major construction occurred during the 1930’s. During this time, extensions were constructed downtown and a treatment plant was constructed on Main Street.
The sanitary sewer system and treatment facility were completely renovated in the early 1970’s. A sanitary trunk line was constructed from the lift station near I-96. A new treatment facility was constructed south of the expressway, with four wastewater lagoons.
In 1989, lagoon 1 was split into two mixing aerated lagoons utilizing floating aspirator type aerators. Chemical addition was provided in lagoons 3 and 4. The bottom two feet of each lagoon is designed for storage of chemically precipitated sludge. A building for storage and feed equipment was erected. Lagoon 5 is not involved in daily operations, but is available for emergency storage.
The majority of the sanitary sewer is 8” in diameter. The sanitary water flows into the lift station by gravity where it is then pumped under the highway to the treatment plant.
The operator at the treatment plant controls the lift station where he is able to utilize any combination of pumps to meet the current demand. The Superintendent and operators all have the ability to handle the responsibility for the entire water and sewer system if the need arises. This demands that all personnel be well trained. Some of their duties are to rebuild and maintain machinery and motors, repair and modify electrical circuits and controls, inspect sewer main construction, wastewater lab analysis and maintain buildings and grounds.
The EPA and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approve all of the treatment process. Monthly reports are submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality.
The original vitrified clay sewer system was constructed in 1903. This system served the downtown area.
The next major construction occurred during the 1930’s. During this time, extensions were constructed downtown and a treatment plant was constructed on Main Street.
The sanitary sewer system and treatment facility were completely renovated in the early 1970’s. A sanitary trunk line was constructed from the lift station near I-96. A new treatment facility was constructed south of the expressway, with four wastewater lagoons.
In 1989, lagoon 1 was split into two mixing aerated lagoons utilizing floating aspirator type aerators. Chemical addition was provided in lagoons 3 and 4. The bottom two feet of each lagoon is designed for storage of chemically precipitated sludge. A building for storage and feed equipment was erected. Lagoon 5 is not involved in daily operations, but is available for emergency storage.
The majority of the sanitary sewer is 8” in diameter. The sanitary water flows into the lift station by gravity where it is then pumped under the highway to the treatment plant.
The operator at the treatment plant controls the lift station where he is able to utilize any combination of pumps to meet the current demand. The Superintendent and operators all have the ability to handle the responsibility for the entire water and sewer system if the need arises. This demands that all personnel be well trained. Some of their duties are to rebuild and maintain machinery and motors, repair and modify electrical circuits and controls, inspect sewer main construction, wastewater lab analysis and maintain buildings and grounds.
The EPA and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approve all of the treatment process. Monthly reports are submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality.
Sewer Blockages and Backups
Grease blockages in sewer pipes are common causes of sewage overflows and basement backups. Grease is a byproduct of cooking and comes from meat fats, oils, shortening, butter, margarine, food scraps, sauces and dairy products. Help yourself, your neighbor and the environment and never pour grease down the drain. Remember that home garbage disposals do not protect your (or our) plumbing system from grease. Pour cooled grease into cans and dispose of in the trash.
Never pour grease down sinks or toilets.
Scrape grease and food scraps into the trash.
Put baskets/strainers in sinks to catch food scraps.
Empty strainers into the trash.
Using some de-greasing products may simply pass it down the line and cause problems elsewhere.
Another way to minimize sewer backups is to place paper towels, feminine products and diapers in the trash – never down the toilet. Help yourself, your neighbor and the environment! Sewage Disposal/Storm Water System Event In the event that you experience sewage/storm water coming up a drain in your home, water leakage in the area of the water meter, on the service running into the house, or from the water main out in the street immediately call the Water and Sewer Department for the City of Coopersville at 997-9731 or after hours call 911.
What do I do first?
Call the Water and Sewer Department at 997-9731. Service personnel will assist in determining the cause of the backup and will give you further directions.
What are the dangers?
DO NOT walk in standing water in your basement if the water is over electrical outlets. Have the electric company shut off the electricity (toll free 800-477-5050).
DO NOT touch the fuse box or any plugged-in cords in appliances until the electricity is shut off. Touching these or any other electrical source could result in electrocution.
DO NOT relight gas appliances until checked by the gas company (toll free 800-303-0752).
DO NOT light matches until the gas is turned off.
How Do I Begin Clean Up?
Much of the damage that occurs can be minimized if action is taken immediately.
Claims Policy
After service personnel from the city have been to your home and determined that a sewer backup or storm water incident has occurred, the city clerk will provide you with a claim form. Once you complete the claim form, please forward the form and supporting documentation to the City Clerk at 289 Danforth Street, Coopersville MI 49404. If the City’s responsibility is established, all claims will be adjusted on an “actual cash value” basis.
Definition: Sewage Disposal System means all interceptor sewers, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, combined sanitary and storm sewers, sewage treatment plants, and all other plants, works instrumentalities, and properties used or useful in connection with the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage and industrial wastes, and includes a storm water drain system under the jurisdiction and control of a government agency.
Adopted: November 25, 2002
Revised: June, 2004
Grease blockages in sewer pipes are common causes of sewage overflows and basement backups. Grease is a byproduct of cooking and comes from meat fats, oils, shortening, butter, margarine, food scraps, sauces and dairy products. Help yourself, your neighbor and the environment and never pour grease down the drain. Remember that home garbage disposals do not protect your (or our) plumbing system from grease. Pour cooled grease into cans and dispose of in the trash.
Never pour grease down sinks or toilets.
Scrape grease and food scraps into the trash.
Put baskets/strainers in sinks to catch food scraps.
Empty strainers into the trash.
Using some de-greasing products may simply pass it down the line and cause problems elsewhere.
Another way to minimize sewer backups is to place paper towels, feminine products and diapers in the trash – never down the toilet. Help yourself, your neighbor and the environment! Sewage Disposal/Storm Water System Event In the event that you experience sewage/storm water coming up a drain in your home, water leakage in the area of the water meter, on the service running into the house, or from the water main out in the street immediately call the Water and Sewer Department for the City of Coopersville at 997-9731 or after hours call 911.
What do I do first?
Call the Water and Sewer Department at 997-9731. Service personnel will assist in determining the cause of the backup and will give you further directions.
What are the dangers?
DO NOT walk in standing water in your basement if the water is over electrical outlets. Have the electric company shut off the electricity (toll free 800-477-5050).
DO NOT touch the fuse box or any plugged-in cords in appliances until the electricity is shut off. Touching these or any other electrical source could result in electrocution.
DO NOT relight gas appliances until checked by the gas company (toll free 800-303-0752).
DO NOT light matches until the gas is turned off.
How Do I Begin Clean Up?
Much of the damage that occurs can be minimized if action is taken immediately.
- Ventilate the area affected.
- Do not dispose of any personal property until it has been inspected by the city and you have been advised to do so.
- Remove items that absorb odors.
- For cleaning, use a disinfectant cleaning solution on all areas affected by the backup.
- Clothing can be saved if washed soon. Discarded clothing should be placed in a tightly closed container. Stuffed furniture, mattresses or toys can be dried out if water touched them and they were removed quickly to a dry area.
Claims Policy
After service personnel from the city have been to your home and determined that a sewer backup or storm water incident has occurred, the city clerk will provide you with a claim form. Once you complete the claim form, please forward the form and supporting documentation to the City Clerk at 289 Danforth Street, Coopersville MI 49404. If the City’s responsibility is established, all claims will be adjusted on an “actual cash value” basis.
Definition: Sewage Disposal System means all interceptor sewers, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, combined sanitary and storm sewers, sewage treatment plants, and all other plants, works instrumentalities, and properties used or useful in connection with the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage and industrial wastes, and includes a storm water drain system under the jurisdiction and control of a government agency.
Adopted: November 25, 2002
Revised: June, 2004
