Board Byline: The Progress We’ve Made in 2025

This year, six capital improvement projects started throughout our service area—each reflecting our commitment as board members to protect public health and provide excellent service to our customers.

It’s easy to take for granted the everyday essentials —like safe drinking water and reliable wastewater treatment —that keep our community running. Maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure is vital to ensuring these services remain dependable for decades to come.

Read the full newsletter to learn more about some of the projects currently underway as we continue working toward our long-term improvement goals. Thank you to our customers for your continued support and patience as we carry out this important work.

New Online Billing System Launching December 1

Next month, we’ll transition to Xpress Bill Pay as our new online bill payment provider. Here’s what to expect:

Early November (now): This is your heads-up that a change is coming.

Late November: Online bill pay customers will receive an email with instructions for setting up a new Xpress Bill Pay account.

December 1: Xpress Bill Pay goes live for Oak Lodge—you can start paying your bill there!

If you currently pay your bill online

You’ll need to create a new Xpress Bill Pay account to continue paying online. We’ll send detailed instructions to make setup easy, and our staff will be available if you need help.

If you’re enrolled in autopay

You’ll still need to create a new account and re-enable autopay in the new system. Payments will no longer be processed through the old system after January 1, with a brief transition period in December to give customers time to switch.

Why you’ll love Xpress Bill Pay

Enjoy convenient features like personalized due date reminders, faster payment posting times, and enhanced security protections.

Learn more about Xpress Bill Pay on our website: www.OakLodgeWaterServices.org/XBP

Get Winter-Ready!

Find your water shut-off valve before freezing weather strikes

Know how to turn off the water to your house in case of an emergency, such as a burst pipe.

Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease (F.O.G.) down the drain during holiday dinners

Fatty or oily substances, like gravy, can harden in pipes, leading to blockages (and costly plumbing repairs). Instead, let them cool, then use a spoon or spatula to scrape them into a lidded container for disposal in the trash.

Remember: your winter water use sets your wastewater rates for next year

Oak Lodge uses a winter averaging system, meaning the amount of water you use during the winter months determines your wastewater bill for the following year.

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER