Moving to a new home in Strum or Eleva comes with plenty of to-dos. One of the most important is making sure your utilities are ready the day you arrive. When you know who serves your address and what steps to take, you can avoid delays, deposits you didn’t expect, or a cold first night without internet.

This guide walks you through setting up electric, heat, water and sewer, and internet for in-village addresses. You’ll also learn what changes when your home is outside village limits with a private well and septic. You’ll get checklists, timelines, and the right questions to ask. Let’s dive in.

Your fast utility checklist

• 2+ weeks before move
  • Contact the village clerk or public works to open your municipal water and sewer account if your address is in the village.
  • Identify your electric and gas or propane provider. Ask the seller for recent bills.
  • Check internet availability by address and compare installation timelines.
• 7–14 days before
  • Place service start requests and confirm any deposits or ID needed.
  • Schedule well water testing and a septic inspection if your property is rural and you are still in the inspection period.
• Move-in day
  • Take clear photos of all meter readings.
  • Confirm service activation and note any outages.
• 30 days after
  • Verify final bills from your old address and update mailing and billing details.
  • Set up autopay and outage notifications if offered.

Electric service: how to start

Village homes are typically served by an investor-owned utility or a regional cooperative. You will need to open an account with the correct provider and give your service start date.

• Find your provider
  • Ask the seller for the most recent electric bill to confirm the utility and account number.
  • If you do not have a bill, call the village clerk or public works to confirm which utility serves your address. You can also check state utility territory resources.
• Set up service
  • Call the utility to request activation or transfer, provide ID, and confirm any deposit.
  • Ask about the billing cycle, how to report outages, and how long activation takes.
• Move-in tip
  • Take a photo of the meter reading the moment you arrive. Keep the utility’s outage number in your phone.

Questions to ask your utility:

• Do you require a deposit or credit check? How much and when is it refunded?
• What rate plans are available and are there time-of-use options?
• How do I enroll in outage alerts and electronic billing?

Heat: natural gas or propane

Natural gas pipeline service is not universal in this part of western Wisconsin. Some streets have mains, while others rely on propane.

• Check availability
  • Ask the village clerk or utility which service is available on your street. The seller’s bill can also confirm.
• If natural gas is available
  • Contact the gas utility to establish service and schedule any required meter or regulator check.
• If propane is required
  • Call local propane suppliers for quotes, delivery timing, and tank options. Decide if you will lease a tank or purchase one.

Questions to ask:

• For gas: Will you perform a safety check before activation? How quickly can service start?
• For propane: What are tank lease terms, first-fill cost, and emergency delivery policies? What clearances are required for tank placement?

Municipal water and sewer in the villages

If your home is in Strum or Eleva, water and sewer are billed by the village utility. These accounts are separate from electric or gas.

• Open your account
  • Contact the village clerk or public works to set your start date, provide ID, and confirm any deposit.
  • Ask how meter reads work, how often you are billed, and payment due dates.
• Know responsibilities
  • Confirm who is responsible for the curb stop, water service lateral, and sewer lateral. Rules vary by municipality and by where a problem occurs.
• Ask for reports
  • Request the village’s annual Consumer Confidence Report for water quality and ask how wastewater charges are calculated.

Internet and phone options

Service can vary by block. Options may include cable internet, DSL, fiber where available, fixed wireless, or satellite for more remote areas.

• Check availability by address
  • Ask neighbors or the village hall which providers serve your street.
  • Verify options with multiple ISPs and ask for typical speeds and installation lead times.
• Schedule installation
  • Confirm whether a self-install is possible or if a technician visit is required.
  • For fixed wireless, verify line-of-sight and any outdoor equipment needs.

Key questions to ask providers:

• What typical upload and download speeds do you deliver at this address?
• Are there installation fees, equipment rental charges, or data caps?
• What is the service-level agreement for outages and repairs?

Rural properties: wells, septic, propane, and internet

If your home is outside village limits, you will likely manage a private well, a private septic system, and propane. Plan for a few extra steps during your inspection period and first month.

Private wells: testing and records

• Your responsibility
  • Private wells are owned and maintained by the homeowner. Testing and maintenance are up to you.
• What to test and when
  • Test for total coliform bacteria and nitrates during your purchase inspection. Test for bacteria annually after that. Consider testing for other contaminants when recommended by local health professionals.
• Who can help
  • Use certified labs and licensed well contractors. Your county health or extension office can provide lists.
• Buyer steps
  • Request the well log and maintenance records from the seller.
  • If water fails testing, review remediation options with a qualified contractor and discuss cost allocations within your purchase terms.

Septic systems: inspection and maintenance

• Your responsibility
  • Private septic systems are regulated at the county level, but the homeowner maintains and services the system.
• Inspection and pumping
  • Arrange a septic inspection during your contingency period. Pumping every 3 to 5 years is a common recommendation, depending on tank size and household use.
• Permits and transfers
  • Trempealeau County agencies handle sanitary permits, siting, and standards for replacement. Some transactions require transfer inspections or specific documentation.
• Warning signs
  • Watch for slow drains, odors, soggy spots over the drain field, or backups. These can signal repair or replacement needs.

Propane and backup power

• Fuel planning
  • Local propane companies can set up tank lease or purchase and schedule deliveries. Ask about price protection plans and emergency delivery policies.
• Backup generators
  • Many rural homeowners use portable or standby generators. Professional installation and a transfer switch are important for safety.

Rural internet alternatives

• Fixed wireless and satellite
  • Fixed wireless can be a strong option with lower latency than satellite. Satellite can serve areas with no terrestrial service, though data caps and latency vary.
• Future expansion
  • State and federal broadband programs sometimes fund service expansion through co-ops or ISPs. This can help with long-term planning.

Permits, timing, and who to call

• Start here for village services
  • Contact the Village of Strum or Village of Eleva clerk or public works to open water and sewer accounts and to confirm which electric or gas utility serves your address.
• County-level items
  • Reach out to Trempealeau County zoning, land conservation, or environmental health for septic permits, transfer rules, and standards.
• State guidance
  • The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides information on private wells and drinking water safety. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission offers consumer information and utility territory resources.
• Internet resources
  • The Wisconsin Broadband Office and FCC broadband tools can help verify providers and advertised speeds by address.
• Timelines to expect
  • Electric and internet activations usually take a few days to two weeks, depending on installation requirements.
  • Propane deliveries are often available within days. Tank installation or swap can extend timing.
  • Well drilling or septic replacement can take weeks to months because of soil tests, permitting, and contractor schedules.
• Safety notes
  • Never attempt to repair or alter gas lines. Call your gas utility or propane company if you suspect a leak.
  • Keep meters, tanks, and curb stops accessible. Note their locations at closing.

Costs and deposits to plan for

• Utilities may require a deposit, especially if you have limited credit history. Ask when deposits are returned.
• Propane setup can include a tank lease or purchase plus a first fill. A tank transfer may reduce upfront costs.
• Budget for inspection contingencies. Well pumps, filtration, septic repair, or replacement can be significant expenses.

What to request from the seller

• Copies of the most recent utility bills for electric, gas or propane, and water and sewer.
• Well log, septic permits, pump records, and maintenance receipts.
• Manuals and warranty details for the furnace, water heater, well pump, softener, internet router, and any generators.
• Account numbers and contact details for all providers.

Call scripts you can use

• Utility or ISP availability check
  • “Does [your exact service address] receive service from your company? What is the earliest start date, and are there activation fees or deposits?”
• Documentation and access
  • “What identification or paperwork do you need to open an account? Will you need meter access or an in-home appointment?”
• Billing and outages
  • “Do you offer electronic billing or autopay? What is the outage number, and how do I receive restoration updates?”

Ready to move in? Your next steps

Start by confirming whether your address is in the village and which providers serve your home. Open your municipal water and sewer account early, schedule electric and internet activation, and line up propane or gas service. If your property is rural, plan for well testing and a septic inspection during your contingency period. Keep photos of meter readings and all provider numbers handy on day one.

If you want a smooth move and local guidance tailored to Strum and Eleva, reach out for one-on-one help and a custom checklist for your address. Connect with Wanda Johnson to get started.

FAQs

How do I find my electric or gas provider in Strum or Eleva?

• Ask the seller for recent bills, or call the village clerk or public works to confirm the utility that serves your exact address.

Do homes in Strum and Eleva have municipal water and sewer?

• In-village addresses are typically served by the village water and sewer utility. Call the clerk or public works to open an account and confirm responsibilities.

What should rural buyers test on a private well before closing?

• At minimum, test for total coliform bacteria and nitrates during your inspection period, then test for bacteria annually thereafter.

How often should a septic tank be pumped for a rural property?

• Pumping every 3 to 5 years is commonly recommended, depending on tank size and household usage. Verify records and schedule service if needed.

How long does it take to start internet service at a new address?

• Activation can take a few days to two weeks, depending on provider capacity, equipment needs, and whether a technician visit is required.

What should I do with meters on move-in day?

• Photograph electric, water, and gas meters with clear time stamps, then confirm activation with each provider and save their outage numbers.

Who handles permits for septic repair or replacement in Trempealeau County?

• County zoning, land conservation, or environmental health offices manage sanitary permits and standards. Contact them early to understand requirements.