Paying Your Water Bill in East Providence: A Guide

Paying your water bill is an essential part of being a resident or business owner in East Providence. The city’s Water Utilities Division works hard to provide high-quality drinking water and reliable service to the community. As a customer it’s your responsibility to pay your water bill on time every month or quarter. Here is a comprehensive guide to paying your East Providence water bill including information on payment options, due dates, fees, and more.

Overview of East Providence Water Utility

The Water Utilities Division of East Providence’s Department of Public Works is responsible for supplying water to over 19,000 customers within city limits. The utility operates and maintains infrastructure like pipelines storage tanks pumping stations, hydrants, and meters. The water division has over 25 employees providing service 7 days a week.

East Providence draws its water from the Scituate Reservoir, which is part of the Providence Water Supply Board. This pristine surface water supply is treated at Providence’s water treatment plants before being piped to East Providence. The city’s water meets or surpasses all state and federal quality standards.

Water Billing in East Providence

Water bills in East Providence are issued quarterly for residential customers and monthly for commercial customers. The billing periods are:

• Residential: January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1
• Commercial: Monthly on the 1st

Bills are mailed out by the 10th of the billing period and are due by the 30th. Customers have 20 days from the billing date to pay their water bill without incurring late fees or penalties.

Water rates are set by the East Providence City Council. Current rates include a service charge plus a volumetric rate based on usage, measured in hundred cubic feet (CCF). The volumetric rate increases at higher levels of consumption to encourage conservation.

Ways to Pay Your East Providence Water Bill

East Providence offers several options for paying your water bill conveniently:

• Online – Customers can pay bills online through Invoice Cloud. Payments can be made via credit card or e-check. There is a $1.95 fee per transaction.

• By mail – Checks or money orders can be mailed in the return envelope provided with the bill. Be sure payment is received by the due date.

• In person – Pay by cash, check or credit card at East Providence City Hall at 145 Taunton Ave.

• Drop box – A secure drop box for payments is located at the rear entrance of City Hall.

• Auto pay – Sign up for recurring automatic payments from your checking account through Invoice Cloud.

• By phone – Call 1-844-237-3170 to pay by credit card through Invoice Cloud’s automated system.

The Water Utilities Division does not accept payments in person. For your convenience, accept payments at City Hall for water bills.

Late Fees and Penalties

To avoid additional charges, water bills must be paid by the due date printed on the invoice. Here are the late fees and penalties:

• Bills unpaid after the due date are charged a late fee of 1.5% per month, or a $3 minimum.
• Accounts more than 60 days past due are issued a shut off notice with the next bill. There is a $25 charge for the shut off notice.
• Accounts more than 90 days past due are subject to water service termination. A $45 fee is charged for the shut off and restoration of service.

Payment Assistance Programs

East Providence offers programs to help qualifying low-income customers pay their water bills, including:

• The H2O Financial Hardship Assistance Program provides a credit on the service charge for eligible residents.
• The H2O Affordability Discount Program offers a reduced volumetric rate for qualifying households.

Contact the Water Utilities Division for details on enrollment in these assistance programs. You may need to provide income verification.

The East Providence Department of Human Services may also offer support for paying utility bills through the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for those who qualify.

Avoiding High Water Bills

To keep your water usage and bills low, follow these tips:

• Check your home for leaks and drips and repair them promptly. This can save thousands of gallons per month.
• Install water efficient fixtures like low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators. East Providence offers rebates on some fixtures.
• Run full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
• Don’t use your toilet as a wastebasket.
• Water your lawn early in the morning or at night to reduce evaporation.

Disputing or Requesting Adjustment of a Water Bill

If you believe your water bill is inaccurate, contact the Water Utilities Division right away to request a review. You will need to explain the reason for disputing the bill, such as a leak, change in occupancy, or other extenuating circumstance.

The utility may ask you to complete a meter accuracy test or gather additional usage data to evaluate your account. Adjustments are made on a case-by-case basis at the city’s discretion according to the customer service policies. Documented leaks or other problems may qualify you for an adjustment.

Moving In or Out of East Providence

Contact the Water Utilities Division at least 3 days in advance when you need service turned on or shut off due to moving. Turning on water requires an inspection before service can start. Make sure all balances are paid in full when closing an account to avoid further bills and collections actions.

Avoid Service Disruption with On-Time Payment

Paying your water bill by the due date isn’t just about avoiding late fees – it ensures continuous service to your home or business. The East Providence Water Division works diligently to supply clean, high-quality water to the city. Do your part by paying on time. Contact the utility if you need assistance or have any billing issues.