How to Pay Your Utility Bill to South Bend Water Works

South Bend Water Works provides water and sewer services to residents and businesses in the South Bend Indiana area. Customers have several options to pay their utility bills conveniently each month. Read on to learn about online payments, phone payments auto-pay, in-person payments, and mail payments to South Bend Water Works.

Online Payments

The fastest and most popular way for South Bend Water Works customers to pay their bill is online through the utility website Go to utilitiessouthbendin.gov and click on “My Account Login” to access the online payment portal.

You’ll need to create an online account with your account number email address and mailing zip code. Once registered, you can securely view your bill details and make one-time payments. You can also set up convenient recurring auto-pay from a bank account or credit card.

Online payments post instantly, so you don’t have to worry about due dates or late fees. South Bend Water Works accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express cards for easy online payment. You can also pay directly from a checking or savings account.

Pay By Phone

South Bend Water Works offers a 24/7 automated phone payment system at (877) 461-3657. Call in anytime and use your account number and debit/credit card information to pay your bill.

Phone payments are quick and easy, taking just a couple minutes. Avoid late fees and keep your water on by paying over the phone if you miss the online payment deadline. The automated system is available whenever you need to pay your bill.

Auto-Pay

For hassle-free bill payment, sign up for auto-pay through South Bend’s online account portal. You can schedule automatic monthly payments from a credit card, debit card, or bank account.

On your due date each month, your bill will be paid automatically with no action needed from you. Auto-pay prevents late fees so you don’t have to remember payment deadlines. It’s the most convenient way to manage utility bills on time.

Pay In Person

To pay your bill in person with cash, check, or money order, visit the South Bend Water Works office at 125 W. Colfax Ave. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.

In-person payments allow you to talk to a customer service rep about your account if needed. Be sure to bring your current bill or know your account number when paying at the office. Allow plenty of time before the due date in case of wait times.

Pay by Mail

If you prefer to mail in a payment, send your check or money order made out to South Bend Water Works to:

South Bend Water Works
PO Box 2047
South Bend, IN 46634

Please include your payment stub from your bill to process your payment correctly. Allow 7-10 days for your mailed payment to arrive to avoid late fees. Going paperless can eliminate the need to mail payments.

Avoid Late Payment Penalties

South Bend Water Works utility bills are due 20 days after the statement date. A 10% penalty is added if payment is not received by the due date. Failure to pay will eventually result in water service disconnection.

Stay on track and avoid penalties by paying online, by phone, or automatically each month. If you are having difficulty paying on time, contact South Bend Water Works at (574) 235-9244 to discuss potential payment plan options. Keeping your account current will save you money.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are struggling to keep up with utility bills, South Bend Water Works offers assistance programs that may help, including:

• Bill Discount Program – Up to a 30% discount for qualified limited income residents, seniors, and disabled individuals. Must meet income guidelines.

• Round Up Program – Volunteer to have your bill rounded up to help support customers in need.

• Project Share – Contribute any amount to help limited income families keep utilities connected.

• Balance Forgiveness – One-time past due balance relief for customers facing disconnection who pay a portion.

• Payment Arrangements – Customized payment plans to pay past due balances over several months.

Inquire about qualification requirements and apply for these utility assistance programs by calling South Bend Water Works at (574) 235-9244.

Understanding Your Utility Charges

South Bend Water Works bills consist of varying fees like:

• Water Usage – Based on units registered by your meter. Increasing block rates apply at higher usage tiers.

• Sewer Usage – Based on your metered water consumption since most returns to the sewer.

• Service Charge – Fixed monthly fee covering costs of billing, metering, account servicing.

• Infrastructure Charge – Fixed monthly charge helping maintain and upgrade system infrastructure.

• Stormwater Charge – Based on the amount of impervious surface on your property that contributes runoff.

• Hydrant Charge – Fixed monthly fee per account to maintain fire hydrants.

• Sales Tax – 7% state sales tax applied on usage and service charges.

Review your monthly charges carefully and contact South Bend Water Works at (574) 235-9244 if you have any billing questions. Understanding the fees can help you control costs.

Compare South Bend Water Rates

South Bend offers different water and sewer rate structures depending on your property type and meter size. Comparing your current rates to other available rate classes may reveal cost savings opportunities.

Major rate classes include:

• Regular Residential – Standard rates for most homes based on 5/8″ or 3/4″ meter.

• Large Residential – For single family homes requiring larger 1″ or bigger meters. Higher service charges.

• Regular Commercial – Base rates for most small businesses.

• Large Commercial – Higher service charges and volume rates for high-usage businesses like laundromats, hotels, etc.

• Industrial – Unique commercial rates for heavy water usage industrial facilities.

• Governmental – Discounted rates for government/public agency accounts like schools, parks, etc.

Check if your current South Bend Water Works account is on the most cost-effective rate class before the yearly rate adjustment on July 1st. Contact the utility at (574) 235-9244 to discuss rate options.

Go Paperless

Sign up to go paperless through South Bend’s online account portal to receive bills electronically instead of by mail. You’ll get an email when your new statement is ready to view and pay online.

Paperless billing saves money on printing/postage costs and is more environmentally friendly. You’ll have instant access to your bill without waiting on snail mail delivery. It also makes automated payments easier.

Manage your South Bend Water Works account completely online. Pay bills electronically via the website, phone, or auto-pay. Analyze your water usage and billing history over time. And go paperless to simplify your utility account. Contact South Bend Water Works at (574) 235-9244 with any account questions.