Paying your water bill on time each month is an important responsibility as a homeowner or renter in Portsmouth, VA The Portsmouth Public Utilities department makes it relatively easy to pay your water bill through various convenient methods In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through all the details you need for successfully paying your Portsmouth water bill.
Overview of Portsmouth Public Utilities
Portsmouth Public Utilities is the department that handles water, wastewater, and stormwater services for the City of Portsmouth. They send out monthly billing statements for the water usage at your property along with sewer charges.
It’s crucial to pay your water bill by the due date each month to avoid interruption of service or late fees. Portsmouth Public Utilities offers various payment options to make it quick and easy to pay your bill on time.
Your Monthly Water Bill
Your monthly statement will include charges for:
- Water usage – Based on actual or estimated meter readings
- Basic facilities fee – Covers some fixed costs
- Sewer – Based on water usage since most goes down the drain
- Taxes, surcharges and other fees
Review your bill carefully each month and pay the total current charges by the due date If anything looks incorrect or you have an issue with high usage, contact Portsmouth Public Utilities right away.
Ways to Pay Your Water Bill
Portsmouth Public Utilities offers several convenient payment options:
Pay Online
The easiest way for most people to pay their water bill is through the online payment portal. You can make secure online payments using your checking account, credit card, or debit card.
Pay by Phone
Call the Utility Billing office at (757) 393-8524 to pay over the phone using a card or electronic check.
Pay by Mail
Detach and return the payment coupon from your paper bill with a check or money order. Allow 5-7 days for delivery.
Pay In-Person
Bring your payment to the Utility Billing office on the 2nd Floor of the Portsmouth Municipal Building located at 801 Crawford Street.
Auto Bill Pay
Sign up to have your bill paid automatically each month from your bank account.
Drop Boxes
Place your payment in one of the secure drop boxes at the Portsmouth Municipal Building.
Third-Party Locations
Take your bill to authorized retail locations like Walmart to make an in-person payment.
Setting Up an Online Account
The most convenient way to manage your Portsmouth water account and make payments is through the online customer portal.
Visit https://utilities.portsmouthva.gov/ and click on “Pay Water Bill Online” under the Quick Links. Then select the “New users sign up!” option to create your secure online account.
You’ll need to provide:
- Account number
- Email address
- Phone number
- Password
Once your account is created, you’ll be able to view bill history, set up auto-pay, receive notifications, monitor usage, and make one-time payments online 24/7.
Payment Due Date
The payment due date is printed on your monthly statement, usually around 3 weeks after the billing date. Payments must be received by 11:59 pm on the due date to avoid late fees.
If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are due the following business day. Your water service may be disconnected if your bill is more than 60 days overdue.
Late Fees and Disconnection
If payment is not received by the due date, a 10% late fee will be added to your account. If your account becomes delinquent for non-payment, your water service may eventually be disconnected.
A $100 disconnection/reconnection fee will then apply to resume service, in addition to paying the overdue balance. Avoid these extra fees and potential service interruption by paying on time.
Payment Assistance Programs
If you are having trouble paying your water bill, Portsmouth offers assistance programs such as:
- Deferred payment plans
- Reduced rates for low-income residents
- Emergency bill payment assistance
Contact the Utility Billing office to learn more about these bill pay assistance options if you qualify. They can help avoid disconnection when you’re experiencing financial hardship.
Disputing Your Water Bill
If you notice your water usage seems unusually high, request a re-read of your meter. You can also check for leaks and other issues increasing usage. Compare the current and previous year’s usage.
If everything checks out but your bill still seems incorrect, file a dispute along with supporting details. Your account may be adjusted if the dispute is found valid. Don’t let an incorrect bill go unpaid.
Moving Your Service
Contact Portsmouth Public Utilities at least 1 day before moving to have your water turned off at your old address and transferred to your new property. Make sure any outstanding balance is paid to avoid issues opening service elsewhere.
Providing your forwarding address ensures you receive your final bill or any refund due at the right place.
Efficient Water Usage
To reduce your monthly water bills, practice efficient usage such as:
- Fixing leaks immediately
- Installing low-flow fixtures
- Running full loads in dishwasher/washing machine
- Shortening shower times
- Turning off water when brushing teeth
- Adjusting sprinklers to avoid overwatering
Small changes can yield noticeable savings on your water bill over time.
In Summary
Paying your Portsmouth water bill by the monthly due date is fast and painless using one of the many payment options. Sign up for an online account to simplify the process. If you miss a payment, contact the Utility Billing office quickly to avoid penalties. And reach out if you need payment assistance. Responsibly paying your water bill ensures smooth and uninterrupted service.
Pay Over the Phone
- Call 757-393-5008 to use the automated phone system
- Please have your account number ready.
- Have your credit card or personal check information and utility account number ready
- There is a $3.55 service charge* to use your card or $2.00 to use a check.
- Once payment is made, make note of the confirmation code.
- If service needs to be restored, call the business office at 757-393-8524.
*As of November 1, 2017, a service fee will be charged when you utilize your credit/debit card or electronic check to pay for your utility bill. This fee is charged and collected by a third party provider. The City of Portsmouth does not receive any portion of the fee that is charged.
$1 million delinquent water bill owed by condo complex in Portsmouth
FAQ
Where can I pay my Portsmouth water bill?
You can use our automated phone payments line to pay your bill at any time, seven days a week. Just call our free phone number 0800 802 1499. No additional charges are made for payments received by debit or credit cards. You will need sight of your most recent bill and customer reference number.
What is the phone number for Portsmouth Ohio water bill?
Call (740) 354-7515 or fax (740) 351-0167 to reach Public Utilities in Portsmouth, OH 45662. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How do I pay my Portsmouth public utilities bill?
Portsmouth Public Utilities bill! PAY YOUR PUBLIC UTILITIES BILL ONLINE. Pay your bill with your credit card (Discover, Visa, and Master Card accepted) or personal check. 1. Click this link 2. Follow the instructions You may call 757-393-5008 to use the automated phone system. Use our electronic debiting service!.
Does the city of Portsmouth charge a water bill?
This fee is charged and collected by a third party provider. The City of Portsmouth does not receive any portion of the fee that is charged. There are many ways to pay your water bill. Learn about your options.
Does Portsmouth charge a service fee?
*As of November 1, 2017, there will be a service fee when you pay your utility bill with a credit or debit card or an electronic check. This fee is charged and collected by a third party provider. The City of Portsmouth does not receive any portion of the fee that is charged. There are many ways to pay your water bill.
What does the Portsmouth Water Department do?
New rates go into effect July 1, 2019. The Department is in charge of treating drinking water and keeping the lines that bring it to Portsmouth and some parts of Suffolk and Chesapeake in good shape.
Can I renew my registration in Portsmouth?
Our service is only available to Portsmouth residents who wish to renew their registrations. It is not available for new, first-time, or plate transfer registrations. Please have the following items handy before continuing: A valid email address.
What does public utilities do?
The Department is in charge of cleaning drinking water and keeping the lines that bring it to Portsmouth and some parts of Suffolk and Chesapeake in good shape. The sanitary sewer lines and sewage pumping stations that take waste water away from your home or business are also taken care of by Public Utilities. Establishing and Transferring New Service.
