Having reliable water service in your home or business is an essential utility. For residents and companies in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, water service is provided by the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority (BFMA). Paying your BFMA water bill on time each month is important to avoid any service disruptions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll review the different payment options available and provide tips for hassle-free bill payment.
Overview of Beaver Falls Municipal Authority
BFMA is the municipal water authority that provides drinking water service to around 4,500 customers in Beaver Falls. They supply water for residential, commercial, industrial, and public uses.
The water system includes two surface water treatment plants drawing raw water from the Beaver River along with storage tanks pump stations hydrants, and over 90 miles of water mains. BFMA handles everything from treatment to distribution to customer service for water users in their service area.
Now let’s look at the ways customers can pay their monthly water bills to BFMA.
Payment Options for BFMA Water Bills
BFMA offers several options for customers to pay their water bills conveniently:
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Online – Pay via the online customer portal using credit/debit card or bank account A 265% processing fee applies to cards.
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Phone – Call BFMA at 724-846-2400 and pay over the phone using a card or check.
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Mail – Send a check or money order by mail to BFMA’s payment address.
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In Person – Drop off payment at BFMA’s office at 1425 8th Ave. in Beaver Falls.
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Drop Box – Use the after hours drop box located outside the BFMA office.
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AutoPay – Sign up to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account each month.
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Recurring Card – Set up recurring monthly payments using the same credit/debit card.
Paying online through the customer portal is the easiest way for most BFMA customers to pay their water bill. Let’s look at how to pay online step-by-step.
How to Pay Your BFMA Bill Online
Follow these simple steps to pay your BFMA water bill online:
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Visit the BFMA website at www.bfwater.net.
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Click on the “Pay Your Bill” link at the top right of the homepage.
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Enter your 10-digit account number with no spaces or dashes.
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Select whether you want to make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments.
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Enter your payment amount and select a payment method.
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Provide your credit/debit card details or bank account information.
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Carefully review the payment details before submitting.
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Receive a confirmation page and emailed receipt after payment.
The online payment is processed right away so your account balance is updated instantly. It’s fast, convenient, and helps avoid late payment fees.
Tips for Paying Your BFMA Water Bill
Follow these tips and recommendations when managing payment of your BFMA water bill each month:
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Pay your bill by the due date printed on your statement to avoid late fees or disconnection.
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Be aware that BFMA does not offer paperless billing at this time. Print bills are mailed monthly.
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Contact BFMA immediately if your mailing address changes so bills still reach you.
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Consider enrolling in AutoPay or recurring credit card payments for automated monthly payments.
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If paying by mail, allow 7-10 days for mailed payments to reach BFMA and be processed.
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BFMA does not handle payments through third party bill pay sites like Doxo. Use BFMA’s portal instead.
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Keep your account info current with BFMA, especially phone number for any important notifications.
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If facing financial hardship, ask BFMA about possible payment plan options before the due date.
BFMA Bill Payment FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about paying BFMA water bills:
What are the BFMA customer service hours for billing questions?
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.
What is the late payment fee amount if I miss the due date?
10% penalty calculated on the overdue balance.
When is my water bill due each month?
Bills are due around the 28th of each month depending on your meter read schedule.
What is the mailing address to send my payment to?
PO Box 400, Beaver Falls PA 15010
Are there options if I’m unable to pay my bill in full?
Yes, contact BFMA before the due date to discuss potential payment plan options.
How can I check on the current balance of my water account?
You can check your balance by logging into the online portal or calling BFMA.
Can I receive my bills by email instead of postal mail?
Unfortunately BFMA does not currently offer paperless billing. Bills are mailed.
Avoiding Payment Scams and Fraud
It’s important to be vigilant against potential scams or fraudulent calls regarding your BFMA water account. Follow these tips to avoid becoming a victim:
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Never provide personal or account information over the phone unless you initiated the call to BFMA.
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Be suspicious of anyone claiming your water will be shut off immediately unless you make an instant payment.
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Only use BFMA’s online portal or contact BFMA directly for account information.
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Do not pay bills through third party websites, apps or locations not authorized by BFMA.
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If contacted about an overdue bill, verify it matches your records before providing info or payments.
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Watch out for emails with links asking you to verify account information. These are likely phishing scams.
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Keep security software up-to-date on devices used to access your BFMA account or make payments.
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Contact BFMA immediately if you suspect any fraudulent activity related to your account.
Signing Up for New BFMA Water Service
If you need to establish new water service with BFMA, here are the steps:
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Contact BFMA at least one week before you need service active. Provide move date and contact information.
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Complete the new account application and submit along with an ID and proof of occupancy.
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A $50 account deposit is required to set up new service if you are a tenant.
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BFMA will contact you to schedule turning on the water at the property on your requested start date.
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Be at the property to check for any leaks and verify water service is on that day.
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You will receive your first water bill covering usage from the activation date forward.
Make sure to provide BFMA your correct mailing address where bills should be sent. Sign up for automated payments to avoid forgetting monthly payments. And monitor your usage closely since leaks can lead to costly high water bills.
Conclusion
Having reliable water service is essential for any residential or commercial property. Customers of Beaver Falls Municipal Authority can pay their bills conveniently online, by phone, mail or in-person. Just be sure to pay each monthly bill in full and on time to avoid penalties or service disruptions. Contact BFMA’s customer service department with any questions about billing, payments or managing your water service.
