How to Pay Your Water Bill with Harlingen Waterworks Online

Paying your water bill on time is important for all residents and businesses in Harlingen, Texas. Harlingen Waterworks provides water and wastewater services and offers convenient online payment options. Read on to learn everything you need to know about paying your Harlingen water bill efficiently

Overview of Harlingen Waterworks Billing

Harlingen Waterworks is the utility owned by the City of Harlingen that provides water and sewer services to over 45,000 customers. Water bills are issued monthly and include charges for water consumption, wastewater services, and City service fees.

Payment for monthly water bills is due by the due date printed on your invoice Bills are typically due around the 20th of each month Harlingen Waterworks encourages customers to pay bills promptly to avoid late fees or disruption of service.

When to Expect Your Monthly Bill

As a Harlingen Waterworks customer, you can expect to receive your bill by mail or email around the first week of each month. It will reflect charges for the previous month’s usage and services.

Make sure your mailing address is up to date so you don’t miss a bill. Notify Harlingen Waterworks immediately if you do not receive your bill. You can also opt for convenient e-billing if you prefer receiving bills electronically.

Mark your calendars for the due date each month, which is shown on your bill. On-time payment will prevent late fees or other penalties.

Online Bill Pay Options

The fastest and most convenient way to pay your Harlingen water bill is online through the Harlingen Waterworks payment portal. Available 24/7 this provides simple access from your computer or mobile device.

Paying Online

To pay online, go to www.hwws.com and click on the “Pay Bill” link at the top. This will direct you to the payment portal where you can enter your account information and process an electronic payment.

You will need your 10-digit account number and 4-digit PIN, both found on your monthly bill. The PIN provides security for your account.

Once logged in, you can make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments. Accepted payment methods are credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards are accepted.

Setting Up Recurring Payments

For convenient autopay, you can enroll in recurring payments through the online portal. Your bill will be paid automatically each month on the due date using your selected payment method.

To enroll, check the “Recurring Payment” box during checkout. You can cancel or edit recurring payments anytime through your online account.

Viewing Billing History

Through the online portal, you can view your billing history and past statements going back 24 months. This allows you to monitor usage and charges over time.

Having access to billing information can help detect abnormal spikes that may indicate leaks or other problems. You can also verify charges in case of billing disputes.

Paying by Phone

Call Harlingen Waterworks at 956-216-5301 to pay your water bill over the phone using the automated system. You will need your 10-digit account number and 4-digit PIN.

Payments can be made using your credit card, debit card, or bank account details. The interactive voice prompts will guide you through the process.

Paying by Mail

If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you can mail your water bill payment to:

Harlingen Waterworks
PO Box 279
Harlingen, TX 78551

Detach the payment stub from your bill and enclose it with proper payment. Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to avoid late fees. Do not mail cash.

Paying in Person

You can pay your water bill in person at the Harlingen Waterworks office located at 401 N. Marathon Blvd. Cash, check, money order or credit/debit cards are accepted.

In-person payments can be made Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm, excluding holidays. You will need your water bill or account number when visiting the office.

Avoid Late Fees

To avoid late penalties, pay your Harlingen water bill by the due date printed on your statement. A 10% late fee will be applied to past due accounts.

If your account becomes delinquent for non-payment, your water service may be disconnected. Make every effort to pay on time or contact customer service if you need to set up payment arrangements.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are struggling financially and unable to pay your water bill, Harlingen Waterworks offers assistance programs:

• Payment arrangements can be made for delinquent accounts to avoid shutoff.

• The Bill Discount Program provides a 15% discount for qualifying seniors and disabled residents.

• Charitable organizations may be available to help cover water bills for residents in need.

Contact a Harlingen Waterworks customer service representative to discuss bill assistance options and requirements. Help is available to ensure continued access to water services.

Final Bills and Closing Accounts

When moving out of Harlingen, you must close your water account to stop service and billing. Contact customer service at least 3 days before your move date to schedule a final meter reading.

A final bill will be issued using the final read and prorated charges. Pay this final bill promptly, as unpaid balances can be sent to collections. Harlingen Waterworks can also withhold copies of your payment history until the final bill is paid.

Communicating with Harlingen Waterworks

If you have billing questions or need to update your water account, Harlingen Waterworks customer service team is available to assist customers:

Harlingen Waterworks
401 N. Marathon Blvd.
Harlingen, TX 78551

Phone: 956-216-5301

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Contact Harlingen Waterworks by phone or visit the office in person to speak with a representative for the fastest service. Email may take 1-2 business days for a response.

Understanding Your Water Usage Charges

Water bills reflect the amount of water used during the billing period based on your meter read. Usage is charged in gallons according to a tiered rate structure approved by City Commission. Tiers are:

• 0 – 2,000 gallons
• 2,001 – 15,000 gallons
• Over 15,000 gallons

Rates per tier help encourage conservation for high-volume water users. Customers are billed for every gallon registered on the meter. Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons over time and result in higher water charges.

Checking for Leaks to Avoid High Bills

If your usage seems excessively high, check faucets, showerheads, and toilets for leaks. Dripping taps or running toilets can waste hundreds of gallons per month, spiking your water bill. Here are some tips:

• Take a meter reading before bed and again in the morning. If it changes with no water use, a leak is likely.

• Put a few drops of food dye in your toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, your toilet flapper needs replacement to prevent unseen water loss.

• Examine irrigation systems and pipes for cracks or dripping joints. Repairs can save wasted water and money.

Catching leaks quickly keeps your bill lower. Harlingen Waterworks can also check your meter accuracy if abnormal spikes continue after repairs.

Understanding Wastewater Charges

In addition to water usage rates, Harlingen Waterworks bills for wastewater services based on your monthly water consumption. Wastewater rates are charged per 1,000 gallons.

Wastewater charges cover costs of safely collecting and treating sewage from homes and businesses before releasing treated water back to the environment. This protects water quality and public health.

Accounting for City Service Fees

Your monthly Harlingen Waterworks bill includes service fees levied by the City of Harlingen for infrastructure and operations. These fixed fees help fund municipal water system upgrades and maintenance.

Service fees are set by the City Commission and may change annually. Fees apply equitably to all customers based on meter size. Knowing the purpose of city fees helps you understand total charges beyond just water usage.

Monitoring Your Water Usage

You can easily monitor your daily household water use by reading your water meter. Your meter is usually located near the street curb in a concrete or plastic box. Lift or remove the cover to view the meter display.

Reading your meter periodically allows you to:

• Calculate daily usage by taking readings at the same time each day.

• Compare usage week-over-week or month-over-month.

• Detect leaks indicated by flow through the meter with all fixtures off.

• Verify usage aligns with your water bill to identify discrepancies.

Monitoring usage cultivates water conservation and ensures your bill reflects actual consumption. Contact Harlingen Waterworks if your meter needs replacement or repair.

Disputing Your Water Bill

If your water bill amount appears unusually high, contact Harling