Paying your water and sewer bill in Frederick County, Maryland can seem complicated at first glance However, with some basic knowledge, it’s actually a straightforward process In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about paying your Frederick County water and sewer bill online, by phone, or by mail.
Overview of Frederick County Water and Sewer Utilities
The Division of Water and Sewer Utilities (DWSU) in Frederick County provides water and sewer services to residents and businesses throughout the county. DWSU is responsible for planning, engineering, constructing, maintaining, monitoring, and operating the water and sewer infrastructure in Frederick County.
DWSU provides service to around 80,000 water customers and 70,000 sewer customers in Frederick County. They operate and maintain over 1,400 miles of water mains, 11 water treatment plants, 50 water pumping stations, over 1,000 miles of sewer mains, and 7 wastewater treatment plants.
Understanding Your Frederick County Water and Sewer Bill
Frederick County usually sends out water and sewer bills every three months. Your bill will have fees for water use, sewer use, bay restoration fees, and any other fees and changes that apply.
Water Usage Charges
This is the amount of water that was sent to your property based on the readings on your water meter. You are charged for water use in units, with 1 unit equaling 1,000 gallons. The rate per unit depends on the size of your water meter.
Sewer Usage Charges
For residential customers, the amount of water you use determines how much you pay for sewer service. For commercial customers, sewer meter readings may be used. The sewer rate is based on units, and one unit is equal to 1,000 gallons.
Bay Restoration Fee
This mandatory fee helps fund wastewater treatment plant upgrades to reduce nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The fee is based on your water usage.
Other Fees
Your bill may also include other fees like service connection fees, late payment fees, meter test fees, etc based on your account.
Ways to Pay Your Frederick County Water and Sewer Bill
You have several options to pay your Frederick County water and sewer bill:
Online
- Fast and convenient option to pay by credit/debit card or e-check.
- Login to your account on the Frederick County self-service website.
- Service fees apply – 2.5% for credit/debit (minimum $2) and $1.49 for e-check.
By Phone
- Call 301-600-2354 to pay by credit/debit card or e-check.
- Service fees apply – 2.5% for credit/debit (minimum $2) and $1.49 for e-check.
By Mail
- Detach payment stub from your bill and mail with a check or money order to the payment address printed on the stub.
- Allow 5-7 business days for mail delivery.
In Person
- Pay by cash, check, or money order at the Frederick County Treasury Division office at Winchester Hall.
- No additional fees.
Auto Bill Pay
- Set up recurring automatic payments from your bank account.
- Avoid late fees and free up time.
- Enroll through your online account or by submitting an auto bill pay form.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to have your Frederick County account number handy to reference during payment. This will help ensure your payment gets applied correctly.
Setting Up an Online Account to Pay and Manage Your Bill
Creating an online account through the Frederick County self-service website is the easiest way to pay and manage your water and sewer bill. Here are simple steps to set up your account:
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Go to the self-service website and click “New user? Create an account”.
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Enter your account number and PIN printed on your water/sewer bill. Click “Validate”.
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Fill in your personal details and contact information. Agree to the terms and click “Submit”.
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A confirmation email will be sent. Click the link in the email to complete registration.
Once your account is created, you can conveniently:
- View and print current and past water/sewer bills
- Make one-time payments by credit/debit card or e-check
- Sign up for paperless billing
- Update contact information
- Enroll in auto bill pay
- Monitor water usage and sewer charges
- Access payment history and receipts
- Receive email/text notifications
Overall, setting up an online account makes paying your Frederick County water and sewer bill a lot easier.
What To Do if You Have Issues Paying Your Bill
If you are having trouble paying your Frederick County water/sewer bill, it’s important to take action right away to avoid service disruptions. Here are some tips:
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Contact DWSU – Call 301-600-2354 to explain your situation and request an alternate payment plan or payment extension.
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Apply for financial assistance – You may qualify for programs like the Maryland Energy Assistance Program to help cover utility bills.
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Find community resources – Organizations like Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs and Frederick Community Action Agency may be able to provide bill payment assistance.
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Conserve water usage – Reduce your water consumption to lower your bills. Fix leaks, install efficient fixtures, etc.
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Negotiate payment arrangements – Set up a payment plan with manageable installments that fit your budget.
Don’t ignore unpaid water and sewer bills as this can lead to penalties, collections, and service shut-offs. Being proactive and communicating with DWSU is key to resolving billing issues.
Key Takeaways on Paying Your Frederick County Water and Sewer Bill
- Bills are issued quarterly and include usage charges, fees, and adjustments
- Pay conveniently online, by phone, mail or auto bill pay
- Create an online account to manage payments and billing
- Contact DWSU immediately if you have trouble paying to avoid serious consequences
- Assistance programs and payment plans may be available for those facing financial hardship
With a basic understanding of your responsibilities, paying your Frederick County water and sewer bill can be a quick and painless process. Be sure to pay on time, look into efficiency improvements, and seek help early on if you have difficulty making payments. This will lead to smooth and uninterrupted service from Frederick County’s first-rate water and sewer utilities.
County Spotlight: Water Purification and Distribution
FAQ
How to pay water bill frederick md?
To pay by phone, call 1-844-906-1472. Account Names: Water and sewer accounts are maintained in the name of the property owner. Account names are changed when a property is transferred. Returned Check Policy: A return payment fee will be charged if a payment is returned by your bank for any reason.
What is the average water bill in Frederick, MD?
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Water – month
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Total – Month
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Frederick Water
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$34.81
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$94.31
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Winchester
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$60.63
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$138.83
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Front Royal (out of town)
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$54.96
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$153.52
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Berryville
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$65.10
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$163.63
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How often do you pay a water bill in Maryland?
Meters are read and billed on a quarterly basis. Water and sewer bills are due 30 days from the date of issue. A penalty is applied to payments received after the due date. Rate schedules are available by calling the Water and Sewer Accounting office at 410-638-3311.
What is the phone number for Frederick County water bill?
For your account balance, please go to Manage Your Account or call customer service at (540) 868-1061, extension 4. If you don’t, you will have to pay extra fees.
How do I pay my utility bill in Frederick?
The City of Frederick Finance Department offers several option to pay utility bills. Due Date: All charges are due within 30 days of the bill dates. Payments received (at City Hall) after the due date are subject to a 1% penalty per month. If you do not pay this bill within 60 days of the bill date, service may be cut off.
When does Frederick County change water & sewer service charges?
On July 2, 2019, Frederick County approved Ordinance No. 19-03-003, revising the County’s water and sewer service charges as of September 1, 2019, for each fiscal year through FY2024. The Ordinance also establishes the procedure for the yearly adjustment of the water and sewer service charges as of July 1, 2024 and each July 1st thereafter.
Are Frederick County water and sewer bills liens?
Pursuant to §2-13-24 of the Public Local Laws, all bills are liens against the property and are subject to inclusion in the County’s annual tax sale. On July 2, 2019, Frederick County approved Ordinance No. 19-03-003 changes the fees the County charges for water and sewer service starting September 1, 2019, and going through FY2024
How do I pay my Frederick County tax?
Pay for your Permit, Inspection or Licensing Fee Pay for your Planning & Development Review Fee Senior Services Support Frederick County’s Older Adults Public Safety Pay Your Ambulance Transport Fee Online Pay Your Annual Ambulance Service Subscription Dues Online Lien Certificate/Tax Status Report Request Real Estate Tax Inquiry
How do I contact Frederick County government?
Frederick County Government 12 E. Church St. Frederick, MD 21701 Ph: 301-600-9000 Monday – Friday 8:00 Am – 4:00 Pm Government Websites by CivicPlus® Arrow Left Arrow Right Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
What happens if I don’t pay my Frederick City Hall Bill?
Payments received (at City Hall) after the due date are subject to a 1% penalty per month. Failure to pay this bill within 60 days of the bill date may result in a discontinuance of service. Section 25 of the Frederick City Code provides for additional charges to restore service suspended for failure to pay.
