At Dona Ana Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association, our vision is to be the champion in ensuring quality of life for a greater community by providing, protecting, and extending water and sanitation services through excellence in leadership. We are committed to providing quality water and sanitation services for members of our community.
Paying your water bill on time each month is an essential responsibility as a customer of Dona Ana Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association (DAMDWCA). This utility provides drinking water to residents of Dona Ana County New Mexico. If you live in this area here is a complete guide to understanding your DAMDWCA water bill and the various payment options available.
Overview of Dona Ana Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association
DAMDWCA is a non-profit member-owned community water system that was established in 1975. They provide water service to around 6500 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Dona Ana County.
The service area covers the community of Dona Ana as well as neighboring areas including Hill, Leasburg, and Radium Springs. DAMDWCA maintains all water system infrastructure including wells, storage tanks, treatment facilities, pumps, pipelines, valves, hydrants, and meters.
The utility is governed by a five-member Board of Directors elected by water system members DAMDWCA is fully regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission and must comply with federal and state drinking water standards
Understanding Your Monthly Water Bill
As a customer of DAMDWCA, you will receive a monthly water bill for service. Here are some key details on what’s included on your bill and how rates are calculated:
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Service Fees: There is a monthly $20 service fee just for being connected to the system, regardless of actual usage.
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Water Usage Rates: In addition to the base fee, the bill calculates a usage charge based on the amount of water consumed that month at a tiered per-gallon rate. The more you use, the higher the rate.
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Other Fees: Your bill may also include other fees like a meter fee, account setup fee for new customers, late payment fee, reconnection fee, etc.
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Taxes: Gross receipts tax and local option tax are added on top of service charges. This totals around 8% extra.
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Due Date: Full payment is due by the due date on your bill, typically 20-25 days after the billing date.
How to Pay Your Water Bill with Dona Ana Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association
DAMDWCA offers customers several options to pay your water bill conveniently and on time each month.
Pay Online
The easiest way to pay is through the online payment portal on the DAMDWCA website. You can either make a one-time payment or set up recurring automatic payments each month.
To use the online system, you must first register with your account number. There is a small service fee for online payments made via debit/credit card.
Pay by Phone
Call 1-855-748-5951 to make a payment over the phone using your credit/debit card. There is a fee for phone payments.
Pay by Mail
Mail a check or money order along with your payment stub to:
DAMDWCA
PO Box 866
Dona Ana, NM 88032
Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments.
Pay in Person
You can pay with cash, check, or card at the DAMDWCA office located at 5535 Ledesma Drive in Las Cruces.
Pay via Auto Draft
Authorize DAMDWCA to automatically withdraw funds from your bank account each month to pay your water bill. To set up, register your account online and select the AutoPay option.
Pay through Your Bank
Many banks allow customers to pay bills through their online banking or mobile app. Check with your financial institution to see if they offer bill pay services for a fee.
Payments made through a bank still must be received by the due date to avoid late fees.
Financial Assistance Options
Customers struggling to pay their water bills have options, including:
- Payment plans spreading out the balance over several months
- Payment assistance programs like LIHEAP that help pay utility bills
- Lifeline discount rate for low-income seniors and disabled
- Temporary deferred payments due to financial hardship
Contact DAMDWCA to learn more about assistance for paying your water bill if needed. Shutoffs due to non-payment are a last resort.
Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection with On-Time Payment
It’s crucial to pay your water bill by the due date printed on your monthly statement. If payment in full is not received on time, here’s what can happen:
- A late fee of up to 10% may be charged on overdue balances.
- After 2 missed payments, a disconnect notice is issued.
- Accounts 30+ days past due are subject to water service shut off.
- A reconnect fee of up to $75 applies if service is interrupted.
- Ongoing late payments could affect your credit score.
Avoid penalties and interruptions by paying on time every month. Contact DAMDWCA immediately if you anticipate difficulty with payment.
Payment Assistance and Conservation Programs
If you are an owner or renter struggling financially, various utility assistance funds may be available such as:
- LIHEAP – Helps cover home utility bills for low-income households
- NM State Employees Charity Fund – Offers emergency bill payment aid
- NM Mortgage Finance Authority – Administers federal and state housing assistance
In addition, DAMDWCA partners with charitable organizations to provide donation-funded bill payment assistance to those in need. Customers can also apply for the Lifeline Discount Rate which gives a percentage off water bills for qualifying seniors and disabled residents.
The utility also offers a Leak Protection Program granting bill adjustments for certain types of leaks. Conservation incentives are available for installing water-saving fixtures and appliances.
Exploring these and other programs through DAMDWCA and community organizations can help ease the financial burden of monthly water bills.
Steps to Opening or Closing Your Water Account
If you’re moving into or out of a home in Dona Ana County, you’ll need to open or close your water account with DAMDWCA.
To open a new account, contact DAMDWCA as early as possible when moving in so service is not interrupted. You’ll need to provide your name, contact details, move in date and complete paperwork to start service. A deposit, setup fee and ID may be required.
Closing an account requires advance notice before your move out date. Complete a shut off request form and provide a forwarding address for your final bill. You must be current on payments to close the account; any deposit is refunded if all conditions are met.
Keeping your account status, contact information, and billing details updated with DAMDWCA ensures smooth customer service. Be sure to open, close or transfer your account when moving.
Opting for Paperless Billing and Account Management
Going paperless with your DAMDWCA account can make managing your water service more efficient. Instead of mailed paper statements, you can receive water bills electronically.
Sign up for e-billing through the online customer portal. You’ll get an email each month to view and pay your latest bill online.
The portal also allows you to:
- Check your balance
- View payment history
- Change contact information
- Monitor water usage
- Set up automatic payments
- Request service changes
Paperless billing saves time and clutter. You’ll get timely reminders to pay and can easily manage payments anywhere, anytime online.
Understanding Water Usage and Controlling Costs
The more water used in your home or business, the higher your water bill. Implementing water conservation can help control costs while protecting limited resources.
DAMDWCA provides usage history on your monthly bills so you can identify spikes and track reductions. Saving water saves money! Here are some tips:
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Fix leaks immediately – leaking pipes, toilets, sinks, etc. can waste thousands of gallons quickly.
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Install water-efficient fixtures like low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
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Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
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Don’t leave water running when washing dishes, brushing teeth, etc.
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Shorten shower times.
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Adjust sprinklers to water lawn and plants only when needed, not daily.
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Sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than hosing them down.
Following these and other water-saving steps at home and work will help cut consumption, shrink bills, and preserve supplies. Contact DAMDWCA for free conservation audits and rebates on water-wise upgrades.
FAQs about Dona Ana Water Bill Pay:
Q: What is the customer service phone number for billing questions?
A: Call 575-526-3491 Monday thru Friday 8am – 5pm for DAMDWCA customer assistance.
Q: How can I check my water usage history and balance owed?
A: Register for the online customer portal or use the mobile app to view usage graphs and account details anytime.
Q: Where is your office located to pay my bill in person?
A: 5535 Ledesma Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88007 – open weekdays 8am-5pm except holidays.
**Q:
November 11, 2024–Office Closed in observance of Veteran’s Day
Doña Ana MDWCA – To observe Veterans Day, office will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States to honor all military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
Emergency water and wastewater services will not be affected. If you have an…
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