How to Pay Your Water Bill in Lafayette, Indiana

Having access to clean, reliable water is something we often take for granted. But providing water service to a city requires extensive infrastructure and resources. As residents of Lafayette, it’s our responsibility to pay our water bills promptly each month to keep the water flowing. This guide will walk through all the details on viewing your water bill, understanding the charges, and the various ways to pay your bill to the Lafayette Utility Billing Office (UBO).

Overview of Lafayette’s Water Utility

The city of Lafayette provides water service to around 29,000 accounts in the area. This includes residential homes as well as commercial businesses Some key facts

• Water comes from wells and the Wabash River
• Over 375,000 bills are issued annually
• UBO is responsible for billing and customer service
• Water infrastructure includes pumps, treatment, storage tanks, and hundreds of miles of pipe
• Average household uses around 5,000 gallons per month
• Rates are approved by the city Utility Service Board

Ensuring high quality and reliable water service requires significant investment and careful management of resources. By paying your bill, you help support these important functions.

Your Water Bill Breakdown

It’s helpful to understand what the various charges on your Lafayette water bill mean

Water Usage Fee – This covers the amount of water you used based on your meter reading. Rates range from $3.17-1.57 per 1,000 gallons depending on usage tier.

Sewer Usage Fee – Based on your water consumption since the sewage generated enters the wastewater system.

Service Fee – A monthly charge based on your meter size to maintain the water system infrastructure.

Fire Protection Fee – Pays for public fire hydrants and equipment used for firefighting.

Stormwater Fee – Helps pay for drainage systems to manage stormwater runoff.

Taxes & Other Fees – Includes small charges for solid waste, recycling, etc.

Adding up these components results in your total monthly bill amount due.

When are Water Bills Issued in Lafayette?

Here are some key dates to know regarding your water bill:

• Bills are issued monthly – On the same date each month.

• Due Date – Payment is due about 15 days after the bill is issued. The exact due date is printed on your bill.

• Late Notice – A late notice is sent if a bill is still unpaid after 3-5 days from the due date.

• Shut Off Notice – If a bill remains unpaid for 45 days, a disconnection notice is issued and a $10 fee added.

• Service Disconnection – Around 60 days past due, the water service may be physically disconnected until payment is made.

Paying by the due date will avoid any late fees or risk of service interruption.

Ways to Pay Your Water Bill in Lafayette

You have several options to pay your water bill to the UBO:

Pay Online

The fastest and most convenient way for most customers.

UBO Website – Through the payment portal on the UBO website. Can store payment methods and view billing history.

Mobile App – Download the app and login to pay on your smartphone or tablet.

Pay by Phone

Call (833) 252-1659 and use the automated system. Have your account number handy.

Pay by Mail

Send a check or money order to:

City of Lafayette UBO
PO Box 1688
Lafayette, IN 47902

Include payment stub from bill. Allow 5-7 days for processing.

Pay In Person

• At UBO office during business hours – cash, check, money order, or credit/debit accepted.

• Drop box available 24/7 outside UBO office.

• Drop box inside City Hall during open hours.

Bank Draft

Automatically deduct from your bank account each month on the due date. Can enroll online through the portal.

Assistance Programs

Payment assistance or alternative plans may be available for qualifying customers facing financial hardship. Contact UBO for details.

Avoid Late Payments

Here are some tips to avoid late fees:

• Enroll in autopay or schedule recurring payments through the online portal.

• Pay a few days before the due date to account for processing time.

• Opt-in for reminders when your bill is available and due.

• Sign up for paperless eBilling to get reminders sent electronically.

• Update your contact info if you move so bills reach you.

Having current contact information on your account ensures you receive notices if there are any payment issues. Overall, paying on time takes just a few minutes each month and saves you money and hassle in the long run.

What Happens if You Miss a Payment?

It’s important to pay your water bill by the due date every month. Here are the potential consequences of a late payment:

• A 10% penalty fee is added if the bill is paid late.

• Additional late notice fees around $10 may apply.

• Past due amounts incur interest charges around 1.5% monthly.

• Missing multiple payments results in a termination warning notice.

• Service may be physically disconnected if bill is 60 days past due.

• A $50 reconnection fee is then required to restore service once the past due amount is paid.

• Poor payment history may result in a security deposit being required for continued service.

Avoid these penalties and service interruptions by paying on time. Notify UBO immediately if you will have difficulty with a payment.

Payment Assistance Options

If you are experiencing financial hardship and unable to pay your bill, contact UBO as soon as possible to discuss these options:

• Payment arrangements – Work out a personalized installment plan to pay the past due balance over time.

• Payment extensions – Get a short term extension on the due date if needed.

• Budget billing – Pay a fixed amount each month instead of variable bills.

• Bill review – Verify the charges and meter reading are accurate.

• Leak adjustment – You may qualify for a partial credit if high usage is due to a qualifying water leak.

• Hardship programs – Reduced rates or assistance may be available for some low income residents.

UBO wants to help customers maintain service during difficult situations. Notify them promptly to learn about these alternatives.

You Have Choice and Control

As a city water customer, you have options:

• Monitor your daily water usage through the online portal to understand your habits.

• Adjust water usage to reduce wasted water and lower bills.

• Install low-flow aerators and showerheads to use less water.

• Request bill reviews or meter tests if you believe charges are too high.

• Use the online portal to go paperless or switch your billing date if desired.

• Provide feedback to UBO on how they can improve customer service.

Getting clean drinking water to your home requires considerable effort. Doing your small part by paying on time keeps the whole system functioning. Contact UBO with any questions on your bill or payment options.