Living in the beautiful Santa Fe area comes with the blessing of crisp clean water. But keeping the taps flowing requires some work on the back end managing your water utility payments. If you’re a Santa Fe County water customer, here’s your insider guide to understanding and paying your bill conveniently.
Who’s Supplying Your Water?
First things first – confirming if Santa Fe County Utilities is actually your water provider. Within Santa Fe County, water service depends on your location:
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In the city: City of Santa Fe water department
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Unincorporated county areas Santa Fe County Utilities
So if you live outside the Santa Fe city limits in places like Agua Fria, Cerrillos, or Hyde Park, you’re getting water from the county utility. They handle your water supply, wastewater treatment, and the billing.
Understanding Your Water Bill
Now let’s demystify your Santa Fe County water bill. You’ll get one monthly statement covering
- Water usage
- Wastewater usage
- Base service fees
- Taxes
It breaks down each charge and when it’s due. But here are the key sections explained:
Water Usage Fee
This covers the amount of water your household used based on your water meter. Rates are tiered, so per gallon rates increase at higher usage levels to encourage conservation.
Wastewater Usage Fee
You pay a fee based on your water usage since that water ends up as wastewater. Rates mirror the tiered water rates.
Base Service Fee
This fixed monthly fee helps fund water system operations and maintenance. It’s the same no matter how much water you use.
Taxes
Your bill includes a sales tax on the fees. This revenue supports Santa Fe County.
Calculating Your Charges
Your usage amount plus base fee drives your total bill. Let’s say your household used 8,000 gallons last month. Here’s an estimate of your charges:
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Water Usage Fee – $25 ($2.15 per 1,000 gallons up to 10,000)
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Wastewater Usage Fee – $36 (Based on water usage)
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Base Service Fee – $20
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Taxes – $3
Total Bill: $84
So even without wastewater, your minimum monthly bill would be around $45. Your actual bill fluctuates based on consumption.
Where to Pay Your Santa Fe County Water Bill
Santa Fe County offers plenty of convenient ways to pay your water bill so you never miss a payment. Choose the option that suits your preferences:
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Online – Pay through the online customer portal anytime 24/7. Just set up an account.
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Phone – Call the utility billing office at 505-992-9870 during business hours to pay.
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Mail – Send a check or money order to the utility’s mailing address.
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In person – Drop off a payment at the Public Works facility during open hours.
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Drop box – Use the secure drop box at the Public Works facility after hours.
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Auto pay – Set up recurring payments from your bank account so it’s automated.
Don’t Delay!
Water bills are due upon receipt each month. Pay it on time to avoid late fees or disruption of your water service. If you’ll be out of town, pay early or set up autopay.
Payment Plan Options
For folks struggling with a high balance, Santa Fe County can arrange installment payment plans to make it more manageable. Just reach out to discuss a customized schedule.
They may also connect lower-income households with financial assistance programs to help cover water bills. Ask about options if money’s tight!
Keeping Records
Save your monthly statements to refer back to your usage and clarify billing questions. You can also access 12 months of past statements through the online customer portal once registered.
Avoid Surprises
Since water bills vary monthly based on consumption, it helps to estimate your upcoming bill. Check your usage history and do the math based on current rates. Santa Fe County also has worksheets to help calculate estimates.
Forecasting your bill allows you to set aside the funds in your budget and avoid surprises. Adjust usage if needed to control costs.
Use Water Wisely
The best way to control your water and wastewater charges is through conservation. Santa Fe County offers rebates on water-saving appliances and fixtures to make it affordable.
And you’ll find tips to reduce usage around your home and yard that quickly add up to savings! Conserving water saves you money while preserving a precious resource.
We’re Here to Help
We know paying bills isn’t the most exciting task. But at Santa Fe County Utilities, we try to simplify the process with clear statements and multiple payment channels.
Questions on your charges or need help managing payments? Our customer service team is ready to assist! Just call 505-992-9870 or email us.
As your local water provider, we aim to make your experience a positive one. Water sustains our lives here in the Santa Fe community. So let us know how we can better serve your household!
Sign up for direct debit
Customers may establish an automatic payment on their monthly utility services bill by direct debit from a checking account. The checking account does not need to be under the customers name.
Click Here to download the direct debit form. The form may be completed online, saved to a computer, or printed to be completed by hand.
A voided check must be included with all application methods.
The form and attached check may be submitted in any of the following three ways:
- Mail the completed form and voided check to the City of Santa Fe Utility Billing Division, 801 W San Mateo Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
- Place the completed form and voided check in an envelope and place them in the drop box in the parking lot at 801 W. San Mateo Road.
- Download and complete the form. Scan a copy of a voided check and attach it to the email with the completed form.
Customers can also go to www.santafenm.gov/paymentus to set up an automatic payment with a Credit Card.
Information about Online Bill Pay for City Utilities
FAQ
How do I pay my water bill in New Mexico?
You can pay your New Mexico Water bill over the phone by calling (888) 598-9825 (toll-free). You can use a bank account, a Visa (credit or debit), MasterCard (credit or debit), or Discover card.
Who is the director of public utilities in Santa Fe?
City Announces New Public Utilities Director John Dupuis. Santa Fe, February 6: John Dupuis has been chosen by City Manager John Blair to lead the Public Utilities Department. Dupuis will start in the new position on Monday, March 6, 2023.
What is the average water bill in New Mexico?
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Utility
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Average cost in New Mexico
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Utility
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Average cost in New Mexico
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Monthly water bill
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$32
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Internet
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$30
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Natural gas
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$60
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How do I pay a Santa Fe water bill?
Payment address is: Santa Fe Irrigation District P. O. Box 409 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 and send your payment along with the return stub (the top part of the bill). Please allow at least five business days for delivery. View current water rates. Learn the different ways to pay a bill.
What services does Santa Fe County utilities provide?
Santa Fe County Utilities provides water and wastewater services to various areas beyond the City limits. If you would like to inquire about our services, please call or come by. We look forward to serving you. Rates for Santa Fe County Utilities will change in Fiscal Year 2025, which runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
What if I have a utility bill issue in Santa Fe Springs?
The city knows about the problem and is working with the payment processor to make changes to all accounts that are affected. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any further questions, please contact our billing team at (562) 409-7520 or utilitybilling@santafesprings. org. © 2021 City of Santa Fe Springs, CA • Powered by revize.
How do I contact Santa Fe Springs utility billing?
If you have any further questions, please contact our billing team at (562) 409-7520 or utilitybilling@santafesprings. org. © 2021 City of Santa Fe Springs, CA • Powered by revize. Government Website Experts • Login.
How do I create a Santa Fe Water Account?
You can create a new account on the City Of Santa Fe Water website. Once you create the account, you can setup payment with credit, debit, or direct deposit. Click here to create an account.
What services does save water Santa Fe offer?
Some of these things are providing quick and friendly customer service, collecting payments, reading water meters correctly, and sending out bills on time for water, sewer, trash, and stormwater services. Click here to visit Save Water Santa Fe for more information about Eye on Water and other programs.
