Paying your water bill is an essential part of being a resident in Rome, GA. The city offers several convenient ways to pay so you can choose the method that works best for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the different options for paying your Rome water bill on time every month.
Understand Billing Cycles
The City of Rome bills for water usage on a monthly basis. Your bill covers the previous month’s water consumption and any sewer charges.
Bills are mailed out around the 10th of each month and are due by the 27th. If not paid by the due date a 10% late penalty will be added to the balance owed.
Review your monthly bill carefully to ensure there are no errors Check that the meter readings match your actual usage for the month.
Receive Email Reminders
To help remember when your bill is due, sign up for email reminders through the city’s website. You’ll get an email notification when your new bill is ready to view online.
Email reminders also alert you if your bill is past due, allowing you to pay promptly and avoid late fees. Having a reminder takes the guesswork out of bill due dates.
View and Pay Bills Online
The fastest way to pay your water bill is online through the City of Rome website. You can view your balance and payment history plus make secure online payments 24/7.
To pay online, you’ll need your 10 digit account number from your water bill. Have a credit/debit card ready for fast and simple checkout.
Online payments are processed immediately and reflected on your account within 1-2 business days.
Pay by Phone
If you prefer to speak to someone directly, call the City of Rome at 706-236-4400 to pay your water bill by phone.
You’ll need to provide your account number, name, address and have a credit card number ready to complete the payment. This is a quick, convenient way to pay without leaving home.
Pay by Mail
Mail in a check or money order using your remittance envelope if you received one with your bill. If not, mail payments to:
City of Rome
PO Box 1711
Rome, GA 30162
Write your 10 digit account number on the check or money order to ensure proper crediting. Allow 7-10 days for mailed payments to process.
Pay in Person
Visit the City of Rome Municipal Building at 601 Broad Street to pay your water bill in person. Payments can be made Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.
You can pay by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card when paying in the office. Be sure to allow enough time before the due date when paying in person.
Sign Up for AutoPay
For maximum convenience, enroll in auto-pay to have your water bill paid automatically each month. This ensures your payment is always on time, avoiding any late fees.
With auto-pay, the amount due is deducted from your credit card or checking account on file around the time the bill generates each month.
Look into Budget Billing
If you want to spread payments out evenly throughout the year, ask about budget billing when you pay your water bill. This allows you to pay a fixed amount each month based on your average annual usage.
Budget billing prevents spikes in summer when usage typically increases. Your account is reviewed periodically and the amount adjusted up or down accordingly.
Request Due Date Extensions
If you need a little extra time to pay your bill, call the City of Rome before the due date to request an extension. As long as your account is in good standing, they may be able to push your due date back several days without a penalty fee.
This helps when you’re waiting for a paycheck to clear or need time to get money together to pay the balance due. Extensions give you a little breathing room.
Inquire About Payment Plans
Some months your water bill may be higher than normal or finances may be tight. In these cases you can call and request to go on a payment plan.
This allows you to pay your outstanding balance in installments over 2-3 months. An initial payment is required to enroll with remaining payments divided evenly until the balance is paid.
Avoid Water Service Interruptions
If your water bill goes unpaid for long enough, your service may be temporarily interrupted until payment is made. This applies to severely past due accounts.
To resume service, you must pay the past due amount in full plus a service restoration fee. Avoid service disruptions by keeping accounts current and paid in full each month.
Update Contact Information
If your mailing address, email or phone number changes, let the City of Rome know right away. This ensures your water bill and any notices reach you promptly each month.
Outdated contact information can cause billing issues and delays. Stop by in person or call to provide your updated details.
Watch for Leaks
Review your monthly usage on your water bill to watch for any spikes that could indicate a leak. Also visually inspect sinks, showers, toilets and outdoor spigots periodically for any drips or leaks.
Catching leaks early keeps your water usage and bill amount lower. Be proactive to minimize wasted water and associated costs.
Request Meter Checks
If your bill seems unusually high, call the City of Rome to have them check that your water meter is recording usage accurately. They can run tests to ensure it’s functioning properly.
If a fault is found with the meter’s readings, they will adjust your bill accordingly and get your meter replaced so future bills reflect true usage.
Understand Rates and Fees
Water rates in Rome, GA are based on your monthly water consumption. The sewer portion of your bill is based on your 3 month winter average water usage.
Rates are tiered, meaning water gets more expensive the more you use. Be wise with your water usage to avoid hitting the higher tiers each month.
Review the full rate schedule on the City of Rome website so you understand exactly what you’re being charged for.
Get Duplicate Bills
If you need a copy of your water bill for your records or to submit for reimbursement, you can request duplicate bills from the City of Rome.
These can be picked up in person at the Municipal Building or mailed to you upon request. Share these with your landlord or employer as needed.
Enroll in Paperless Billing
Sign up to receive your bill electronically rather than through the mail. This allows you to access your bill conveniently online as soon as it generates each month.
Going paperless also helps the environment and ensures you never misplace a mailed paper bill. Just be sure to check your email for notices.
Provide Access for Meter Readers
Make sure there is a clear path to your water meter for city meter readers. Trim back bushes, move debris and restrain pets so they can easily and safely access your meter monthly.
If readers are unable to get a meter reading, your bill may be estimated based on prior usage until the next reading can be obtained. Keep meters clear for accuracy!
Contact Customer Support
The City of Rome wants paying your water bill to be hassle-free. Don’t hesitate to call 706-236-4400 or stop by the Municipal Building if you have any questions or issues.
Their customer service team is available to assist with billing questions, take payments, setup payment plans and more. They aim to provide a positive experience.
Paying your monthly water bill in Rome doesn’t have to be a chore. Implementing some of these tips will have your bill paid on time every month with no stress! Be sure to take advantage of the convenience of online payments and auto-pay whenever possible. With numerous payment options at your fingertips, maintaining water service is a breeze.
