How to Pay Your Water Bill Online with the City of Eastpointe

Paying your water bill to the City of Eastpointe is easy and convenient with their online payment options. In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk through everything Eastpointe residents need to know to pay water bills online including how to set up an account, payment options, and tips for avoiding late fees.

Overview of Eastpointe Water Billing

The City of Eastpointe provides water service to residents and handles billing and payment collection. Here’s an overview of how water billing works:

• Bills are issued on a monthly basis for water usage and sewer charges.

• The amount due depends on how much water you use based on your meter readings. Rates are tiered, so the more you use, the higher the rate per unit.

• Sewer charges are based on your water usage since wastewater correlates to water consumption.

• Bills are typically mailed out the first week of the month and due by the 28th to avoid late fees.

• Payments received after the due date will incur a 10% penalty charge.

• If a bill remains unpaid after about 60 days, water service will be shut off until the balance is paid.

• Account information like meter readings and payment history can be accessed online.

How to Pay Your Water Bill Online

The City of Eastpointe offers online bill payment through BS&A Software. With the online portal, you can view bills, make one-time payments or set up recurring payments.

Step 1: Create an Account

First, you’ll need to register for an account on the BS&A Online Payment website.

• Click “Register” and enter your email address and password.

• Check your email for a confirmation link to complete registration.

• This creates your login credentials to access the payment portal.

Step 2: Login & Search for Your Account

Next, log into your BS&A account and search for your water account.

• On the homepage, select “City of Eastpointe” then click “Utility Billing Search”.

• Search by your account number, address, name, or parcel number.

• Select your account from the search results.

Step 3: Make a Payment

Once you’ve selected your water account, you can view balance info and make a payment.

• Enter your credit/debit card or eCheck (ACH) payment info.

• You can pay the total balance due or make a partial payment.

• Optional: Check “Recurring Payment” to set up automatic monthly payments.

• Click “Continue” and enter your payment details on the next screen.

• Verify payment info and click “Submit Payment” to complete the transaction.

You’ll receive an emailed receipt confirming your payment was processed. The funds will typically clear your bank account within 1-3 business days.

Tips for Paying Your Water Bill Online

Follow these tips for successfully managing City of Eastpointe water bill payments online:

• Set up autopay to avoid late fees – recurring payments process automatically each month.

• Pay a few days early to account for processing time – don’t wait until the due date.

• Update your account info if your address, name or bank account changes.

• Check statements carefully and report any billing errors immediately.

• Contact the water department with payment questions at 586-445-3661.

• Sign up for paperless billing to get statements electronically instead of by mail.

• Use the online portal to monitor water usage and spot high spikes that may indicate leaks.

• Pay extra towards your balance whenever possible to create a credit that offsets future bills.

Paying online with BS&A Software makes managing your City of Eastpointe water account quick, easy and secure. Sign up for an account today to view statements and pay bills 24/7.

Other Ways to Pay Your Eastpointe Water Bill

If you prefer not to pay online, the City of Eastpointe also accepts water bill payments by:

By Mail

Mail a check or money order payable to “City of Eastpointe” with your payment stub to:

City of Eastpointe
23200 Gratiot Ave.
Eastpointe, MI 48021

Allow 7-10 business days for mailed payments to process. Include your account number on the check.

By Phone

Call 586-445-5052 to pay over the phone using a credit card or electronic check. Convenience fees apply to phone payments.

In Person

Bring your bill to Eastpointe City Hall at 23200 Gratiot Ave to pay in person with cash, check or card. You can also use the drop box by the front entrance after hours.

Auto Bill Pay Through Your Bank

Set up automatic bill pay through your bank by adding the City of Eastpointe as a payee, just like you would for any other bills. Double check account details to avoid errors.

Paying by mail, phone or bank auto-pay work fine, but the online portal is typically the most convenient option with added benefits like paperless billing, usage tracking and autopay.

Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection

To keep your water service running and avoid extra fees, make sure your Eastpointe water bill gets paid in full by the due date each month. Here are some tips:

• Mark your calendar with due dates so payments don’t slip your mind. Set reminders about a week before bills are due.

• Enroll in autopay through the online portal to ensure on-time payment.

• If you’ll be out of town near a due date, pay early or set up autopay.

• Contact Eastpointe Water Dept immediately if you cannot pay on time for some reason to discuss payment plan options before service is shut off.

• Track your usage online and be proactive about fixing leaks to avoid high bills that are difficult to pay on time.

• Similarly, install high-efficiency fixtures and be mindful of conservation to reduce usage and costs.

As long as your payments are current, you shouldn’t have to worry about late fees or disruptions with Eastpointe water service. Reach out to the water department if you ever have billing questions or need assistance.

Payment Assistance Programs

If paying your water bill has become a financial hardship, Eastpointe offers programs to help qualified residents:

Water Leak Adjustment Program: You may be eligible for a payment adjustment if you had a qualifying water leak. Requirements include:

• Must not have received a leak adjustment in the past 3 years.
• Proof of leak documentation and repair records.
• Usage showing spike during leak period compared to normal.

Payment Plans: Payment plans allow you to divide past due balances into smaller installments over 4-6 months. Call the water department to set up a payment plan.

SLAP Program: The Sewer Lateral Assistance Program provides financial aid to low income residents for sewer lateral repairs.

WRAP Program: The Water Residential Assistance Program provides water bill discounts to low income residents based on household size and income qualifications.

Don’t hesitate to explore these programs if paying your water bill has become difficult due to leaks, repairs or other hardships. The City aims to keep water affordable and accessible.

Avoiding Scams and Fraud

Unfortunately, fraudsters often target water customers with payment scams by phone, email or mail. Here are tips to recognize and avoid Eastpointe water bill scams:

• Government entities don’t call demanding immediate payment and threatening shut off. Hang up on suspicious calls.

• Delete emails with links or attachments from unknown senders – these could download malware.

• Don’t give personal or banking information to unsolicited callers.

• Look out for spoofed caller IDs – scammers often fake real numbers.

• If contacted by someone claiming to be from the water department, hang up and call back directly at 586-445-5052 to verify.

• The water department will never insist you buy gift cards or pay by unusual methods like MoneyGram.

• Ignore threats that service will be terminated if you don’t pay immediately. Real shut off notices come by mail with a turn off date at least 10 days out.

If you suspect a scam attempt, report it to local law enforcement and the Michigan Attorney General’s office.

In Summary

• Register on the BS&A portal to pay online 24/7.

• Sign up for autopay to avoid late fees.

• Watch for scams and call the water dept to verify suspicious comms.

• Ask about assistance if you’re struggling with payments.

• Fix leaks and conservation measures to control usage and bills.

Paying your Eastpointe water bill is quick and easy through the convenient online portal. But don’t hesitate to reach out to the water department if you need help managing payments. They offer flexible options and excellent customer service.