How to Pay Your Water Bill in the City of Florence

Paying your water bill is an essential responsibility for all residents and businesses in the City of Florence. The city provides clean, reliable drinking water to all customers, and in return expects on-time payment for usage. Fortunately, the City of Florence offers several convenient options to pay your water bill so you can easily take care of this task.

Understanding Your Water Bill

Your water bill from the City of Florence provides detailed information on your water usage and charges. At the top, you’ll find your account number, service address, and billing period dates. Next comes your previous balance, any payments made, and the total amount due for the current billing cycle.

The main section of the bill outlines your water consumption for the period in gallons as well as service fees Common fees include

• Water usage fee – Based on the amount of water used as measured by your water meter
• Sewer usage fee – Charged for the amount of wastewater discharged from the property
• Service fee – Covers costs for operating and maintaining the water system infrastructure
• Fire protection fee – Funds fire hydrants and emergency response capabilities

Your bill may also list other charges like late fees if a past balance was not paid on time Understanding each component can help you budget and track your monthly water expenses

When to Pay Your Water Bill

Water bills in Florence are issued monthly. Payment must be received by the due date printed on your bill to avoid penalties. Due dates are typically around 3 weeks after the billing date.

If you fail to pay by the due date, a 10% late fee will be added to the total amount owed. Not paying your bill can eventually lead to service disconnection, so be sure to pay each month to maintain water access.

Ways to Pay Your Water Bill

The City of Florence offers several payment options to provide flexibility:

Pay Online

The easiest way for many customers to pay their water bill is through the city’s online payment system. You can access it from the quick link on the city’s homepage or go directly to https://ubill.cityofflorence.com/.

To use the online system, you will need your account number and the amount due. You can then submit payment using a debit card, credit card or electronic check. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards are accepted.

Online payments are processed immediately, so you don’t have to worry about mailing delays. You can also view payment history and billing statements through the online portal.

Bank Draft

With bank draft, also known as auto pay, your water bill is automatically paid each month directly from your checking or savings account. This ensures your payment will never be late.

To set up bank draft, complete the authorization form available on the city’s website. Return it along with a voided check, and drafts will begin the following billing cycle. You can cancel bank draft at any time by submitting written notice to the city.

Pay by Phone

Call the City of Florence Utility Billing department at (843) 665-3155 and select option 1 to make a payment over the phone. You will need to provide your account number and card details.

Phone payments can be made 24/7 using the city’s automated payment system. If you need to speak with a customer service representative, call during normal business hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Bank Bill Pay

Many banks and credit unions offer bill pay services that allow you to pay your water bill through their website or mobile app. Log in to your bank account and add the City of Florence as a payee, using your water account number.

Schedule one-time or recurring payments to be sent to the city. Transfer times can vary depending on your bank’s procedures. Make sure to schedule payments at least 5-7 days before the due date to ensure on-time delivery.

Mail a Payment

Traditional paper checks and money orders can still be mailed to the City of Florence for water bill payment. Use the payment stub from your water bill or include your account number on checks.

Payments should be mailed to:

City of Florence Utility Billing
PO Box 63010
Charlotte, NC 28263

To have your mailed payment arrive by the due date, allow 7-10 days for delivery. Payments are processed as soon as they are received.

Drop Boxes

For fast and convenient check or money order payments, use one of the city’s drop boxes located in the parking lot behind the City Center building at 324 West Evans St. Pull up to either drop box during the parking lot hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday to quickly submit your payment.

In Person

You can also pay your water bill in person at the City of Florence Utility Billing office located inside the City Center at 324 West Evans St. They accept cash, check, money order or credit/debit card payments.

Their office hours for in-person payments are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Be sure to allow adequate time to wait if other customers are being assisted.

Payment Arrangements

If you are having difficulty paying your water bill, contact the City of Florence as soon as possible. They may be able to set up a payment plan that allows you to pay past due balances over an extended period.

Payment arrangements can help avoid service disconnection. However, you must consistently follow the agreed upon schedule of installments. Failure to do so can still result in water shut off.

Financial Assistance Programs

Some customers may qualify for financial assistance with their City of Florence water bills through local nonprofit organizations and government programs, including:

• Salvation Army – Offers one-time emergency bill payment assistance for qualifying low-income residents. Call (843) 662-6812.

• Local churches – Many churches in the community provide limited bill pay help for their members and residents in need.

• LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program offers help with water bills along with heating/cooling bills. Apply through your local community action agency.

• Payment plans – The city utility billing office can set up interest-free payment plans for customers upon request. Longer term arrangements may be available in hardship cases.

If you anticipate needing help paying your water bill, be proactive about seeking assistance before service is discontinued for non-payment.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

Here are some tips to avoid penalties and potential shut-offs from the City of Florence water department:

• Pay on time – Mark your bill’s due date on your calendar and pay before it passes. Sign up for reminders through the online billing system.

• Go paperless – Eliminate postal mail delays by opting to receive bills electronically.

• Check for leaks – Running toilets, dripping faucets and other leaks can substantially increase usage. Monitor your consumption habits.

• Compare billing cycles – Your usage may fluctuate seasonally based on weather and other factors. Compare bills from similar billing cycles year-over-year.

• Enroll in bank draft – Automating your payments through bank draft prevents you from ever forgetting a bill.

• Seek assistance – Contact the city immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying on time.

Paying your water bill keeps service flowing and avoids additional fees. Make it a priority each month. With the City of Florence’s convenient payment options, taking care of this essential task is quick and easy.