A Guide to Paying Your Water Bill with Atascadero Mutual Water Company

Having reliable access to clean water is something most of us take for granted. But behind the scenes water utilities work hard to deliver this essential resource while also managing customer billing and payments. For residents and businesses in Atascadero California, Atascadero Mutual Water Company (AMWC) handles water service and billing for the community. Read on to learn how AMWC’s billing and online payment systems work so you can easily pay your water bill.

Overview of Atascadero Mutual Water Company

AMWC is a customer-owned mutual water company that provides water service to approximately 6300 connections in Atascadero. As a mutually-owned utility customers in the AMWC service area become shareholders in the company.

Some key facts about AMWC:

• Formed in 1913, making it one of California’s oldest mutual water companies.

• Supplies around 2.3 billion gallons of water per year.

• Sources water locally from the Salinas River, Atascadero Creek, and groundwater wells.

• Governed by a 5-member Board of Directors elected by shareholders.

• Employs approximately 20 staff members.

While investor-owned utilities aim to generate profits for investors, AMWC is focused on providing reliable and affordable water for its customer-owners. As a shareholder, you have a voice in water issues and bills only need to cover operational costs.

Understanding Your AMWC Water Bill

AMWC bills shareholders (property owners) directly for water service each month. Bills contain usage charges based on the amount of water used plus a fixed monthly service charge. These rates are established by AMWC’s Board of Directors.

Key details on AMWC water bills:

• Meters read monthly between the 14th-19th and bills sent around the 25th of each month.

• Payment is due upon receipt. Consider bills past due if not paid by the 22nd.

• Late fees assessed on the 6th of the month for overdue accounts.

• Must pay past due balance by shut off date printed on bill to avoid service interruption.

• Tenants receive bills addressed to “Occupant” if authorized by the shareholder. But shareholders ultimately responsible for payment.

• Bills can be mailed through USPS or handled electronically through AMWC’s online bill pay.

Review your usage, charges, due date, and account balance each month upon receiving your AMWC bill. Contact AMWC with any bill-related questions.

Paying Your AMWC Water Bill

AMWC offers shareholders and tenants several options for paying water bills:

By Mail

detach payment coupon from bill and mail with check or money order to AMWC’s office at:
5005 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422

In Person

visit AMWC’s office during business hours (M-F 8am-4pm) to pay by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card

Drop Box

drop a check or money order in the secure drop box at AMWC’s office

Over Phone

call the toll-free payment line anytime at (805) 464-3111 to pay with credit/debit card

Online Bill Pay

login to AMWC’s online bill pay at amwc.merchanttransact.com to securely pay 24/7

Auto Bill Pay

setup recurring automatic payments from bank account through AMWC’s online bill system

Double check payment due dates and make arrangements if additional time is needed. Late fees can add up quickly!

Online Bill Pay Overview

For added convenience, AMWC provides an online bill pay system for shareholders to manage water bills digitally. With online bill pay, you can:

• View or print current and past water bills
• Opt to go paperless
• Receive bill reminders and pay confirmations by email
• Pay bills immediately with credit/debit card or eCheck
• Setup recurring auto-pay from bank account
• Check your payment and usage history
• Avoid late fees by scheduling payments

The online bill pay portal is accessible 24/7 at amwc.merchanttransact.com for anytime payment. Shareholders must register with their account number, but the platform simplifies bill management once setup.

Payment Help and Resources From AMWC

Even with the most reliable water service, situations like leaks, high usage, billing errors, or unforeseen circumstances can arise. Thankfully, AMWC offers payment policies and resources to assist shareholders:

• Payment Arrangements – AMWC may provide payment extensions if the shareholder contacts them before the shutoff date.

• Leak Adjustments – Shareholders may qualify for a billing adjustment if a leak caused high usage. Must submit leak adjustment application form.

• Conservation Programs – Special payment assistance and rebates are available for upgrading plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems, etc to increase efficiency.

• Account Reviews – Shareholders can request a review of their account and bill charges directly with AMWC staff or board members.

• Payment Locations – In addition to the AMWC office, can pay bills at Perry’s Parcel or online.

• AMWC Office – Contact their customer service staff during business hours if any billing or payment issues arise.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to AMWC’s knowledgeable team if any concerns come up or you need personalized assistance with paying your water bill.

Keeping the Water Flowing as an AMWC Shareholder

Having access to clean and reliable water is vital for homes and businesses alike. Atascadero Mutual Water Company strives to make managing this essential utility easy for customers through fair rates, billing transparency, and convenient payment options. Whether via their online bill pay system or automatic bank withdrawals, shareholders can handle AMWC bills on their own time. Monitor your monthly usage and charges, pay bills on time, and contact AMWC early if any payment issues occur. Maintaining accounts in good standing keeps the water flowing in Atascadero.