Staying on top of utility bills can feel like a full-time job. It takes a lot of organization to keep track of when bills are due for things like water, sewer, electricity, gas, and more. In Baltimore County, water and sewer services are provided by the Metropolitan District. City of Baltimore bills for water use, but county of Baltimore pays for structure costs. If you split your bills, it can be hard to figure out how to pay your water bill.
This article will break down everything you need to know about paying water bills in Baltimore County. We’ll explain the various charges how bills are calculated payment options, and programs to assist residents in need. Read on to become a water bill payment expert for Baltimore County!
Usage Charges Come From Baltimore City
Although you live in Baltimore County, your actual water usage charges come from Baltimore City Department of Public Works This is because the city supplies drinking water to much of the surrounding metro area. So for the amount of water you use in gallons, you’ll receive a quarterly bill from Baltimore City.
These bills break down your usage into units, with one unit equaling 748 gallons of water. The rate per unit depends on your property type, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. Check your bill to see the total units consumed in the 3 month period along with the rate to calculate your usage cost.
Infrastructure Charges Come From Baltimore County
Residents not only pay for the water they use, but also for fees that help keep the systems that bring water and handle waste water in good shape. Baltimore County bills for water and sewer service every year in a number of ways:
- Water Distribution Charge – covers system maintenance
- Sewer Service Charge – based on water usage
- Water/Sewer Benefit Assessments – helps pay off construction costs
- Property Connection Charge – connects line from main to property
These charges appear on your annual July property tax bill. So while your consumption comes quarterly from the city your infrastructure fees are annual from the county.
How Usage Determines Sewer Service Fees
A major portion of your annual Baltimore County water bill is the Sewer Service Charge. This fee is based on your water consumption from the prior calendar year. So the sewer charge you’ll see in July 2023 is dependent on your total water usage throughout 2022.
The sewer charge takes your annual usage across the 4 quarterly bills and divides into units to calculate a flat rate each year. If your usage increases one year, your sewer service charge will rise the following year to reflect that. Keeping water use reasonable helps control this cost.
Payment Options for Water Bills
Since you’ll receive water bills from two different government entities, payment can get confusing. Here are tips for ensuring your payments go to the right place:
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For Baltimore City usage bills, pay via their online portal or by mailing payments to the address on your bill.
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Baltimore County charges must be paid as part of your annual property tax bill. You can pay online, by mail, or in-person at the county building.
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Never pay your Baltimore City water bill at the Baltimore County office or vice versa. Keep payments separate.
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If paying by mail, follow the instructions on each bill to send to the proper address and include your account number.
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Consider enrolling in auto-pay through the online portals to have payments deducted automatically on the due date.
Explore Payment Plan Options
If you are having difficulty covering the full cost of your water and sewer bills, contact Baltimore City and Baltimore County to ask about possible payment arrangements. Some flexible options may include:
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Payment plans allowing you to split your balance over several smaller payments.
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Budget or level billing to even out costs over the year.
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Delaying due dates if you need a little extra time to pay.
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Assistance programs and discounts for seniors, disabled residents, or low-income households.
Being upfront about your financial limitations can help the billing departments work with you on a solution. Protect your access to this vital water service by proactively communicating any payment challenges.
Check for Leaks to Avoid Surprises
One of the easiest ways to take control of your water and sewer costs in Baltimore County is to monitor your home for leaks. Since sewer fees are usage-based, a leak can drive up your bill unnecessarily.
Check for signs like higher than normal bills, visible water spots in your home, or moist areas in your yard. Listen for sounds of running water when household use is stopped. If a leak is confirmed, request an adjustment from Baltimore City on the usage fee and Baltimore County on the sewer charge.
We’re Here to Help
We know Baltimore County’s split water billing system can be confusing to navigate. Hopefully this overview provided some guidance on understanding the various charges and effectively managing payments. Reach out to us if any other questions arise about your water and sewer bills. We want billing and payment to be a smooth process so you can continue enjoying safe, reliable water services.
Baltimore County to true up $3M in water bill balances with city
FAQ
Do Baltimore County residents pay water bill?
Where can I pay my water bill in Baltimore?
How do you check your water bill?
How often do you pay a water bill in Maryland?
How do I get a water bill in Baltimore City?
Baltimore City Phone: 410-396-5398 Online: Look up or pay your water bill. Baltimore County Call 443-263-2220 to report. Baltimore City View locations and status of repairs using the interactive map. The use of fire hydrants is restricted to those who have obtained permits only. Special water meters are issued to commercial users.
Will Baltimore City water bills be sent out?
The bills being sent out will cover water/sewer/stormwater charges for April, May, June and July in Baltimore City and for Baltimore County. Some major sticker shock is expected. The City of Baltimore’s water billing system is now fully operational.
Will Baltimore City water bills increase in July?
Baltimore City water bills will also reflect a July 1 rate increase, approved by the Board of Estimates in January, DPW added. Late fees have been waived until November 2019, due to the inconvenience.
Does Baltimore County have a water advisory?
On September 28, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works issued a water advisory for a portion of the region’s water system, including parts of Baltimore County. More information is available from the Baltimore City Department of Public Works. Baltimore City is responsible for the water service in Baltimore County.