How to Pay Your Bill for Bartow County Water Service

Having access to clean, reliable water in your home is something most people take for granted. But providing high-quality water service requires significant infrastructure and resources that the local Bartow County Water Department works hard to maintain. As a customer, your role is paying your water bill on time each month. This article will explain everything you need to know about paying your Bartow County water bill.

Overview of Bartow County Water Department

The Bartow County Water Department, located in Cartersville, GA, is responsible for providing water service to residents and businesses throughout Bartow County. Some key facts about the department:

• Provides water to over 27000 residential commercial, and industrial customers across the county.

• Operates and maintains over 850 miles of water distribution lines

• Uses advanced water treatment technology like membrane filtration to ensure safe, clean water.

• Monitors and tests water quality continuously to meet all state and federal standards.

• Works diligently to repair water main breaks and service interruptions quickly.

• Reads meters and issues monthly water bills to customers.

Reliable water service is something we often take for granted until there is a disruption. The Bartow County Water Department works hard every day to minimize service issues and keep your water flowing.

Getting Set Up with a New Water Account

When moving to a new home or business in Bartow County, you’ll need to set up a water account with the Bartow County Water Department. Here’s how to get started:

• Complete an application – Fill out an application online or in person and provide details like service address, billing name, contact info, etc.

• Pay a deposit – A refundable deposit is required to open an account. The deposit amount depends on your property type.

• Complete paperwork – Read and sign the Customer Service Agreement acknowledging you understand the department’s billing policies.

• Arrange service start – Request a service start date and obtain a turn-on order. Provide access to your property if necessary.

• Receive welcome packet – You’ll get a welcome packet with your new account number, upcoming meter read schedule, payment options, and other useful information.

Getting your new water flowing only takes a few simple steps. Just be sure to complete all required paperwork and payments.

Understanding Your Monthly Water Bill

Water bills are issued monthly and include charges for your actual water usage along with fixed service fees. Here is an overview of what’s typically included on your Bartow County water bill:

• Service fee – A fixed monthly charge to cover billing, infrastructure, and other costs. Service fee varies based on your meter size.

• Water usage fee – Charges based on the actual amount of water used each month measured in gallons or cubic feet (CCF). Water usage rate is tiered based on quantity.

• Sales tax – Sales tax is applied to the subtotal of your service and usage fees. The current sales tax rate in Bartow County is 7%.

• Due date – Payment is due by the due date printed on your bill, typically 20-25 days after billing.

Closely reviewing your monthly bill helps you understand the charges and monitor your household or business water usage patterns.

Ways to Pay Your Bartow County Water Bill

Bartow County Water Department offers several payment options to provide maximum flexibility and convenience:

• Mail – Detach payment stub from bill and mail with check or money order to the address listed. Allow 7-10 days for mail payments.

• In person – Bring payment to the Water Department office at 135 W Cherokee Ave in Cartersville. Office hours are Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM.

• Drop box – Place payment in the secure drop box at the Water Department office after hours or on weekends.

• Online – Pay via the customer web portal using your checking account, credit or debit card.

• Phone – Call the automated payment system at 866-747-0784 and use your card or checking account to pay.

• Auto pay – Enroll in auto pay to have payments automatically deducted from your checking account each month.

Paying your water bill is quick and painless when you choose a method that fits your needs and preferences.

Payment Policies and Helpful Tips

Familiarizing yourself with the Bartow County Water Department’s payment policies and following helpful tips will prevent any payment issues or late fees:

• Payment is due by the due date shown on your bill to avoid late fees. Allow 7-10 days for mail delivery.

• Accounts with past due balances over 60 days may be subject to disconnection.

• Notify the department immediately if you believe your bill contains an error. Disputes must be submitted in writing.

• If paying online, be sure to select Bartow County Water, not solid waste/recycling. Select water department for phone payments as well.

• Keep your account information updated with the water department, especially mailing address and phone number.

• Consider enrolling in paperless e-billing to receive bills electronically rather than printed bills.

Understanding the various bill payment rules and methods makes paying your water bill a breeze. Reach out to the billing department if you ever have questions.

Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection

Nothing is more frustrating than incurring unnecessary late fees or service interruptions. Avoid these scenarios by:

• Pay on time – Mark your due date on a calendar and pay by that date each month. Sign up for automated payments or payment reminders.

• Monitor usage – Track usage to avoid bill shocks that make payment difficult. Check for leaks. Install a smart meter.

• Ask for help – If you anticipate difficulty paying, request an extension or payment plan before your bill is past due.

• Notify of issues – Let the water department know about payment issues right away before service is disconnected.

• Enroll in budget billing – This option averages bills over the year for consistent monthly payments to assist budgeting.

With a few proactive steps, you can avoid problematic late payments and ensure your water service stays on.

Assistance Programs for Low Income Customers

For low income families struggling to pay water bills, Bartow County Water Department partners with LIHEAP and other programs to provide financial assistance:

• LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay water bills along with heating/cooling bills. Apply through the Department of Human Services.

• Project SHARE – Nonprofit that provides emergency bill payment assistance. Apply online or call 770-382-0046.

• Payment plans – Make arrangements with the water department to pay your bill in installments over time if eligible.

Don’t hesitate to inquire about assistance programs if you are experiencing financial hardship. There are resources available in the community to help all residents maintain essential water service.

Paying your water bill doesn’t have to be a hassle or struggle as long as you understand the process. Follow this guide for a smooth billing experience with the Bartow County Water Department. Reach out with any other questions!