A Guide to Paying Your Broward County Water Bill

Having reliable water services is essential for every home and business. As a customer of Broward County Water Services, it’s important you understand how to pay your water bill efficiently each month to avoid any disruption to your service. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the basics of the billing process and different payment options available.

Overview of Broward County Water Services

Broward County Water Services (BCWS) provides water and wastewater utility services to over 80,000 customers in various cities and communities throughout Broward County, Florida They operate and maintain thousands of miles of water mains, wells, treatment plants, pumping stations, and other infrastructure required to deliver clean drinking water and handle wastewater sanitation

As a customer you are responsible for paying monthly charges for the water and sewer services provided to your property. Understanding your BCWS bill and the various payment methods can help you effectively manage this recurring utility expense.

Key Components of Your Broward County Water Bill

Your monthly BCWS bill will include charges calculated based on your actual or estimated water consumption along with several fixed fees. Here are the key components:

• Water Usage Fee – Charge per 1,000 gallons of water used based on periodic meter readings. Rates increase with higher water usage.

• Basic Water Service Fee – Fixed monthly fee for standard water service.

• Wastewater Usage Fee – Charge based on your metered water consumption since wastewater amounts are calculated as a percentage of water used

• Basic Wastewater Service Fee – Fixed monthly fee for standard wastewater service.

• Solid Waste Fee – Covers solid waste collection and disposal services.

• Stormwater Fee – Fixed monthly fee to fund the county’s stormwater management program.

• Fire Service Fee – For properties with private fire sprinkler systems.

• Taxes & Other Fees – May include sales tax, electric utility tax, etc.

Carefully reviewing the fees and usage charges on your bill can help you understand what services you are being billed for. Keep an eye out for any sudden spikes in usage as well which could indicate leaks.

Billing Cycles and Getting Your Monthly Bill

BCWS bills for water/wastewater service on a monthly basis. Here are some key points about the billing cycles:

• Bills are sent out mid-month for the previous month’s usage.

• For example, you would receive June’s bill in mid-July for water used in June.

• Your bill is due upon receipt with a due date of the 1st of the following month.

• Late fees are assessed if not paid by the past due date around the 25th of each month.

• Service may be disconnected if bill is 60 days past due.

• Bills are sent electronically to email addresses on file unless you request paper billing.

• Accounts can be set up for auto-draft payments on the due date.

Monitoring your monthly bills and paying on time is crucial to avoiding penalties and disruption of your water services.

Ways to Pay Your Broward County Water Bill

BCWS offers several convenient payment options to choose from each month:

• Online – Pay via credit/debit card or e-check through your online account portal.

• By Phone – Call the IVR payment system at 954-831-3250 and follow prompts to make payment by credit card.

• By Mail – Detach payment stub from bill and enclose with check or money order. Allow 7-10 days processing time.

• In-Person – Bring payment to a BCWS Customer Service Center location.

• Auto-Pay – Enroll to have payments automatically drafted from your bank account each month.

• Drop Boxes – Place check or money order in secure drop boxes at various county locations.

Evaluate these options and select the most convenient way for you to pay each month. Consistently on-time payments can help you avoid fees or service interruptions.

Financial Assistance Programs Available

If you are struggling to keep up with your water payments, BCWS offers programs that may be able to help, including:

• Payment arrangements – Set up a payment plan for past due balances.

• Payment extensions – One-time extension of a due date if eligible.

• Leak payment adjustments – Adjustments for unusually high bills caused by leaks.

• LIHEAP assistance – Federal aid program for utility bills.

Contact customer service to discuss bill payment challenges and get enrolled in an assistance program if qualified. Proactive management of your account can help avoid water service shut-offs.

Use Resources to Manage Your Account

BCWS offers a number of resources to help you stay on top of your water services billing:

• 24/7 online account access to view balance, make payments, see usage history.

• Email and text notifications to alert you of new bills, due dates, or account issues.

• Customer service team reachable by phone or in-person to answer billing questions.

• Detailed instructions on reading and understanding your bill.

Leverage these tools to monitor your usage trends, track upcoming due dates, make payments, and get assistance if needed. Paying your water bill on time takes some effort but is vital for your home.

This covers the key aspects of paying water utility bills with Broward County Water Services. Understanding the billing process, payment options, and account management resources will allow you to take control and pay your bill smoothly and reliably each month. Consistent on-time payments will keep your essential water services flowing without disruption.