How to Pay Your Charles County Water Bill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Having access to clean drinking water and reliable sewer service is a necessity for any home or business. In Charles County, MD, paying your monthly water and sewer bill is easy and convenient when you understand all the payment options available This comprehensive guide will walk through everything you need to know about paying your Charles County utility bill online, by mail, or in person

Understanding Your Charles County Utility Bill

On a quarterly basis Charles County Utility Billing issues water and sewer bills to all residential and commercial customers. Here are some key details about your utility bill

• Services billed: Your utility bill includes charges for how much water and sewer you use based on averages for the winter quarter.

• Billing frequency: Bills are sent out every three months, in January, April, July, and October.

• Due date: You need to pay your bill by the due date printed on it, which is usually three weeks after the bill date.

• Late fees – A 10% late fee is applied to past due balances after the due date.

• Tiered water rates – Water charges are billed at tiered rates per 1,000 gallons based on usage. Rates per tier increase at higher volumes.

• Sewer rates – Sewer is billed at a flat rate per 1,000 gallons based on your winter water consumption.

• Account number – This unique number identifies your account for payment and inquiries. Include it on mailed checks or when making electronic payments.

• Payment history – Your bill shows previous charges, payments received, and any balance forward.

Paying Your Bill Online

The quickest and easiest way for most customers is to pay their Charles County utility bill online. Here’s how:

1. Visit www.charlescountymd.gov and click on “Pay Water/Sewer Bill”.

2. Select whether you want to make a one-time payment or enroll in auto-pay.

3. Enter your Charles County account number found on your bill.

4. Input your payment details and submit.

Online payments can be made by credit card, debit card, or e-check. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards are accepted.

Paying by Mail

To pay your utility bill by mail:

• Detach the payment stub from the bottom of your bill.
• Write your account number clearly on the stub.
• Indicate the payment amount on the stub.
• Enclose a check or money order payable to Charles County Treasurer.
• Mail to: Charles County Treasurer, PO Box 2150, La Plata, MD 20646

Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to reach the processing center and be applied to your account.

Paying in Person

You can pay your Charles County utility bill in person at:

• Charles County Government Building – 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata, MD

• Waldorf West Library – 10405 O’Donnell Place, Waldorf, MD

Both locations accept cash, check, money order or credit/debit card payments. Be sure to bring your latest bill with you.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

For hassle-free bill payment, consider enrolling in automatic payments. This automatically deducts the amount due from your bank account each quarter on the due date.

To enroll in auto-pay:

1. Visit www.charlescountymd.gov/payments and click on Auto-Pay.

2. Enter your Charles County account number.

3. Provide your bank account information.

4. Review and accept the terms and conditions.

You can also complete auto-pay enrollment by calling 301-932-3599.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are having difficulty paying your Charles County water/sewer bill on time, payment assistance programs may be able to help, including:

• Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – Provides financial assistance for utility bills to limited income households. Call 301-870-3334.

• Religious Coalition – Offers emergency utility bill grants for residents facing disconnection. Call 301-609-9900.

• Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee – Low income households can apply for utility assistance. Call 301-274-4474.

Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection

To avoid late fees on your Charles County utility bill:

• Pay your balance by the due date printed on your bill. Online payments process immediately while mailed payments take 5-7 days to post.

• Enroll in auto-pay to have payments deducted on the due date automatically each quarter.

• Update your contact information if you move so you continue receiving bills.

• If facing disconnection for non-payment, call 301-932-3599 immediately to make arrangements.

• Ask about possible payment plan options if you are struggling to pay on time.

Understanding the Charges on Your Bill

When you receive your quarterly statement, you may see a variety of charges and fees. Here is an overview of what they mean:

• Water service – Charge based on your consumption in 1,000 gallon increments at tiered rates per tier. Covers water treatment and delivery.

• Sewer service – Billed at a flat rate per 1,000 gallons based on your winter quarter water usage, which is averaged. Goes toward sewage treatment.

• Account fee – Fixed $10 per quarter fee to cover administrative costs of billing.

• Bay Restoration Fee – State-mandated charge to fund Chesapeake Bay restoration projects.

• Late fee – 10% penalty added if payment received after the due date.

• Interest – 1.5% monthly interest accrued on past due balances.

• Lien fee – Assessed if a lien is placed on your property for non-payment.

In Summary

Understanding how to read your Charles County utility bill and what the various charges represent allows you to accurately review and pay your balance each quarter. Paying online provides the fastest and most convenient option for most customers. You can also utilize mail-in payments or pay in person at authorized locations. Reaching out for payment assistance, if needed, can help avoid penalties or service disconnection. With numerous payment choices available, keeping your Charles County utility account in good standing is simple and hassle-free!