A Comprehensive Guide to Paying Your Columbia Water Bill

Paying your water utility bill is an essential responsibility for all residents and businesses in Columbia, SC. The city’s water, sewer and stormwater services are managed by Columbia Water, owned and operated by the City of Columbia.

When your Columbia Water bill comes in every month, you’ll want to know what it costs and pay it quickly to avoid late fees or service interruptions. The good news is that Columbia Water makes it easy to pay by letting you do it online, over the phone, by mail, in person, or automatically.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about receiving, reading, and paying your Columbia Water utility bill.

Receiving Your Columbia Water Bill

Utility bills for water sewer, and stormwater services are mailed monthly by Columbia Water. Here’s what to expect

• Bills are mailed around the 10th of each month to your billing address. Allow 3-5 days for delivery via US mail.

• Due date is typically before the 28th of the month. Check your bill for the exact due date each month.

• Late fees apply if payment is received after the due date. Late fees are 10% of your current charges.

• Shut offs for non-payment occur approximately 15 days past the due date.

• The billing cycle is based on the date the meter was read, not the month of the year. Your meter is read around the 25th of each month.

• No bills means no charges – You only receive a bill if you incurred utility charges that month.

If you don’t receive your bill, contact Columbia Water immediately at (803) 545-3300. You are still responsible for on-time payment even if your bill is lost or delayed.

Understanding Your Columbia Water Bill

When you receive your Columbia Water utility bill, take a moment to understand what you are being charged for. Your bill breaks down usage and costs for water, sewer, and stormwater services.

Key elements on your Columbia Water bill include:

• Account number – Needed for phone payments or to access your online account

• Service address – The property receiving the utility services

• Billing period – The date range your usage charges cover

• Meter read date – When your water meter was checked, around the 25th of the month

• Water usage – Total gallons used based on meter readings

• Water rate – $ per 1,000 gallons. Check columbiascwater.net for current rates.

• Water charges – Usage x water rate

• Sewer charges – Based on your water usage since most exits as sewage

• Stormwater fee – A fixed monthly fee based on property type. Charged per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU).

• Taxes – Local taxes added by the City of Columbia

• Total current charges – The total amount due for that billing period

Compare your usage to previous bills to ensure accuracy. Contact Columbia Water at (803) 545-3300 if you notice unusual spikes or drops in usage. Rates are available online anytime at columbiascwater.net.

Pay Your Columbia Water Bill Online

The fastest and most convenient way to pay your Columbia Water bill is online through the payment portal:

• Visit columbiascwater.net and click “Pay Bill Online”

• Select “Columbia Water Bill” as the bill type

• Enter your Columbia Water account number

• Choose a payment amount – either the Total Due or a lower partial payment

• Enter credit/debit card details or bank account (checking/savings) info

• A convenience fee of 2.5% (credit) or 1.5% (debit) applies to card payments

• Receive instant payment confirmation online

Online payments can be made anytime but allow 2 business days to reflect on your account. Through the portal, you can also view billing history, set up autopay, and more.

Paying by Phone

Columbia Water offers a 24/7 automated phone payment system at (866) 942-6729. To pay by phone:

• Have your Columbia Water account number ready

• Call (866) 942-6729

• Follow prompts to enter your account number and payment details

• A $4.00 transaction fee applies to phone payments

• Use a debit/credit card or electronic check

Phone payments process immediately but take 2 business days to update your account records.

Paying by Mail

To pay your Columbia Water bill by mail, send a check or money order to:

Columbia Water
PO Box 7997
Columbia, SC 29202

Write your account number clearly on the check or money order. Do not send cash. Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to process and avoid late fees. There are no fees for paying by mail.

Paying In Person

Columbia Water offers several locations around Columbia to pay your water bill in person:

• Payment Center – 3000 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29201

• The Mailroom – 1505 Charleston Hwy, West Columbia, SC 29169

• Night drop-box – Outside payment center, 24/7 access

Cash, check, money order and credit/debit cards are accepted. Credit cards incur a 2.5% (credit) or 1.5% (debit) convenience fee. In-person payments process same or next business day.

Setting Up AutoPay

For easy billing, enroll in auto-pay through your online Columbia Water account. On your due date each month, your payment amount will automatically be deducted from your bank account or charged to your credit/debit card on file.

To enroll in auto-pay:

• Login to your online account

• Click on “AutoPay” under the Billing tab

• Select payment account type – credit/debit card or bank account

• Enter account details and authorization

• Choose payment date and confirm enrollment

Manage or cancel auto-pay anytime through your online account. Never miss a payment again!

Account Management and Billing Help

Columbia Water provides resources to make bill payment and account management simple:

• Online account access – Create an online account to view bills, payment history, usage graphs, and auto-pay enrollment.

• Billing FAQs – Answers to common Columbia Water billing questions at columbiascwater.net/faqs.

• Customer service – Contact a billing representative at (803) 545-3300 Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm with any questions or issues.

• Payment arrangements – If unable to pay in full, payment plans or alternate due dates may be available upon request.

Managing your Columbia Water utility account is hassle-free with multiple payment options, online account access, and great customer service!

Avoid Late Fees and Service Disruptions

By paying your Columbia Water bill on time each month using the payment method most convenient for you, you can avoid:

• Late payment fees

• Water service shut-off

• Bad marks on your credit history

• Collections/legal action for non-payment

Set payment reminders, enroll in auto-pay, or consider a billing due date change if paying monthly is a struggle. Columbia Water wants to keep you in service – contact them for assistance.

Reliable drinking water, sewer, and stormwater service are vital for every Columbia residence and business. Keep your Columbia Water account in good standing by understanding your bill and making prompt payments. Their customer service team is available to answer any questions and ensure your utility service continues without disruption.