How to Pay Your Water Bill in the City of Lafayette

Paying your water bill is an essential responsibility when living in the city of Lafayette. As a resident, it’s important to understand the various options available to pay your bill conveniently and on time each month. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about paying your water bill to the city of Lafayette.

Overview of Lafayette’s Water Billing

The city of Lafayette provides water services to all residents and businesses within city limits The Utility Billing Office is responsible for billing and collecting payment for water usage each month Bills are typically sent out at the beginning of the month and payment is due by the 15th.

The city offers water service to around 29,000 customers per month. This equals over 375,000 water bills sent annually. Both residential and commercial customers are billed monthly based on metered water consumption. Minimum service fees also apply based on the size of your water meter.

Payment Options

Lafayette offers numerous payment options to provide convenience and flexibility

• Online – The fastest and easiest way to pay is through the online citizen self service portal. You can pay by e-check or credit/debit card.

• Phone – Call the Utility Billing Office at 765-807-1100 and pay over the phone using a card.

• Mail – Send a check or money order via standard mail to P.O. Box 1688, Lafayette, IN 47902.

• Drop Box – Place your payment in the 24-hour drop box located outside City Hall.

• Automatic Bank Draft – Have your water bill paid automatically through a recurring bank draft each month.

• In Person – Visit the Utility Billing Office at City Hall during business hours to pay in person.

No matter which option you choose, be sure to have your account number handy to reference during payment. This can be found on your monthly paper bill or by logging into your online account.

Paying Your Bill Online

Paying online through the self service portal is the most convenient way to pay your Lafayette water bill. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit https://lafayette.in.gov/ubo and click on “Make a Payment”

2. If it’s your first time, register for an account and link to your water account.

3. Choose a payment amount and submit your payment.

4. Payment confirmation will be emailed to you.

You can save your payment information securely online to make recurring payments even simpler. Online payments can be made with all major credit cards or through e-check.

Setting Up Automatic Bank Draft

Another easy option is to enroll in automatic bank drafts through the Utility Billing Office. This allows your monthly bill payment to be deducted directly from your checking account automatically.

To enroll, you can complete the online bank draft form on their website and attach a voided check. You can also call their office directly at 765-807-1100 and provide your account details over the phone to set up automatic payments. Just be sure to enroll before your next statement comes out.

Automatic bank drafts provide a seamless way to pay your bill on time without the hassle of remembering. Payments will be drafted on the due date each month for the amount you owe.

Understanding Your Water Bill

Before paying your water bill, it helps to understand exactly what you’re being charged for. Here’s an overview of how the city of Lafayette calculates your monthly water bill:

• Service Fee – A minimum fee based on water meter size to maintain infrastructure.

• Consumption Fee – Charged per 1,000 gallons used based on actual metered usage. Rates get cheaper the more water used.

• Summer Sewer Rates – Higher sewer fees applied during summer months for residential customers.

• Fire Protection Fee – Charged to all customers within city limits for fire hydrant maintenance.

• Trash Fee – Additional charge for trash collection services if you reside in city limits.

Rates are established by city ordinances and subject to change year to year. Be sure to review your bill carefully to understand what you’re being charged. Contact the Utility Billing Office with any questions.

Avoiding Late Fees

To avoid late fees and service interruptions, it’s essential to pay your water bill by the due date each month. Here are some tips:

• Mark your due date on your calendar so you remember.

• Enroll in text or email reminders through the online portal.

• Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments to arrive on time.

• If late, pay immediately to stop penalty fees from accumulating.

• If you’re unable to pay, call to set up a payment plan. Disconnection may occur if arrangements aren’t made.

Setting payment reminders and paying online can help prevent late payments altogether. But if your bill is past due, take action quickly to resolve the balance owed and avoid extra penalties.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you’re struggling financially and unable to pay your water bill, assistance programs are available:

• Payment Arrangements – Call the Utility Billing Office to set up a payment plan if you can’t pay the full balance.

• Project Share – Provides bill assistance to low income households. Apply through the Lafayette Urban Ministry.

• Township Trustee – Your township trustee office may be able to provide assistance paying essential utility bills.

Be proactive and contact the Utility Billing Office as soon as possible if you anticipate having difficulty paying your bill. They can review options to help avoid service disruption.

Moving In/Out of Lafayette

Whenever you move into or out of a residence in Lafayette, you must officially begin or stop water service through the Utility Billing Office. This ensures billing goes to the right party.

To start new service, submit a new service application online or in person with the required deposit at least 3 days before your move-in date. To stop service, submit the stop service form online or in person with forwarding address. Final bills will be mailed after service ends. Make sure any balance is paid before closing an account.

Customer Service Help

Lafayette’s Utility Billing Office team is available to help with any questions about your water bill account and payment options:

• Call 765-807-1100 during office hours for billing questions.

• Email [email protected] for non-urgent inquiries.

• Visit the office at City Hall from 8am to 4:30pm weekdays.

• After hours, call 765-807-1700 for emergency service issues.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly if you need anything regarding your water bill and payment. Excellent customer service is their top priority.

Key Takeaways

• Review your monthly bill carefully and pay the total by the due date listed.

• Pay conveniently online, by phone, automatic draft, drop box or mail.

• Contact Utility Billing immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying.

• Assistance programs are available for those facing financial hardship.

• Begin or stop service promptly when moving in or out.

• Customer service reps can answer any questions about your bill or account.

Paying your water bill ensures that you continue enjoying reliable water service while supporting infrastructure and operations that benefit the entire Lafayette community. Take advantage of the numerous payment options available and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed. Responsible water bill payment is an important obligation of living in the city.