Paying your water bill can be a tedious task, but it doesn’t have to be! The City of Santa Rosa has implemented several convenient options to make paying your water bill quick and easy. In this article, we’ll outline the various methods available and provide tips to streamline the process.
Overview of City of Santa Rosa Water Bills
Let’s start with a quick rundown of water bills from the City of Santa Rosa. Bills are issued on a monthly basis and include charges for water, sewer, and recycling. The bill breakdown includes
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Fixed charges – These cover infrastructure maintenance, meter reading, billing services. Fixed charges are determined by your meter size.
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Water usage charges – Based on the amount of water used during the billing period. Covers water purchase and delivery costs.
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Sewer usage charges – Covers wastewater treatment. Based on estimated sewer usage, usually water consumption up to a “sewer cap.”
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Recycling fees – Charges for the city’s recycling program
Understanding the different components of your water bill helps you budget and track your usage. Now let’s look at the ways you can pay it!
Pay Online
The easiest way to pay your Santa Rosa water bill is online through the Online Account Portal. This provides fast, secure access to view and pay bills at your convenience.
To start, you’ll need to register your account which takes just a few minutes. Once registered, you can:
- View billing statements from the past 18 months
- Sign up for paperless billing
- Enroll in autopay to have payments automatically debited
- Make one-time payments without fees
- Save multiple payment methods
I highly recommend setting up an online account to simplify bill pay and earn discounts for paperless billing. It also lets you monitor your usage and set up leak alerts.
Pay by Phone
You can pay your Santa Rosa water bill over the phone by calling 707-543-4470. This automated system is available 24/7 and accepts credit/debit cards. Have your account number handy when you call.
While less convenient than online payments, phoning in bills can be helpful if you need to make a last minute payment by the due date. Just be aware that fees may apply for using this method.
Pay by Mail
Sending a check or money order is still an option for paying water bills. Simply mail your stub and payment to:
City of Santa Rosa
P.O. Box 1658
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
When paying by mail, make checks out to “City of Santa Rosa” and allow 7-10 days for delivery to avoid late fees. I recommend mailing at least 5 business days before the due date.
Pay in Person
You can drop off water bill payments in person at Santa Rosa City Hall, 90 Santa Rosa Ave. A 24/7 drop box is located at the rear of the building.
Cash payments are accepted at any 7-Eleven store nationwide – just bring your unaltered bill showing the barcode. A small convenience fee applies.
In-person payments allow you to wait until the due date if needed, but require more effort than online or mailed payments.
Enroll in Autopay
The most convenient option is enrolling in autopay through the Online Account Portal. This authorizes recurring payments from your bank account, debit card, or credit card each month.
Autopay means never having to think about your water bill! Payments are made automatically before the due date so you avoid late fees.
To get started, log into your online account, click on “AutoPay” and submit your payment info. Autopay enrollment can take 1-2 billing cycles to take effect.
Assistance Programs
If you are having difficulty paying your water bill, Santa Rosa offers programs to help including:
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Help to Others (H20) Program – Provides bill discounts and water efficiency upgrades to qualified low-income households.
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Payment arrangements – You may be eligible to pay past due balances over an extended period. Contact customer service to discuss options.
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Leak adjustment – One-time adjustment offered if a leak on your side of the meter caused high usage. Doesn’t apply to all leaks.
Reaching out is the first step if you need assistance with water bills. Santa Rosa wants to help customers maintain service.
Tips for Streamlining Bill Pay
Paying your water bill doesn’t have to be a hassle each month. Here are some tips for making it fast and easy:
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Go paperless – Reduces clutter and lets you access bills anywhere.
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Pay online – Saves time and stamps. Set up autopay for convenience.
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Pay early – Avoid late fees by paying a few days before the due date.
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Check for leaks – Monitor usage online and address leaks quickly to prevent high bills.
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Enroll in budget billing – Makes costs predictable if usage fluctuates seasonally.
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Seek assistance – Don’t wait if you’re struggling to pay. Promptly contact Santa Rosa.
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Update account information – Keep mailing address, emails, phone numbers current to ensure access.
Taking a few minutes to optimize your payment process makes life easier. The City of Santa Rosa offers flexibility and assistance to customers when it comes to water bill pay. Review all the options and choose the ones that fit your needs. Consistently paying bills on time can also help build your credit score over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the due dates for water bills in Santa Rosa?
- Bills are issued monthly and are due 21 days after the billing date. Due dates fall on the 21st of each month. Late fees apply if paid after the due date.
What do I need to register for online bill pay?
- To create an online account, you’ll need your 12-digit utility account number from your latest bill plus an email address.
What payment methods can I use in the online portal?
- The portal accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account (ACH) payments without fees. You can store multiple payment methods in your account.
Can I see my water usage online?
- Yes, registering for an online account allows you to monitor daily water usage and set up notifications for abnormal usage which could indicate leaks.
How do I apply for bill assistance programs?
- Contact the City of Santa Rosa Water Department at 707-543-3150 or [email protected] to inquire about bill discount and assistance programs.
Paying your water utility bill is a recurring task that can be tiresome if not set up efficiently. The City of Santa Rosa offers customer-friendly options to check and pay your bill online, by phone, by mail or in person. Enrolling in autopay and going paperless provides maximum convenience. And assistance programs are available if you have trouble paying on time. Use these tips and resources to simplify the process. Reach out with any other questions – Santa Rosa wants paying your water bill to be hassle-free!
Starting or Stopping Water and/or Sewer Service
To start or stop service, call: 707-543-3150
*Starting or stopping water and/or sewer service requires one business day prior notice. To start water service during non-office hours, contact the Water Department after-hours emergency line at 707-543-3805. A fee of $130 will be assessed to start or restore service during non-office hours.
California Low Income Water Bill Assistance Program
The deadline to apply for water and sewer bill assistance under the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has passed. LIHWAP was established by Congress in December 2020, and the program sunset on March 31, 2024.
The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) is the designated administering agency for LIHWAP in California.
In May 2024, CSD distributed remaining LIHWAP water assistance funds to water providers to apply to customers who previously received LIHWAP funds as a “supplemental benefit.” Santa Rosa Water has applied $247,581.92 to qualifying customers as of May 25, 2024.