Conveniently Managing City of Southfield Water Bills Online

Paying bills is one of those necessary evils of adulting. And when it comes to utilities like water, missed payments can mean disruption of an essential service. That’s why the City of Southfield offers online bill pay for water bills – it takes the hassle out of paying on time.

As a Southfield resident myself, I used to loathe going through the whole process of tracking down my water bill, writing a check, finding a stamp, and getting it in the mail. And I’d constantly worry “Did I actually mail that thing or is it still sitting on my counter?” With the city’s online system, I can now view my bill and pay it within minutes anytime day or night.

In this article, I’ll walk through how Southfield’s online water bill system works, key benefits, payment options, and tips for avoiding late fees.

Accessing Online Water Bill Pay in Southfield

To start using the city’s online bill pay system, visit cityofsouthfield.com and click on “Make a Payment” or navigate directly to cityofsouthfield.com/make-payment.

From there select “View or Pay Your Water Bill.” You’ll be prompted to search for your account by address. Simply enter your Southfield address and click search Select your address from the results, which links to your account dashboard.

This dashboard shows your current water usage and balance due. You can also view billing history and make one-time or recurring payments.

There’s no registration or account setup required to pay online. But having your account number handy will streamline the process.

Benefits of Paying Water Bills Online

Going paperless and paying online makes managing utility bills way easier. Here are some of the biggest benefits:

• Convenience – Pay anytime 24/7 instead of trying to catch the city offices during business hours

• Speed – Online payments process faster than mailing in checks

• Security – Payment info is encrypted to protect your data

• Accessibility – Pay on any device with an internet connection

• Organization – View statements and payment history in one place

• Control – Schedule payments for future dates or set up autopay

• Savings – Avoid late fees by paying before the due date

Forget licking envelopes and stamps – paying water bills online is the modern way to go!

Payment Options for Southfield Water Bills

The city’s online payment system accepts both one-time and recurring payments through multiple methods:

• Credit/Debit Card – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards accepted

• Electronic Check – Directly debit your checking account

• Automatic Payments – Set up recurring payments from a bank account

• In Person – Visit the Treasurer’s Office at City Hall

• By Mail – Send check or money order with payment stub

• By Phone – Call the automated payment line at (844) 860-8194

While credit cards do carry fees, paying directly from your bank account is free. Automatic payments are great for setting payments and forgetting them. But be sure your account has sufficient funds when the payment date comes.

Avoiding Late Fees and Penalties

Nothing totally ruins your day like realizing your water bill payment is past due. Don’t let late fees put a damper on your finances with these tips:

• Go Paperless – Opt-in to e-bills to get reminders before the due date.

• Mark Your Calendar – Note the next bill’s due date as soon as you make a payment.

• Set Reminders – Use calendar alerts to ping yourself when a bill is coming up.

• Autopay – Set up automatic recurring payments so your bill gets paid on time without you lifting a finger.

• Check Your Bill Activity – Log in to your account periodically to confirm payments went through.

Accidentally skipping a payment happens, but avoiding late fees really just boils down to staying organized. Online bill pay systems make that a breeze with all the self-service options.

Assistance Programs for Southfield Residents

If making water bill payments has become a financial hardship, Southfield offers assistance programs that may cover part or all of your water expenses. Here are two main options to explore:

Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP)

WRAP helps pay water bills for low-income households. Eligible residents can receive up to $1,000 per year in water bill credits. To qualify, your household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level based on household size. Southfield partners with Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency to administer WRAP locally.

Coronavirus Water/Sewer Assistance Program

For residents financially impacted by COVID-19, this program provides aid for overdue water and sewer bills. You may receive up to $2,500 per household for bills owed back to March 2020. Applicants must meet income limits and have been affected by the pandemic. Wayne Metropolitan CAA oversees applications.

Contact the Southfield Water Department or Wayne Metro CAA to learn more about applying for bill assistance. Every little bit helps when budgets are stretched thin.

Improving Water Efficiency to Save Money

Sometimes the best way to lower water bills is to reduce your household’s overall water usage. With some simple changes, your family can maintain comfort while cutting back on water waste. Here are a few easy ways to get started:

• Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators
• Upgrade to water-efficient toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines
• Fix leaks promptly – don’t let dripping taps continue
• Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, etc.
• Use rain barrels to capture water for gardening needs
• Limit lawn watering based on weather conditions
• Wash cars and outdoor surfaces with buckets instead of running hoses

With smart water usage habits, you can lower consumption, help the environment, and reduce those water bills. It’s a win all around!

Streamline Your Utility Payments in Southfield

Juggling utility bills every month doesn’t have to be a headache. The City of Southfield’s online payment options bring convenience and control to the process.

Forget about paper statements and mailing in checks. Now all your account details and payment tools are accessible 24/7 through the online portal.

Ditch the late fees by scheduling payments in advance. And take advantage of autopay to fully automate the process. With the time savings, you can focus on more important things than bill paying hassles.

So if you’re a Southfield resident who wants to streamline your water bill payments, go online and linked your account today. Your future self will thank you at bill paying time each month!