A Complete Guide to Paying Your Darlington County Water Bill

Having reliable water service from Darlington County Water & Sewer Authority requires paying your bill on time every month. The county offers multiple ways to pay including online, by phone, by mail or in person. This comprehensive guide provides all the details on the various payment options so you can choose the method that works best for you.

Understanding Your Water Bill

Water bills from Darlington County are issued monthly with payment due by the date listed on your statement typically around the 27th of the month. Carefully review the charges each month. Your bill includes

• Water usage fees based on gallons
• Basic facility charge
• Sewer service fees
• Any previous unpaid balances
• Due date for on-time payment

Paying Online

The quickest way to pay your water bill is through the Darlington County online payment portal at wwwnbspaynet/dcwsa, You’ll need your 10-digit account number from your latest bill statement to register,

Online payments can be made by debit card, credit card or electronic check. There are no convenience fees for using this service. Payments post instantly to your account, avoiding late fees.

Paying by Phone

Call the 24 hour automated phone system at 843-944-3016 to pay your water bill over the phone Have your account number and card ready to enter payment info

This is a good option when you want to make a payment any time of day or night. Phone payments process right away for on-time crediting.

Paying by Mail

To pay by check or money order through the mail, send your payment stub and payment to:

Darlington County WSA
PO Box 968
Darlington, SC 29540

Allow 5-7 business days for standard mail delivery and payment processing to avoid late fees. Mail at least week before your due date.

Automatic Bank Drafts

For hands-free bill payment, enroll in automatic bank drafts. This automatically deducts the amount due from your bank account each month. Download the authorization form from the county website and submit with a voided check to get started.

Paying in Person

Drop off payments at the Darlington County WSA office located at 131 Industrial Way in Darlington. In-person payments can be made by cash, check, money order or card.

Visit Monday-Friday during business hours. Allow enough time to process your payment before the monthly deadline to avoid late fees.

Pay Online Through Your Bank

Many banks offer online bill pay services that let you pay your Darlington County water bill online through your bank’s website. Just set up Darlington County as a payee and schedule one-time or recurring payments.

Understand Your Water Rates

Water rates in Darlington County include a fixed monthly facility charge plus a volumetric rate based on your monthly water consumption. Rates differ for residential versus commercial accounts.

Review the full rate schedules on the Darlington County website so you know exactly what you’re being charged. Watch your monthly usage to avoid hitting higher volumetric tiers.

Avoid Late Fees

Pay your water bill by the due date listed on your monthly statement to avoid a 10% late penalty fee added to your balance.

Late fees add up each month payment is delayed. Stay on track with on-time payments every billing cycle. Set up reminders if needed.

Watch for Leaks

Abnormally high water bills can indicate leaks either inside or outside your home. Inspect faucets, showers, toilets and outdoor spigots for drips or leaks. Also look for wet spots in your yard.

Catching and repairing leaks quickly keeps your bill lower by minimizing wasted water and sewer charges. Tiny leaks add up over time.

Update Contact Information

Keep your phone, email and mailing address updated with Darlington County WSA for accurate billing and communication. Submit changes online through your account portal or call customer service.

Incorrect contact info can delay important notices about your account, leading to late fees or service interruptions if bills go unpaid.

Enroll in Paperless Billing

Go paperless to receive bills electronically versus by mail. This allows faster access to your statement each month and reduces clutter.

Paperless billing also ensures you never misplace a mailed paper bill. Just be diligent about checking your email for each new e-statement notification.

Request Payment Extensions

If you need a little extra time to pay your bill, call Darlington County WSA before the due date to request a short-term extension. As long as your account is in good standing, they may grant a few additional days without assessing late fees.

Payment extensions provide some flexibility when you’re waiting for funds to clear or finalizing payment details. But new due dates are firm so pay by the new deadline.

Avoid Service Disruptions

Severely past due accounts risk potential water service interruption until the balance is paid. Service won’t be restored until full payment plus a reconnect fee is received.

Stay on track with on-time payment every month to prevent costly service disruptions. Communicate with Darlington County WSA early if you expect difficulty paying a bill.

Sign Up for Account Alerts

Within your online account portal, enroll in email or text alerts to receive notifications about:

• New bills generated
• Past due reminders
• Payments processed
• High usage alerts

Alerts keep you informed of important account activities between monthly bills. Take action as needed based on the alerts.

Paying your water bill with Darlington County WSA doesn’t have to be a hassle each month. Sign up for convenient auto-pay or pay online using your account portal. Understanding your charges and rates helps avoid surprises. Maintain open communication and provide up-to-date contact details. Follow these tips for smooth water utility billing each month!