How to Pay Your Erie County Water Bill: A Guide to Payment Options

Having access to clean, reliable water in your home is something most people take for granted. But delivering water to residents requires complex infrastructure maintained by water authorities like the Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) in New York. As a customer, you are responsible for paying your water bill so the ECWA can continue providing this essential service. Read on to learn about the various ways you can pay your Erie County water bill.

Overview of Erie County Water Bill Payment

The ECWA mails paper bills to customers on a regular billing cycle. Payment is due by the stated due date on your bill to avoid penalties As a customer, you have multiple options to pay your water bill

• Online through ECWA online portal
• By phone 24/7 using the ECWA payment line
• Automatic bank draft from checking account
• Mail in check or money order with payment stub
• In person with cash, check or credit card at authorized Western Union locations

The ECWA offers flexibility so you can choose the most convenient payment method for you. Online and phone payments allow instant processing while mailed payments take longer to post.

How to Pay Your Water Bill Online

Paying online through the ECWA customer portal is fast and easy Here are the steps

1. Visit www.ecwa.org
2. Select “Your Account” and choose “Pay Bill Online”
3. Register for an online account if first time user
4. Login with your username and password
5. Select “Make Payment” and enter payment details
6. Choose payment method – credit card or bank account
7. Review payment summary and select “Process Payment”

Your account is updated instantly. You can also go paperless with e-bills or setup autopay by enrolling in the portal.

Paying by Phone

For fast payment without logging in, use the ECWA toll-free automated payment line

To pay by phone:

• Call 1-855-748-1076
• Enter your 9-digit account number
• Select payment amount and submit credit/debit card info
• Payment processes automatically

This automated number is available 24/7 for your convenience. Fees apply to credit card payments.

Paying by Mail

If you prefer to mail in your water bill payment, simply return the payment stub from your bill with a check or money order. Make sure your account number is written clearly on the payment. Send to:

Erie County Water Authority
295 Main Street, Room 350
Buffalo, NY 14203

Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to process. Pay attention to mailing deadlines to avoid late fees.

Paying in Person

You can pay your ECWA water bill in person at select Western Union agent locations. Bring your bill and visit:

• Tops Friendly Markets
• Wegmans
• Rite Aid
• CVS
• 7-Eleven

Cash, credit cards and debit cards are accepted. Payments post same day. Fees may apply.

Setting Up Automatic Bank Draft Payments

For hands-free bill payment, enroll in automatic bank drafts from your checking account. This convenient option deducts your water bill amount directly from your bank account each month. To enroll:

• Login to the online ECWA customer portal
• Access the My Profile section
• Select AutoPay Program
• Enter your bank account information
• Confirm your enrollment

You’ll then receive an email confirmation that auto-draft is activated. Log in anytime to update your bank account as needed.

Payment Policies and Fees

When paying your Erie County water bill, be aware of the ECWA payment policies:

• Bills are issued monthly and due 20 days from the billing date
• Late fee of 1.5% assessed on past due balances
• Shutoff notice sent if bill not paid after 46 days
• Service disconnected if bill remains unpaid after 56 days
• Fees apply for credit card and Western Union in-person payments
• Automatic bank draft has no fees

Avoid penalties and service interruption by paying on time. Late fees can add up quickly.

Benefits of Paying Your Water Bill Online

Paying online through the ECWA customer portal has many advantages:

• Payment posts instantly to your account
• Available 24/7 at your convenience
• Avoid late fees by scheduling payments
• Go paperless with e-bills
• Set up autopay to never miss a payment
• Access payment history and billing statements
• Receive notifications when bill is ready
• More secure than mailing paper checks
• No fees for payments from bank accounts

Online bill pay gives you more control and flexibility in managing your water service payments.

Customer Service for Bill Pay Support

If you have any questions or issues related to your water bill or payment options, contact ECWA customer service for assistance:

Phone: 716-849-8444

Email: [email protected]

The ECWA wants to make paying your water bill as easy and convenient as possible. Reach out to them with any concerns. Managing your account online is typically the best way to stay in control of water payments.

Paying your water bill ensures continuous service and supports infrastructure maintenance by the Erie County Water Authority. They offer flexible payment methods including online, phone, mail, auto-draft and in person. Sign up for the online portal to manage payments, go paperless and eliminate late fees. Keeping your water account in good standing is important and easy with the online options from the ECWA.