How to Pay Your Forsyth County Water and Sewer Bill

Paying your water and sewer bill in Forsyth County is easy when you know your options As a Forsyth County resident, you likely receive a monthly bill for water and sewer services. Prompt payment keeps your services flowing and avoids late fees or disconnection Read on to learn the when, where, and how of paying your Forsyth County water and sewer bill.

When are Water and Sewer Bills Due?

Forsyth County bills residents for water and sewer services around once per month. The exact meter read and billing dates vary, but you can generally expect a bill every 4-5 weeks.

Bills are typically due about 20 days after the billing date printed on your statement The due date is shown on your bill Payments received after the due date incur a 10% late penalty on the overdue balance,

If your bill remains unpaid after the due date, Forsyth County may disconnect your water service Reconnection requires paying the full past due balance plus a reconnect fee Avoid service interruption and late fees by paying your bill on time every month.

Where Can I Pay My Water and Sewer Bill?

Forsyth County offers several convenient ways to pay your monthly water and sewer bill. Choose the payment option that fits your needs:

• In Person: Visit the Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department office at 110 E. Main Street, Suite 150 in Cumming. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.

• By Mail: Send a check or money order payable to Forsyth County Utility along with your payment stub to P.O. Box 100003, Cumming, GA 30028. Allow 5-7 days for delivery.

• Night Drop Box: Located between the Administration Building and parking deck, the drop box lets you pay at any hour.

• Auto Pay: Sign up to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account each month. No stamps required!

• Online: Make secure one-time or recurring payments at www.forsythco.com.

• By Phone: Call toll-free 855-423-9342 to pay by credit/debit card or e-check.

What Payment Options Does Forsyth County Offer?

You can pay your Forsyth County water and sewer bill through a variety of convenient and secure methods:

• Cash: Accepted for in-person payments only.

• Personal Check: Make checks payable to Forsyth County Utility. Online or mailed payments only.

• Money Order: Purchase a money order payable to Forsyth County Utility and mail with your bill stub.

• Debit or Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards accepted online, by phone, or in person.

• E-Check: Provide your bank routing and account numbers to pay directly from your checking account online or by phone.

• Auto Pay: Automatic monthly payments deducted from your bank account. Sign up online.

• Online Banking: Many banks allow you to pay your utility bill through their online bill pay services.

• Cashier’s Check: Purchase a certified check payable to Forsyth County Utility for guaranteed funds.

Knowing when, where, and how to pay your monthly water and sewer bill ensures you never miss a payment. Sign up for reminders from Forsyth County, or mark your calendar to pay your bill on time every month. Avoid late fees and keep your water flowing by paying with any of the available options. Reach out to Forsyth County Utility Billing with any questions about your account or payment methods.

How Much are Water and Sewer Rates in Forsyth County?

The amount you pay for Forsyth County water and sewer services depends on your usage and customer classification. Residential customers pay based on a tiered rate structure designed to encourage conservation. Current standard residential water rates are:

• Tier 1 (1,000 – 6,000 gallons): $4.16 per 1,000 gallons
• Tier 2 (6,000 – 12,000 gallons): $5.62 per 1,000 gallons
• Tier 3 (12,000 – 24,000 gallons): $7.88 per 1,000 gallons
• Tier 4 (24,000 – 36,000 gallons): $11.18 per 1,000 gallons
• Tier 5 (over 36,000 gallons): $16.21 per 1,000 gallons

Sewer rates are billed at a flat rate plus 75% of your monthly water consumption rate. So in addition to your water volume charges, expect to pay around $26 per month for sewer service.

Commercial, industrial, and institutional customers pay different water and sewer rates based on their customer classification, meter size, and monthly water usage. View the full Forsyth County water and sewer rate schedules on the county website for details on all customer classes.

The good news? Water and sewer rates in Forsyth County are among the lowest in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. By using water wisely and fixing leaks, you can control your utility costs.

What if I’m Unable to Pay My Bill?

If you’re struggling to pay your Forsyth County water/sewer bill, contact the utility billing office right away. They may be able to offer payment arrangements or point you to available assistance programs.

Some options if you cannot pay your bill include:

• Payment Plan: Set up a monthly payment installment plan to pay your balance over time while keeping services active.

• Payment Extension: One-time due date extensions may be granted if you contact the billing office before disconnection.

• Temporary Reduction: Those facing medical crisis or job loss can apply for a 30-60 day reduced payment.

• Assistance Programs: Limited aid is available for households below 150% poverty level.

Disconnection and reconnection fees add more costs to an overdue bill. Avoid service disruption and ask for help if you anticipate difficulty paying your bill. Open communication and prompt payment arrangements can prevent shut-offs.

What Support Programs Exist for Low Income Households?

Limited financial assistance is available for low income Forsyth County residents who need help paying their utility bills. Key programs include:

• Good Samaritan: Provides up to $150 in utility bill aid once per year for households below 150% of federal poverty guidelines. Apply through United Way of Forsyth County.

• Forsyth County CARES: May cover portion of past due bills for those impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. Apply online.

• LIHEAP: Federally funded heating and cooling assistance program; small portion pays water bills. Apply November-March.

• Salvation Army: Can help with past due bills for qualifying applicants already receiving food stamps or Medicaid.

• Local Churches: Some churches offer utility bill assistance for members and residents in need. Inquire directly.

While funding is limited, even a small amount of aid can help avoid disconnection when you’re struggling to pay. Contact Forsyth County Utility Billing to learn more about hardship programs and payment assistance for low income families.

What If I Have Questions About My Bill?

If you have concerns about the accuracy of your Forsyth County water and sewer bill or need clarification on charges and fees, contact Utility Billing right away. Some common bill questions include:

• “My usage seems higher than normal – could this indicate a leak?”

• “I believe I was overcharged due to an incorrect meter read.”

• “What does this fee on my bill mean?”

• “Why are my rates different from last month or last year?”

• “Can you explain the tiered rate structure and how it’s billed?”

Utility billing representatives can research your account history, check meter readings, explain rate changes, and ensure your bill is calculated correctly. If an error is found, they will adjust your account and reissue a corrected invoice. Be proactive and ask questions to avoid overpaying.

Accurate water usage and billing ensures you only pay for the services you actually use. Reach out to the Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department with any uncertainties or disputes over your monthly charges. They can investigate and resolve any issues promptly. Paying your bills should be straightforward when empowered with information.

Key Takeaways on Paying Your Forsyth County Water and Sewer Bill

• Monthly bills for water/sewer usage arrive every 4-5 weeks and are due about 20 days after billing.

• Avoid late fees and disconnection by paying your bill on time via various options like online, by phone, auto pay, mail, or in person.

• Residential rates follow a 5-tier structure based on water volume. Non-residential billing depends on customer class and meter size.

• If unable to pay, promptly contact Utility Billing to set up a payment plan, extension, or apply for assistance.

• Ask questions about unclear or questionable charges on your bill to prevent overpaying.

• Payment assistance programs exist for those facing hardship, though funding is limited.