Having access to clean running water and reliable sewer service is essential for any home or business. As a customer of the City of Freeport Water and Sewer Department, it’s your responsibility to pay your utility bills on time each month. In this article, I’ll outline the various payment options available and provide tips for avoiding late fees.
The City of Freeport offers several ways to pay your water and sewer bill conveniently including online by phone, auto-pay mail or in person. I’ll explain each method so you can choose the best payment option for your needs.
Pay Online
The easiest and most convenient way for most customers to pay their Freeport water/sewer bill is through online payment on the payment portal. This allows secure payment by credit/debit card or electronic check.
To pay online you’ll first need your account number from your monthly bill. Go to the payment portal and select water/sewer as the department.
Enter your account number, service address, payment amount and credit/debit card or bank account information. A 3% processing fee applies to online payments.
Paying online is fast, can be done anytime 24/7, and you receive instant payment confirmation. You can even setup recurring payments to have your water/sewer bill automatically paid each month.
Pay By Phone
The City of Freeport offers a toll-free automated phone payment system that allows you to pay your water and sewer bill over the phone.
Call 1-866-337-0339 and follow the voice prompts to enter your account details and payment information. Have your credit/debit card ready. A 3% fee applies to phone payments.
Phone payment is quick and convenient, but only available during non-business hours when the Utility Billing office is closed. During open hours, you must call the direct billing office number.
Auto-Pay
For the most convenient hands-off payment method, sign up for auto-pay through the Utility Billing office. This automatically deducts your water/sewer bill from your bank account each month.
To enroll in auto-pay, complete this authorization form and return it to the billing office. Allow 30 days for processing.
With auto-pay, you don’t have to remember to manually pay the bill every month – it’s done automatically on the due date. Auto-pay avoids late fees and service disruptions. Just be sure you have sufficient funds in your linked account when the payment date arrives.
Pay by Mail
Mailing in a payment is an easy option if you prefer to pay your water/sewer bill by paper check rather than electronically.
Detach the payment stub from your bill and write your account number on the check. Mail your payment at least 5-7 days before the due date to ensure it arrives on time.
Payments can be mailed to:
City of Freeport
PO Box 1545
Freeport, IL 61032
Allow 3-4 days for mailed checks to be processed to avoid late fees. Postmarks don’t count – the payment must be received by the due date.
Pay In Person
For those who prefer to pay their bills in person, you can bring cash, check or credit/debit card payment to the Utility Billing office at:
314 W. Stephenson Street
Suite 010
Freeport, IL 61032
In-person payments allow you to speak with a customer service rep about any account issues. But be aware that the office is only open Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Avoid Late Fees
The City of Freeport charges a 10% penalty fee if your water and sewer bill is not paid by the due date. Late fees apply to the unpaid past due balance.
Setting up auto-pay is the best way to avoid late fees. If paying manually, allow 5-7 days for mailed payments to be received and processed by the due date. Pay online up to 11:59pm on the due date for instant processing.
If you are having difficulty paying on time, contact the billing office before your account becomes delinquent to set up a payment plan.
Financial Assistance Programs
If you are facing financial hardship and struggling to pay your utility bills, the City of Freeport offers assistance programs that may be able to help, including:
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): Provides federal funds to help cover water/sewer costs, in addition to heating bills. Apply through the Illinois Department of Commerce.
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Salvation Army Good Neighbor Fund: Short-term financial aid is available for utility bills and other essential needs.
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Northwest Illinois Community Action Agency: Offers grants for low income households to help pay utility expenses.
Contact the Utility Billing office to discuss qualification requirements and how to apply for these assistance programs if you are having trouble paying your water and sewer bill each month.
Start or Stop Service
New homeowners in Freeport need to contact the Utility Billing office to open a water/sewer account and provide their information. A deposit may be required to initiate service.
When moving out, submit a termination request at least one week in advance so final meter readings and billing can be completed. Provide a forwarding address to receive your final bill.
Making sure service is properly started and ended will prevent billing issues when establishing or closing your utility account.
Monitor Your Usage
Check your daily water usage regularly through the online customer portal when available. Watch for abnormal spikes that could indicate leaks.
Pay attention to billing cycles and charges to ensure accuracy. Being an informed customer allows you to catch any issues early.
Contact Customer Service
If you have any questions about your water and sewer account, the Utility Billing staff is available to help at 815-233-0111 or in person during office hours. Discuss any billing concerns and arrange payment plans if needed.
Convenient Payment Options
Paying your monthly water and sewer bill is hassle-free when you use one of Freeport’s convenient payment methods. Choose auto-pay or online payments for quick, paperless billing. Or utilize phone, mail or in-person options if you prefer. Just be sure to pay the full amount by each due date to avoid late penalties. Maintaining your essential utility services is vital for your home or business.
