A Comprehensive Guide to Paying Your Georgetown Water and Sewer Bill

Having reliable water and sewer service is essential for every home and business As a customer of Georgetown County Water and Sewer District (GCWSD) in South Carolina, it’s important to understand how to pay your bill quickly, easily, and on time each month This article will provide a detailed overview of the various payment options available, instructions for setting up and managing payments online, tips to avoid late fees, and information on assistance programs for GCWSD customers.

Overview of Georgetown Water and Sewer Bill Payment Options

GCWSD offers residential and commercial customers multiple ways to pay water and sewer bills including

• Online through the customer web portal
• Automatic bank draft
• Phone
• Mail
• In person at a GCWSD office
• Through your own bank’s online bill pay

New GCWSD customers will be mailed a paper bill each month However, customers can enroll in paperless billing to access statements digitally. Online payments, bank drafts, and auto-pay help ensure on-time payments

Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Your Bill Online

Paying online via the GCWSD customer portal is fast, convenient, and secure. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Go to gcwsd.com and click on “Pay My Bill”

2. Select “Pay My Bill Online” and then click “Register Here” to create an account

3. Check your email for a temporary password and login credentials

4. Login and create a new password when prompted

5. Link your water/sewer account to your profile using your account number

6. Give your account a nickname or “alias” for easy identification

7. Select a payment amount and method and enter your card or bank account information

8. Review payment details and submit

Once your account is linked, you can login anytime to view your balance and make quick online payments. You can also set up recurring auto-pay using a credit/debit card or bank account.

Helpful Tips for Paying Your GCWSD Bill Online

• Check your account activity regularly to catch any issues early.

• Enroll in paperless billing to eliminate mailed statements.

• Pay a few days early to allow processing time before the due date.

• Set payment reminders to avoid late fees.

• Contact GCWSD customer support if you need help with online payments.

• Keep your account information and payment methods up-to-date.

• Use account aliases and nicknames if paying multiple bills for ease.

Paying by Mail, Phone, or In Person

If you prefer not to pay online, GCWSD offers other bill payment options:

By mail: Detach and mail the payment stub from your paper bill with a check or money order to P.O. Box 100180, Columbia, SC 29202-3180. Allow 7-10 business days for processing.

By phone: Call 843-546-8408 to make a payment via MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or Visa debit/credit card.

In person: Visit the GCWSD office in Georgetown at 4145 Highmarket St or Pawleys Island at 456 Clearwater Dr. to pay by cash, check, or money order.

No matter which method you use, allow enough processing time to avoid late payment fees.

Setting Up Automatic Monthly Bill Payments

The most convenient way to pay your GCWSD bill is by enrolling in recurring automatic payments. This ensures your bill is paid on time each month without the need to manually make payments.

You can set up automated payments in two ways:

Bank account draft: Complete the bank draft authorization form to have your bill directly debited from your checking or savings account each month. This service is free of charge.

Recurring credit/debit card: When logged into your GCWSD online account, select auto-pay and input your card details to have payments automatically charged monthly. A convenience fee may apply.

With autopay, you’ll receive an email confirmation with payment details. Log into your account to monitor payment history and update payment methods as needed.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnections with On-Time Payments

Paying your GCWSD water and sewer bill by the due date is important to avoid penalties and service interruptions. Important billing policies to note:

• Bills are issued monthly and are typically due within 15 days.

• A 10% late fee is charged if payment is not received by the due date.

• Accounts 30 days past due may have services disconnected until the balance is paid.

• A $30 fee is charged to restart service after disconnection.

• Missed payments can negatively impact your credit score.

Setting payment reminders and enrolling in autopay ensures you never miss a payment deadline. Contact GCWSD immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying a bill to discuss potential payment arrangements.

Payment Assistance Programs for GCWSD Customers

GCWSD offers a Good Neighbor Program to assist customers facing financial hardships and inability to pay their water/sewer bill. Some key assistance options include:

• Payment arrangements to spread balances over time

• Waiving of late fees in certain situations

• Matching dollar-for-dollar donations to help pay bills

• Referrals to other utility assistance programs

Customers should contact GCWSD as soon as possible if struggling to pay a bill. Be prepared to provide income verification and an explanation of your situation.

Managing Your GCWSD Account with Ease