Having access to clean reliable water is essential for every home and business. As a customer of Kent County Water Authority (KCWA) it’s important to pay your water bill on time each month to avoid any service disruptions. KCWA offers multiple convenient payment options to fit any schedule or preference.
Ways to Pay Your KCWA Water Bill
Pay Online
The easiest way to pay your KCWA water bill is online through the customer portal. You can set up secure automatic payments or make one-time payments any time of day or night.
You can pay online with a debit or credit card or directly from your bank account. To see your balance, all you’ll need is your account number and billing zip code. Payments are processed instantly with no fees.
Pay by Phone
Call the KCWA automated payment system at (855) 538-2314 to pay your water bill over the phone. Have your account number, CID, balance amount, and credit card ready when you call. The automated system will guide you through the quick payment process.
Pay by Mail
Mail a check or money order made payable to Kent County Water Authority to:
Kent County Water AuthorityPO Box 9901Providence, RI 02940-4001
Be sure to include your complete account number on the payment to ensure proper processing. Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to reach KCWA.
Pay in Person
Pay your water bill in person at the KCWA office at 1072 Main Street in West Warwick. You can use cash, check, credit/debit card, or bank card. Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM, you can pay in person.
Enroll in AutoPay
Make monthly payments through your bank account or credit card, and your water bill will be paid for you on the due date. This ensures on-time payment and avoids late fees.
Complete the AutoPay form on the KCWA website or call customer service at (401) 821-9300 to enroll. Update KCWA if your payment method changes to prevent declined transactions.
Apply for Assistance
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, KCWA partners with LIHEAP to offer financial assistance through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Visit LIHEAPRI.org to check eligibility and apply.
Payment Due Date and Late Fees
KCWA residential water bills are issued monthly and are typically due within 25 days of the billing date. Failure to pay on time can result in a late payment fee of 1.5% per month.
Make sure your payment arrives by the due date printed on your bill to avoid penalties. If mailing a check, allow 5-7 days for delivery. The due date is not extended for weekends or holidays.
Avoid Service Disruption
Accounts 30 days past due are issued a shut off notice. Pay immediately to avoid water service interruption. If service is disconnected for nonpayment, a $30 fee applies to restore your water service once the past due amount is paid.
Protect your credit by paying your KCWA water bill in full and on time each month. Setup automatic payments or calendar reminders to help remember your due date.
Update Billing and Contact Info
Keep your account information up to date with KCWA. Promptly report any changes to your mailing address, phone number, email, or payment method to prevent issues processing your payment or delivering your water bill.
You can update details online through the customer portal or by calling or visiting the KCWA office.
Understand Your Water Usage
Review your consumption each month to detect any spikes that could indicate leaks or changes in usage. Compare usage month-to-month and contact KCWA if you have questions about changes in your water bill amounts.
KCWA can also test your home’s water meter for accuracy if you suspect it is not measuring properly. Identifying leaks early and monitoring usage can help avoid surprise bills.
Decipher Your Water Bill
Your KCWA bill outlines all the fees and charges that make up your monthly amount due. Common line items include:
- Service Charge – Fixed monthly fee
- Water Usage – Charges based on gallons used
- Fire Protection Charge
- Watershed Protection Charge
Compare your current usage and charges to previous bills to catch inconsistencies. Reach out to KCWA customer service with any bill questions.
Go Paperless
Opting for paperless billing can make paying your water bill more convenient while also helping the environment. Contact KCWA to enroll in e-billing and receive your monthly statement electronically rather than by mail.
Avoid Estimated Billing
KCWA reads water meters electronically on a monthly basis. However, if they are unable to access your meter, your bill may be estimated based on previous usage. Ensure your meter is accessible to avoid estimated charges.
Providing KCWA your contact information allows them to reach out if there are issues reading your water meter each month so you aren’t stuck with incorrect estimated bills.
Payment Options for Renters
Renters who are responsible for water bills under a lease agreement can pay their KCWA bill through any of the standard payment methods. However, you may need to set up an account in your name with your service address.
Contact KCWA to learn the policies for renters paying water bills not in the property owner’s name. Provide documentation as needed to create your own payment account.
Avoid Service Disruption When Moving
Whether moving in or out, notify KCWA at least one week before your move date to have service ended or transferred to the new resident. This prevents any billing issues that can disrupt water service.
Provide forwarding address information so your final bill or deposit refund can be mailed to you after your closing reading.
Request a Payment Plan
If you cannot pay the full balance of your water bill, KCWA may approve a payment plan to split the amount due into multiple smaller payments. This prevents shut off and allows you time to catch up on your balance.
Contact KCWA before your bill is past due to set up a payment arrangement. There may be an extra fee, and failure to follow the agreed upon schedule can still result in service disruption.
Closing an Account
Contact KCWA at least one week before you need service ended when moving out or closing an account. Be present on the final day to provide meter access for a closing read. Once the balance is paid, your deposit will be refunded within 4-6 weeks.
Providing your forwarding address ensures any final bills or refunds reach you at your new location. Shut off water valves on your move out date to avoid usage after you vacate the property.
Paying your water bill doesn’t need to be a hassle. KCWA offers convenient online, phone, mail, auto-pay, and in-person payment options to suit any schedule or preference. Use their online portal for easy access anytime, enroll in automated payments to never miss a bill, or stop by their office to pay in person. Just be sure to pay each monthly bill on time to avoid penalties and keep the water flowing!