As a resident or business in Lafayette, Indiana, you rely on the city’s water utility for this essential service. Paying your monthly water bill in a timely manner is important to avoid any service disruptions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about paying your Lafayette water bill conveniently and hassle-free.
Overview of Lafayette Water Works
The City of Lafayette Water Works provides water service to over 29,000 customers within the municipal boundaries. The utility is responsible for
- Water treatment and distribution
- Wastewater collection and treatment
- Stormwater management
Some key facts about Lafayette Water Works
- Provides over 5 billion gallons of water per year
- Maintains 500 miles of water mains
- Manages 150 miles of sanitary sewers
- Governed by Board of Public Works and Safety
- Has 25,000 residential and 4,000 commercial customers
Monthly water bills bring in money for service, repairs, and future improvements to keep things running smoothly.
Benefits of Paying Your Water Bill on Time
Here are some key reasons to pay your Lafayette water bill by the due date each month:
- Avoid late fees – 10% penalty on first $3 balance and 3% on remainder
- Prevent water shutoff – Service can be disconnected if bill is 30+ days past due
- Maintain positive payment history – Chronic late payments could impact credit rating
- Support utility operations – Timely payments keep the system running smoothly
- Avoid collections – Unpaid accounts get sent to collections agency
- Prevent lien – Unpaid balance could result in a lien against the property
Overall, paying on time is crucial to avoid headaches and extra costs while ensuring uninterrupted service
How Often are Water Bills Issued in Lafayette?
Lafayette water bills are issued on a monthly basis. Your due date depends on your service area:
- West side – Bills due 15th of each month
- East side – Bills due 25th of each month
Meters are read around the same time each period. Estimated bills may be sent if the meter could not be accessed.
Bills include charges for water, sewer, fire protection and stormwater based on your usage. Review billing details at lafayette.in.gov.
Ways to Pay Your Lafayette Water Bill
You have several options to pay your water bill conveniently:
Online
- Fast and easy payments via the self-service portal
- Pay with credit/debit card or e-check
- View billing history and make recurring payments
Phone
- Call toll-free automated line anytime: (833) 252-1659
- Have account number ready to access account
- Pay with card or electronic check
- Send check or money order to PO Box 1688
- Include payment stub to credit properly
- Allow 7-10 days to avoid late fees
Dropbox
- Deposit payment at dropboxes inside or outside City Hall
In Person
- Pay with cash, check or card at the Utility Billing Office
- 201 N. 6th Street in Lafayette
Bank Draft
- Auto-pay deducted from your account every month
- Sign up online through the portal
Paying online provides instant processing and secure payment records. But choose the option that fits your needs and preferences.
What If You Can’t Pay Your Bill?
If you’re unable to pay the full amount due, it’s important to act quickly:
- Call the utility office right away to discuss payment plans
- Partial payments can help avoid shutoffs while paying down balance
- Payment extensions may be available if you communicate upfront
- Apply for utility bill assistance programs if eligible
- Make a reasonable payment plan proposal based on what you can pay
As long as you show a willingness to pay, the utility will work with you on flexible solutions. But communicating proactively is key before large balances accrue.
Budget Billing Program
To make bill amounts consistent year-round, Lafayette offers a budget billing program. How it works:
- Your bill is evened out to a fixed amount each month
- The amount is based on past usage at the home
- Your account is reviewed and adjusted every 3 months as needed
- You still pay for all usage, just spread out evenly
- Contact the utility billing office to enroll
This can help avoid seasonal spikes in your water bills.
Other Billing Department Services
Beyond paying your bill, Lafayette’s Utility Billing Office assists with:
- Starting or stopping service
- Meter testing requests
- Leak billing adjustments
- Payment arrangements
- Application for service
- Final meter readings
- Account history requests
- Billing questions/disputes
Contact them directly at 765-807-1100 for any utility billing needs. Information is also available at lafayette.in.gov.
Avoiding Extra Fees and Charges
Like most water utilities, Lafayette tacks on some additional fees in certain circumstances:
- Late Payment Penalty – 10% on first $3 and 3% on remainder
- Disconnection Fee – $50 to shut off service and $50 to restore
- NSF Fee – $20 for returned checks or failed auto-pay
- Damage Fee – Billed for any damage to meter or other equipment
- Meter Test Fee – $30 if test requested and meter is accurate
Avoid late payments, maintain accurate account information, and take care around meters to prevent extra fees. But mistakes happen, and the utility can waive fees at their discretion if you contact them to explain the situation.
Partnering With Lafayette for Smooth Service
As a municipal utility, Lafayette Water Works ultimately answers to local ratepayers and aims to provide quality service at reasonable rates. Some tips for being an engaged customer:
- Provide accurate contact information so they can reach you
- Be familiar with their policies, rates, and programs
- Ask questions, give feedback, and vote in city elections
- Attend public meetings to stay informed on utility issues
- Let them know about leaks, maintenance needs, or other issues promptly
- Follow utility social media for news and announcements
- Pay bills fully and on time every month
Building a positive, communicative relationship with your local water provider helps ensure your water service stays trouble-free for years to come.
Is Paying Lafayette Water Bills a Headache?
5 ways to pay your utility bill
- Pay online now by logging into your utility account or registering for an account. You can sign up for Auto Pay with your Debit/Credit card in your online portal.
- Set up Auto Pay with your Checking/Savings Account by completing the Bank Draft form and returning it with a voided check to the Finance Department. Auto Pay Form – Checking/Savings Account (PDF)
- Call our Finance Department at 303-665-5588 Opt. 1 to pay by debit or credit card
- Drop off your payment into the water bill dropbox located outside of City Hall
- Mail your payment to P.O. Box 250, Lafayette, CO 80026
Please note – while the staff is available Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm, City Hall has limited hours the building is accessible to the public. Please refer to our current building hours.
Register your utility account
By registering your utility account online, you will be able to:
- Receive an email notification when a water violation is reported which may help you to avoid a water fine.
- View your bills
- Pay your bills
- Set up automatic payments using your debit or credit card
- Note: Residents are responsible for updating credit/debit card information if your card expires or there is a change in financial institutions. You can update this on your online portal. The Finance Department cannot make changes to any credit card information.
- Sister Carmen Community Center offers financial assistance to Lafayette water customers who are unable to pay their utility bill by calling 303-665-4342 or [email protected]
- Emergency Family Assistance Association in Boulder
- Xcel Energy assistance options or call 1-800-895-4999
- Boulder County resources
- State resources for Coloradans in need
Residents who have detected and repaired a leak on their property may request a leak adjustment on their bill.
- Submit your request by completing the Leak Adjustment Request Form.
- Call our Utility Billing staff if you have questions about this process at 303-665-5588
Your Water Bill
FAQ
What is the phone number for Lafayette Utilities?
How much are utilities in Lafayette, Indiana?
Who provides water in Lafayette CO?
What is the phone number for West Lafayette utilities?
How do I pay my bill in Lafayette?
The City of Lafayette provides several options to pay your bill, including online and recurring payments through Payment Services Network.
Can I pay my city of Lafayette utility bill with a credit card?
The reoccurring payment option is available. Your Credit or Debit card will automatically be used for payment each month for the balance of your City of Lafayette utility bill. Want to go paperless. Your bill can be emailed to you instead. Property taxes can be paid with credit card.
Where can I get help paying my water bill in Lafayette?
Visit Finance counter at City Hall, 1290 S. Public Road, or use the drop box outside the main doors. Sister Carmen Community Center offers financial assistance to Lafayette water customers who are unable to pay their utility bill. Call 303-665-4342 or [email protected]
How do I pay my property tax in Lafayette?
Call city hall to pay your property tax with a debit or credit card. 615-666-2194 City of Lafayette Utility CustomersPay your bill online using a credit or debit card. Please click here to view and pay your bill To get your online payment account setup, enter your account number, including dashes, and the temporary password printed on your bill.