How to Pay Your Hickory, NC Water Bill

If you’re a resident of Hickory, North Carolina, paying your monthly water bill is easy through the city’s online payment system. Read on to learn everything you need to know about receiving and paying your Hickory water utility bill.

Overview of Hickory Water Bills

The City of Hickory provides water and sewer service to residents and charges for this service through monthly utility bills Here’s an overview of how Hickory water billing works

• Bills are sent out once a month and are usually due on the 10th of every month.

• Water use is tracked, and monthly fees are based on how much water is used. Rates are given in units, and one unit is equal to 100 cubic feet, which is 748 gallons.

• Base rates, volume rates, and sewer rates apply. See the City’s website for the current utility rates.

• Bills include charges for water, sewer, and solid waste services

• Bills are sent via mail but can be received electronically by enrolling in paperless billing.

• Late fees apply if payment is received after the due date.

• Services can be disconnected for non-payment. Disconnect notices are sent allowing 10 days for payment before shut off.

Ways to Pay Your Hickory Water Bill

The City of Hickory offers several convenient payment options for residents to pay their water bills:

• Online – The easiest way to pay is through the online payment system. You can pay as a one-time guest or set up an account.

• Phone – Call (828) 323-7424 to pay over the phone using the automated system.

• Mail – Detach payment stub from bill and mail with check or money order to the address listed.

• Drive-Thru Window – Drive up payments are accepted at the window behind City Hall. Cash, check, card accepted.

• Drop Box – A 24/7 drop box is located at the drive-thru window for after-hours payments.

• In Person – Pay at the 2nd floor Billing & Collections office in City Hall.

The online system and phone payments allow using debit/credit cards. Other methods accept cash, check, or money order.

Creating an Online Account

For the most convenient billing and payment experience, sign up for an online account through the payment portal. Here are the steps to set up your online account:

1. Go to the payment portal and click “Register Now”

2. Enter your account number and other required information

3. Create a username and password

4. Agree to the terms and conditions

5. Verify your email address

Once registered, you can log in anytime to view your balance, see past bills, make one-time payments, set up recurring payments, enroll in paperless billing, and more. Linking your account provides full access to billing and payment tools.

Paperless Billing and Auto-Pay

Two convenient features to take advantage of with an online account are paperless billing and auto-pay:

• Paperless Billing – Go paper-free by opting into email delivery for bills rather than mail. Get reminders when your bill is ready to view and pay. Reduce clutter and waste.

• Auto-Pay – Set up recurring payments from your bank account or credit card so your bill gets paid automatically each month. Avoid late fees and free yourself from remembering payment dates.

Activating these options is easy within your online account settings. Sign up for both to simplify your utility billing each month.

Budget Billing Program

For customers who want consistent, predictable bills throughout the year, Hickory offers a Budget Billing program. With this program:

• Your usage is tracked over 12 months to calculate an average monthly payment amount

• Each month you pay that set amount based on your individual average

• At year end, your account is reconciled and adjusted based on actual usage

• You can then choose to continue Budget Billing for the next year

The program avoids fluctuation in bills month-to-month, making it easier to budget household expenses. Call (828) 323-7523 to enroll.

Financial Assistance Programs

If you are struggling to keep up with water payments, Hickory has programs available to help:

• Payment Arrangements – Payment plans can be set up for past due balances by calling (828) 323-7523.

• LIEAP Assistance – Low Income Energy Assistance Program provides federal aid for utility bills. Apply through your local social services office.

• Salvation Army – May assist with Hickory utility bills for qualified applicants based on funding. Call (828) 324-9129.

• United Way – Limited emergency utility assistance available in some cases. Call 211 to be referred to local United Way chapter.

Reaching out to discuss hardships can help prevent disconnection and keep your water flowing. These programs offer relief to residents facing financial challenges.

Moving In or Out of Hickory?

If you’re establishing new water service or discontinuing service, you’ll need to inform the City.

To start service at a new address, you must:

• Submit an application with the Utility Activation Form

• Provide identification and sign agreement accepting billing terms

• Pay a deposit based on credit check or prior account standing

To stop service due to moving out:

• Notify the utility office by submitting the Utility Termination Form

• Provide 2 business days notice before your move date

• Provide a forwarding address for your final bill to be sent to

• Receive your deposit refund (if applicable) in 4-6 weeks after the final bill is paid

Following proper procedures ensures a smooth transition with your Hickory water service.

Disputing Your Bill

If you believe your bill contains an error, contact the utility billing office right away to dispute the charges. Some tips for contesting a bill:

• Note date/time you identified the error and who you spoke to.

• Retain copies of the bill in question as well as past bills for reference.

• Explain clearly the reason you are disputing the bill. Provide any documentation.

• Be prepared to pay any undisputed charges while the dispute is investigated.

• Follow up if the issue is not resolved in 30 days. Escalate to a supervisor if needed.

The City will work with you to understand the error and make necessary corrections or adjustments. But act quickly before an incorrect bill gets paid.

Avoid Water Shut Off with Responsible Payment

Having your water shut off due to non-payment can be a major disruption. Avoid this worst-case scenario by:

• Carefully reviewing monthly bills and paying on time
• Contacting the utility promptly if you anticipate difficulty paying
• Setting up payment arrangements or applying for assistance if falling behind
• Responding quickly to shut off notices rather than ignoring them

Responsible account management goes a long way towards maintaining uninterrupted water service. Communicate about any issues early before they escalate.

Paying Your Hickory Water Bill is Easy

As a Hickory water customer, make sure you understand your monthly charges, payment options, and account management tools. Sign up for a convenient online account to take control of your bill and address any issues promptly. Maintaining good standing ensures you continue receiving this vital utility service to your home or business. Reach out to the billing department with any questions.