Paying your water bill is an essential part of being a resident in Midland, Michigan. Having access to clean, reliable water in your home or business is a necessity, and the city and water districts work hard to provide this service. As a customer, it’s important to know your options to pay your water bill conveniently and on time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about paying your water bill in Midland, MI.
Overview of Water Providers in Midland
There are two main providers of water services in the Midland area:
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City of Midland: Provides water and sewer services to residents and businesses located within the city limits. They bill bimonthly.
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Water District #1 of Midland County Provides water services to parts of Midland County outside the Midland city limits, They bill quarterly
Understanding which provider serves your home or business is the first step in paying your water bill correctly. The service areas do not overlap so you will only receive a bill from one or the other.
Payment Options with the City of Midland
If you live within the Midland city limits, you’ll receive a water and sewer bill from the City of Midland every other month. Here are the ways you can pay this bill:
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Automatic bank draft: You can enroll in the automatic bank draft program where your payment is automatically deducted from your bank account on the due date. This ensures your bill is paid on time.
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Online bill pay: The city allows online payments through their website using Visa, Mastercard, or e-check. You can pay one-time or set up recurring payments.
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By mail: You can mail in a check or money order payment to the address listed on your bill. Allow 3-5 business days for it to reach them.
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In person: Bring your payment to the City Treasurer’s Office at City Hall during business hours. You can also use the overnight drop box.
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Over the phone: Call the number on your bill during office hours to pay by credit/debit card over the phone.
Be sure to pay by the due date listed to avoid late fees. The city does not waive late fees for any reason. Your payment must be received by the due date to get the early payment discount.
Payment Options with Water District #1
If you live in the parts of Midland County outside the city limits, you’ll get water bills from Water District #1 quarterly. Here are your payment options:
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Auto-draft: Fill out a form to have your bill paid automatically from your checking or savings account. Must be set up in advance.
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Online: Pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check on their website. There are processing fees for online payments.
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By phone: Call their office during business hours to pay over the phone with a card.
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In person: Drop off payment at their office or use the after-hours drop box.
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By mail: Send a check or money order to the P.O. Box listed on your bill. Allow extra days for mail time.
Pay by the due date to avoid late fees and possible shutoff. Your payment must be received by 5pm the day before shutoff to avoid service interruption.
Understanding Your Water Bill
Before you pay your water bill, take a moment to understand what you’re paying for. A typical bill in Midland has these elements:
- Water usage fee based on gallons used
- Sewer fee based on water usage
- Service charge
- Surcharges or special assessments
- Taxes
- Late fee if not paid on time
The city and water district have published water rates so you can estimate your bill based on how much water you use. Be aware of leaks and high usage, which can increase your bill. Check for billing errors as well.
Avoiding Late Fees and Service Shutoff
To avoid getting hit with late fees and possibly having your water shut off, pay your bill by the due date every billing cycle without fail. Mark your calendar with the due dates. The shutoff dates are also published if your bill becomes delinquent.
If you anticipate having trouble paying on time, contact your water provider right away to set up a payment plan. Don’t wait until after shutoff to reach out. Being proactive can help avoid shutoffs, penalties, and reconnection fees.
No one wants to go without water service, so make paying your water bill on time a top priority as a Midland resident.
Payment Assistance Programs
If you’re experiencing financial hardship and can’t afford your water bill, there may be assistance programs available:
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City of Midland customers can contact 211 or the Salvation Army for help paying a past due water bill.
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Midland County has water payment assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services.
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Additional aid may be available through local churches and charities.
Don’t let an unpaid bill shut off your essential water service. Seek help as soon as you anticipate difficulty paying your water provider.
In Summary
Paying your recurring water bill is a regular task for all Midland residents. Make sure you know your provider, understand your bill, pay on time, and ask for assistance if needed. The city and water district offer convenient payment options to avoid late fees. Use this guide to pay your Midland water bill smoothly and efficiently. Reach out to your provider with any other questions.
NEW! Pay Property Taxes Online | Pay now
City property owners can now pay property taxes online via credit card or electronic check. Search for the property address and click the “Tax Information” tab to access the payment portal. A 2.8% fee applies to credit card transactions and an $0.85 fee applies for each electronic check transaction up to $10,000 ($2.00 per transaction over $10,000).
Pay Water or Sewer Bills | Pay Now.
User name and password are required to log in. Residents will need their account number to create a user name and password for the first time. Once logged in, residents can sign up for e-billing, view their account, or make payment with Visa or MasterCard. Questions? Call 989-837-3341 or email the Water Department.
Midland’s New Water Bill Payment System
FAQ
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