Convenient Options for Paying Your Water Bill in Rochester, NY

Having access to clean reliable drinking water is something most of us take for granted. But maintaining water infrastructure and delivery requires regular payments from customers to keep systems running smoothly. Luckily, the City of Rochester offers easy and convenient ways for residents to pay their water bills. Read on to learn about the various options for paying your water bill in Rochester, NY.

Overview of Rochester Water Billing

The City of Rochester provides water services and billing for residents and businesses located within city limits, Water bills are issued on a monthly basis and reflect usage over the previous month Bills are mailed out around the 10th of each month

There are two components to Rochester water bills:

• Water Usage Charges – Based on the amount of water used each month, charged per CCF (hundred cubic feet)
• Water Facility Fee – Fixed monthly fee that helps fund system infrastructure

Bills are issued by the City of Rochester Utility Customer Service department. In addition to your monthly usage and facility charges, bills also list any account credits, past due balances, or other fees.

When are Water Bills Due?

Rochester water bills have a due date approximately 3 weeks after the bill date. So if your bill is dated September 10th, your payment will be due around October 1st.

The exact due date is listed on each monthly bill. Any payments received after the due date will incur late fees. So it’s important to pay your bill on time each month.

Late payments face the following penalties:

• 10% late penalty on current charges
• 1.5% monthly interest on unpaid balances
• Potential water service shut off after multiple late payments

Avoid these extra fees and keep your service uninterrupted by paying bills by the due date listed.

Ways to Pay Your Rochester Water Bill

The City of Rochester offers many options for conveniently paying water bills, including:

• Online through the payment portal
• By phone
• Automatic bank account deductions
• Mail
• In person at City Hall

Review the available payment methods below to choose the options that work best for your needs

Pay Online

The fastest and most convenient way to pay is online through the City of Rochester payment portal:

• Visit the payments page on the city website
• Select “Pay Water Bill”
• Login or enroll in a new account
• Enter payment details and submit

The online system allows one-time or recurring payments from a bank account or credit/debit card. You can also go paperless and enroll in autopay.

Pay by Phone

Call the City of Rochester at (585) 428-7026 to pay your water bill over the phone. You’ll need to provide your account number, address, and payment details.

Phone payments can be made 24/7 using the automated payment system. Or you can speak with a customer service agent Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and electronic checks are accepted.

Mail In Your Payment

Traditional paper bill payments can still be mailed to the address below:

City of Rochester
PO Box 14420
Albany, NY 12212-4420

Detach and include the payment stub from your bill with a check or money order. Allow plenty of mail time for your payment to arrive by the due date.

Auto-Pay Deductions

For hands-off convenience, enroll in auto-pay to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account each month. Just log into your online account or complete an auto-pay form to set up recurring deductions on the due date.

Pay in Person

You can pay your water bill in cash, check, or money order in person at:

City Hall
30 Church St.
Rochester, NY 14614

Payments are accepted Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Allow extra time for downtown parking and lines if paying close to the due date.

Assistance Programs for Water Bills

If you are having difficulty paying your water bill in Rochester, there are resources that can help, including:

• Deferred payment plans
• Senior citizen discount
• Project SHARE emergency assistance
• Low-income discount programs
• Payment extensions

Contact City of Rochester Utility Customer Service to learn more about assistance programs and eligibility requirements. They can help find solutions for managing past due balances.

Avoid Water Shut Off with On-Time Payments

It’s crucial to pay your water bill on time each month because after multiple late payments, the City of Rochester can shut off your water service. This prevents further unpaid bills from accumulating.

To avoid shut off:

• Pay bills by the due date
• Contact them immediately if you anticipate a late payment
• Enroll in auto-pay or recurring payments
• Apply for assistance programs if needed

Keeping your account current is the best way to avoid disruptions in your water service. Communicate right away if you are struggling to make payments.

Benefits of Paying Your Water Bill Online

Opting to pay your water bill online provides many benefits:

• It’s fast and easy – takes just minutes to complete
• Available 24/7 – log in and pay anytime
• More secure than mailing paper checks
• Avoid late fees by scheduling payments
• Go paperless and reduce waste
• Manage bills in one place with your account
• Set up recurring payments or auto-pay
• Access billing history and account details
• Make one-time payments for convenience
• Mobile friendly – pay on any device

Online payments allow you to take control of your bill management. Paying online saves time and gives you peace of mind knowing your bill is handled each month.

Ensuring Access to Essential Water Services

Having reliable access to safe drinking water is vital for health and sanitation. By paying your water bill promptly each month, you do your part to keep Rochester’s water system operating smoothly for the entire community’s benefit. Contact Utility Customer Service if you ever need assistance managing payments. Take advantage of the City’s convenient online options to simplify paying your bill.