A Guide to Paying Your Water Bill in Weslaco, TX

Having access to clean, reliable water service is a necessity for every home and business. As a customer of the City of Weslaco Water Utilities Department in Texas, it’s important to understand your water bill and know the ways you can pay it. This comprehensive guide covers everything Weslaco residents and businesses need to know about paying water bills conveniently and on time.

About Weslaco Water Utilities

The City of Weslaco provides water service to around 20,000 residential and commercial customers within the city limits. The Public Utilities Department handles water treatment, storage, distribution, billing, and customer service.

Water sources include 10 groundwater wells pumping from the Gulf Coast Aquifer as well as treated Rio Grande surface water purchased from the North Alamo Water Supply Corporation

The city owns and maintains the extensive network of water lines, pumps, tanks, meters, and fire hydrants that deliver clean water to homes and businesses across Weslaco.

Understanding Your Water Bill

Water bills in Weslaco are issued monthly and typically cover a period of 30 days. Here are key items shown on your bill:

• Account number and service address

• Date range the bill covers

• Previous balance and any payments made

• Water usage in gallons along with service fees

• Garbage collection fees if receiving city garbage service

• Total current charges with due date

• Past water usage graphs

• Utility messages and notices

Review the usage and totals closely each month to catch any unusual spikes that could indicate leaks. Compare usage month-to-month. Analyzing trends helps identify conservation opportunities.

Calculating Water Usage

Usage is measured in gallons based on meter readings taken at the beginning and end of each billing cycle. The minimum charge covers up to 3,000 gallons. Rates per 1,000 gallons increase at tiered volume levels above the minimum.

Water use often goes up during summer months for irrigation and pools. Watch for abnormal usage which could signify leaks or unexplained spikes in demand.

Payment Due Date

The due date for payment is shown clearly on each monthly bill, typically around the 20th of the month. Payments received after the due date incur a 10% late penalty fee.

If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are accepted the next business day without late fees. Account holders are responsible for ensuring on-time payment each billing cycle. Set up reminders to avoid missed due dates.

Ways to Pay Your Water Bill

The City of Weslaco offers several options for quick and easy water bill payment:

• Online – Pay via credit/debit card or eCheck at the payment portal. View statements and account history.

• By Phone – Call the automated payment line at (877) 495-6903 to pay with a card.

• In Person – Drop off a check or money order at City Hall utility window or payment drop box.

• By Mail – Send your payment stub and check to City of Weslaco, PO Box 1749, Weslaco, TX 78599.

• Auto Pay – Set up recurring monthly payments from a card or bank account to pay automatically.

• Mobile App – Download the MuniciPAY app to pay bills on your smartphone.

These convenient options allow paying from anywhere 24/7. Keep your account current and avoid late fees.

Payment Assistance Programs

For customers experiencing financial hardship and unable to pay their water bill, the city provides assistance programs such as:

• Deferred payment plans with manageable installments

• Project Agua – helps cover water bills for qualifying limited income households

• Aging Outreach Center – offers emergency bill payment aid for seniors

Please contact the water department promptly if you anticipate issues paying your bill on time. They can explore arrangements to avoid service disruption.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

Follow these tips to sidestep late fees and keep your water running:

• Mark calendar with due dates and set up reminders.

• Sign up for autopay or recurring payments to pay automatically.

• Carefully review usage and charges monthly to spot problems early.

• Contact utility billing immediately with anticipated payment issues.

• Take advantage of budget billing to spread costs over the year.

• Check for leaks and practice conservation to control water use.

With proper planning and communication, late payments can be prevented.

Exceptional Customer Service

The Weslaco Water Utilities Department provides stellar customer service including:

• Friendly customer service representatives available by phone or in-person Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

• Automated account services by phone 24/7.

• Online account management with bill pay, notifications, paperless billing and more.

• Leak adjustment policy for qualified customers.

• Field technicians to assist with service issues.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any billing or service questions! Excellent utility experiences start with an engaged customer service team.