Living in Polk County, Florida or Georgia? Then you likely receive a monthly water bill from either Polk County Utilities or Polk County Water Authority that needs to be paid. Polk County offers residents multiple ways to pay water bills conveniently. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about paying your Polk County water bill, including:
- Understanding your water bill
- Available payment options
- Setting up automatic payments
- Paying online, by phone, or in person
- Avoiding late fees
- FAQs about Polk County water bills
Whether your water service is through Polk County, FL or GA, read on for tips to easily pay your bill each month.
Understanding Your Polk County Water Bill
Before paying your water bill, it helps to understand exactly what you’re being charged for. A standard Polk County water bill consists of:
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Water service – Charges for your actual water usage based on your meter readings. Rates vary slightly between the FL and GA counties.
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Wastewater service – Covers sewer/wastewater treatment, Billed at a flat rate or based on your winter average water usage
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Service fees -includes meter fees, account fees, fire protection fees assessed monthly.
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Taxes – State and local taxes applied to the services.
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Fuel adjustment – GA county only. A variable charge based on power costs.
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Regulatory assessment – GA county only. Fee mandated by the state Public Service Commission.
Your specific rates depend on factors like your location, meter size, and monthly consumption. Check your latest bill or call customer service if you need help understanding the charges.
Ways to Pay Your Polk County Water Bill
Both Polk County Utilities and the Polk County Water Authority offer several ways to pay your water bill Choose the option that works best for your needs
Pay Online
The fastest and easiest way to pay is through the online bill pay portal. You can make secure payments 24/7 using a bank account, credit card, or digital wallet.
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Polk County, FL – Customer Portal
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Polk County, GA – Online Bill Pay
Payments post instantly so you avoid late fees. Convenience fees apply to certain payment methods.
Pay By Phone
Call the automated phone payment system with your account number, card, or bank account info to pay:
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Polk County, FL – 1-863-298-4100
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Polk County, GA – 1-888-569-5847
Phone payments process immediately. Expect convenience fees if paying by card.
Pay By Mail
Mail a check or money order with your payment stub to:
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Polk County Utilities – P.O. Box 2019, Bartow, FL 33831-2019
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Polk County Water Authority – P.O. Box K, Cedartown, GA 30125
Allow 5-7 days for mail delivery and processing time.
Pay In Person
Visit a payment center or drop box to pay by cash, check, or credit/debit card:
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Polk County, FL – Utilities building in Winter Haven or county admin building in Bartow.
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Polk County, GA – Main office in Cedartown, GA.
See utility website for locations and business hours.
Auto-Pay
Sign up to have payments automatically drafted from your bank account each month on your due date. Avoid late fees and save time. Enroll through your online account portal.
Tips for Avoiding Late Fees
To avoid getting assessed a late fee on your Polk County water bill, remember:
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Due dates are around 3-4 weeks after you receive your monthly statement. Mark your calendar.
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Allow 5-7 days processing time for mail payments. Pay early.
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Online, phone, and in-person payments credit same day if made before daily cutoff times.
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If paying by check, sign it and include your full account number to avoid processing delays.
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Enroll in autopay or schedule recurring reminders to ensure on-time payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some common Polk County water bill and payment questions:
How often do I get a water bill?
Bills are sent monthly and cover a period of approximately 30 days.
What if I think my bill amount is wrong?
Contact customer service if you see unusual spikes in usage. They can check for leaks or meter issues.
What are the customer service phone numbers?
- Polk County, FL Utilities – 1-863-298-4100
- Polk County, GA Water Authority – 1-770-748-6001
Can I pay at a drop box 24/7?
Yes, both counties have 24/7 accessible drop boxes to deposit check or money order payments.
What credit cards do you accept?
Polk County accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards for online/phone payments.
Can I pay my water bill at your office?
Yes, both Polk County utility offices have lobby and drive-through payment windows open on weekdays.
Is there a fee to pay online?
A convenience fee of around $2.75 per $500 transaction applies to online payments.
Pay Your Polk County Water Bill Stress-Free
Now that you know all the ways to pay your Polk County water bill, you can choose the payment method that fits your lifestyle. Opt to pay online for quick and easy payments 24/7. Or take advantage of money-saving auto-pay. Just be sure to pay your bill in full and on time each month to avoid pesky late fees.
