Paying your water bill is an essential part of being a responsible resident of Red Oak, Iowa. The city provides clean, safe drinking water to all homes and businesses, and in return, customers must pay their water bills promptly each month. While some people may see paying bills as a hassle, the city tries to make the process as quick and easy as possible. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about paying your water bill in Red Oak, from understanding your bill to using convenient online payment options.
Getting Your Monthly Water Bill
If you’re a Red Oak resident or business owner with city water service, you’ll receive a monthly bill for your water usage. The city reads meters and sends out bills once per month. You should receive your bill in the mail during the first week of the month.
Your bill will show details like the service address, account number, previous balance, payments made, current charges, and total amount due. The charges are for your actual water usage each month, along with a fixed service fee. Rates are approved by the city council each year and based on the costs of supplying water to the city.
If you don’t receive your bill or have questions about the charges, contact the Red Oak Water Department right away at (712) 623-6510.
Payment Due Dates
Water bills in Red Oak are due on the 25th of each month. If you pay your bill by the due date, you won’t have to pay late fees. A 10% penalty will be added to your account if your payment is not received by the due date.
The city does allow a grace period until the last business day of the month. But if your balance remains unpaid after the grace period, your water service may be disconnected. Reconnection fees will apply if your service is disconnected for nonpayment.
To avoid service interruptions, pay your water bill on time every month Mark your calendar with the due date or set up automatic payments
Understanding Your Water Usage
When you review your monthly water bill, check that the usage charges seem reasonable based on your household or business activities for the month. If your usage seems abnormally high it could indicate issues like leaks, running toilets, or other problems. High usage will result in higher water bills.
Here are some typical water usage amounts:
- Family of 4: 4,000 – 6,000 gallons per month
- Single person: 2,000 – 3,000 gallons per month
- Restaurant: 300 – 600 gallons per day
- Office building: 200 gallons per employee per month
Contact the Red Oak Water Department if you notice a spike in your water usage that can’t be explained. They can help identify potential leaks or other issues. Fixing problems quickly can prevent increased costs on your next bill.
Paying Your Water Bill
Red Oak offers several options for paying your monthly water bill conveniently:
- By mail: Detach the payment stub from your bill and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed. Allow 3-5 days for mail delivery.
- In person: Bring your payment to Red Oak City Hall at 601 N 6th Street. Cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards are accepted.
- Drop box: A drop box is located outside City Hall. Place your payment inside and it will be collected daily.
- Online: Payments can be made on the city website using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or electronic check.
- Auto pay: Sign up through the city website to have payments automatically deducted from your checking account each month.
The online payment system through the city website is the most popular option. It allows customers to pay 24/7 and avoid mailing delays or trips to City Hall.
Paying Online Through the City Website
To pay your water bill online, go to https://waterpymts.redoakiowa.com/InternetPayments/. You’ll first need to create an account. Have your latest bill handy to enter your account number, service address, and other details.
After signing up, you can log in anytime and select the account and amount to pay. Enter your credit/debit card or bank account information to complete the payment. You’ll receive a confirmation email and the payment will be applied to your account.
Online payments are processed immediately during business hours or the next business day for payments made after hours or on weekends.
The online payment system is user-friendly and secure. Customer information is protected using encryption and other security measures. You can avoid stamps, paper checks, and trips across town when you pay on the city website.
Sign Up for Automatic Payments
For maximum convenience, sign up for auto pay through the online payment system. With auto pay, the amount due on your water account will be automatically deducted from your checking account each month on the due date.
To enroll in auto pay:
- Log into the online payment system
- Click on “My Account” and manage payment methods
- Select your checking account
- Check the box to enable auto pay
With auto pay in place, you’ll never miss a payment or incur late fees again. Your water bill is basically on autopilot. Just monitor your monthly statements to ensure the correct amounts are being deducted.
Auto pay also helps the city by reducing paperwork and manual processing of payments. When customers use electronic payment options, it allows city staff to focus on more important priorities.
Financial Assistance for Water Bills
Some Red Oak residents face financial hardships and struggle to pay their monthly water bills. If you’re falling behind, contact the city immediately to discuss payment plan options. Waiting until service is disconnected will only increase the balance owed.
The city also partners with Community Action of Southern Iowa to provide financial assistance. They have programs that help pay water bills for low income households. Contact them at (712) 623-4401 to learn about eligibility and apply for help.
Avoid Water Disconnection with Proper Payment
Having your water service disconnected due to non-payment only makes the situation worse. Not only will you be without water, but reconnection fees up to $100 will be added when your service is restored. Avoid the headaches by paying on time.
The city publishes a monthly shutoff list with accounts past due. If you receive a shutoff notice, you should pay immediately at City Hall to stop disconnection. Even if you pay online before the shutoff date, your service is still subject to disconnection unless the payment is made directly to the city.
Don’t take chances with water service for your home or business. Mark the due date on your calendar and budget accordingly to pay your water bill in full and on time every month in Red Oak. Consistent payments will keep the water flowing while avoiding fees that drive up your costs. Pay online, in person, or by mail – just be sure to pay by the due date.
In-Person or By Mail
Cash, check, money order, credit card and debit card payments are accepted at the Utility Billing Office in City Hall. After-hours payments may be deposited in the kiosk located in front of the Government Center. Checks, credit card, and debit card payments can be accepted at the kiosk.
Payments can be mailed to:
City of Red Oak P.O. Box 393 Red Oak, TX 75154
Recurring Automatic Bank Draft
Download the Automatic Bank Draft Authorization Form. Email completed form to [email protected].
Tornado near Red Oak, Iowa
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