Rio Rancho Water Bill Pay

The Complete Guide to Paying Your Water Bill in Rio Rancho

Living in the beautiful city of Rio Rancho New Mexico comes with the responsibility of paying your monthly water and wastewater utility bill. While not the most exciting task, it’s important to pay your bill on time to avoid service interruptions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different ways to pay your Rio Rancho water bill, from online payments to mailing in checks.

Online Payment Options

The easiest and most convenient way for Rio Rancho residents to pay their water bill is online The city offers two online payment options

One Time Pay

This option allows you to make a one-time water bill payment without creating an account. Simply go to the One Time Pay website and enter your account number located on your bill. You can then enter your payment information and pay with a credit card or e-check. No registration needed for quick, easy payments.

Create an Online Account

For added convenience, you can create an online account on the One Time Pay website. This allows you to store payment information, view past bills and payment history, set up auto-pay, and more. Follow the steps to register your account and start accessing these useful features.

Creating an online account is especially helpful if you want to set up recurring automatic monthly payments. This ensures your bill gets paid on time without you having to remember to log in and submit payments manually.

Pay by Phone

You can pay your Rio Rancho water bill over the phone by calling 505-891-5211 if you’d rather talk to a real person. Have your account number handy to access the automated system. You can pay with a card or electronic check.

For additional questions or to pay with a customer service agent, call 505-891-5020. The utility specialists can review your account with you and process a payment.

Pay by Mail

Paying by physical check is still a payment option accepted by the city. Just send your money order or check along with your water bill payment stub to:

City of Rio Rancho Utilities Department
3200 Civic Center Circle NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Be sure to allow enough time for your mailed payment to reach the utility department before your bill’s due date. Slow postal service could result in late fees if your check arrives after the due date.

Pay In Person

For those who prefer the most personal, face-to-face service, you can pay your water bill in person at Rio Rancho City Hall located at 3200 Civic Center Circle NE. They accept check, cash, or credit card for bill payments made at the first floor Utility Billing desk.

City Hall is open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm except on major holidays. Be sure to get there before 4pm to allow enough time to wait in line and process your payment.

Payment Drop Box

The city also has a drop box located outside City Hall where you can drop off a check or money order payment after hours. This secure drop box allows you to pay your bill 24/7 without having to wait in line during business hours. However, the payment library drop box is no longer available.

Automatic Bank Draft

If you want to truly set it and forget it, sign up for automatic bank draft payments. This automatically withdraws your water bill amount from your checking or savings account each month.

To enroll, complete the UT-UTS-01.06(E) Automatic Bank Draft Form and submit it along with a voided check and copy of your ID to the utility department by mail, email, or fax.

The bank draft will take effect after one billing cycle. Once established, your bill will say “Bank Draft – Do Not Pay” so you know autopay is working.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are struggling financially and unable to pay your water bill, Rio Rancho offers assistance programs based on income eligibility:

• Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – Helps pay water and wastewater bills for low income residents. Apply through New Mexico Human Services Department.

• Good Neighbor Fund – Provides emergency bill assistance for residents facing financial hardship. Apply through Rio Rancho Financial Empowerment Center.

• Payment Arrangements – The city offers flexible payment plan options on a case-by-case basis. Call 505-891-5019 to discuss arrangements.

Reaching out to explain your situation could help avoid service disconnection when you cannot pay the full amount due.

What to Do if You Miss a Payment

If you are unable to pay your water bill by the due date, it is important to take action quickly:

• A late fee of 5% of the unpaid balance will be applied to past due accounts.

• If your balance remains unpaid for two billing cycles, a shut off notice will be issued.

• If the shut off date passes without payment, your water service will be disconnected until the full past due amount is paid. A $30 disconnection fee and $30 reconnection fee will also be added.

• Payment arrangements may be available if you contact the city before the shut off date.

• Repeated late payments may require a security deposit equal to two times your average monthly bill.

Avoid these penalties and service interruptions by paying on time, setting up autopay, or requesting payment assistance if needed. Do not ignore past due notices from the city.

Payment Policies and Other Fees

Keep these other payment policies and fees in mind as you manage your City of Rio Rancho water account:

• A $30 service fee is charged for returned checks or rejected automatic bank drafts.

• Accounts can be charged a meter tampering fee if the meter is damaged due to unauthorized use.

• A meter accuracy test fee of $30 may apply if requesting a meter check.

• Security deposits are required for all new accounts and range from $45 for residential to $200-$1000 for commercial accounts.

• Deposits for new accounts must be paid within 12 days to avoid account suspension.

• Failure to establish service within 30 days of an account being opened will result in account closure and forfeiture of the deposit.

• Customers are responsible for paying bills for water received through service lines up to the property line.

Understanding all the billing policies will help avoid unexpected fees and keep your account in good standing.

Maintaining Your Account

As a Rio Rancho water customer, it is your responsibility to properly maintain your account information and service access:

• Update your contact information if your mailing address, email, or phone number changes.

• Ensure your water meter remains accessible to city meter readers if overgrown vegetation or blocked access could prevent reading.

• Avoid meter box damage by keeping the area free of debris and landscaping materials.

• Contact the city immediately if you see indications of a leak on your side of the service line.

• Notify the utility billing department if you are moving and need your service discontinued.

Properly maintaining your meter and account info will help ensure accurate billing and prevent unexpected issues.

Water Conservation

While we all need water to live, it is important to be mindful of our water usage and avoid waste. Simple conservation habits like taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, watering at night, installing low-flow fixtures, and running full loads of laundry can help reduce your consumption. Reduced usage means lower water bills!

The City of Rio Rancho offers water conservation programs and rebates to help residents use water wisely. Visit the Water Conservation Office to learn more ways to curb your household consumption.

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