A Comprehensive Guide to Paying Your Water Bill in Sevier County

Having access to clean, reliable water service is essential for residents and businesses in Sevier County. Paying your water bill promptly each month or quarter ensures this vital service continues uninterrupted This guide provides locals everything they need to know about paying water bills to two providers in Sevier County – the county Water Department and the City of Sevierville Water Department

Water Providers in Sevier County

There are two main water utility providers in Sevier County that residents and businesses may receive bills from:

• Sevier County Water Department Provides water service to unincorporated parts of Sevier County outside city limits Bills quarterly.

• City of Sevierville Water Department: Provides water service within Sevierville city limits. Bills monthly.

Your service location determines which entity you get your water bill from. The service areas do not overlap.

Paying Your Sevier County Water Bill

If you live in the county but outside city limits, the Sevier County Water Department sends water bills quarterly in March, June, September, and December. Here are ways to pay this bill:

• Online: Pay by credit/debit card or e-check through their online payment portal. There are processing fees.

• By phone: Call their office during business hours to pay over the phone with a card or e-check.

• Mail: Send a check or money order to the P.O. Box printed on your bill. Allow mailing time.

• In person: Drop off payment at their office or use the after-hours drop box on site.

• Auto-draft: Enroll to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account each quarter.

Pay by the due date to avoid a 10% late penalty fee. If your bill is past due, pay by 5pm the day before shutoff to avoid disruption of service.

Paying Your Sevierville Water Bill

For addresses within Sevierville city limits, the City of Sevierville Water Department issues monthly bills. Here’s how to pay:

• Online: Pay by credit/debit card or e-check through the city’s online payment portal.

• Phone: Call the toll-free automated phone payment line to pay with a card.

• Mail: Send a check or money order to the P.O. Box printed on your bill.

• In person: Pay at City Hall or use the night depository box. Also payable at local banks.

• Text: Enroll in text pay to get reminders and pay via text message.

• Auto-draft: Set up recurring bank draft payments from your checking account.

Pay by the due date to avoid late fees and potential water shutoff for non-payment.

Understanding Your Water Bill

When you receive your water bill in Sevier County, take a moment to review the charges:

• Base rate or minimum charge
• Water usage fee based on gallons
• Sewer charges if applicable
• Service fees
• Taxes
• Penalties if not paid on time

The rates are published so you can estimate costs based on your household or business water use. Check for unusual spikes in use that increase your bill. Also watch for billing errors.

Avoid Late Payments and Shutoff

To avoid late fees and possible water service interruption, pay your Sevier County or Sevierville water bill by the stated due date every billing cycle without fail. Mark your calendar with the due dates to remember.

Contact your water provider immediately if you anticipate any difficulty paying on time. Ask about possible payment plan options. Don’t wait until you have a shutoff notice. Proactive communication is key to maintaining uninterrupted water service.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are experiencing financial hardship and unable to pay your water bill, assistance programs may be able to help:

• TennCare may cover unpaid water bills for eligible enrollees.

• LIHEAP provides federal funds for home utility bills, including water.

• Non-profit organizations like United Way may provide limited utility assistance.

• Area churches and charities may have support available.

Research programs that can possibly bring your water account up to date so this essential service remains on. Don’t let an unpaid balance leave you without running water.

In Summary

Paying your water bill consistently and on time is the responsibility of every household and business that receives this vital service in Sevier County. Use this guide to understand your provider, payment options, and how to avoid late fees or shutoffs. Keep your account in good standing with on-time payments.

Reach out to the Sevier County Water Department or Sevierville Water Department with any other billing or payment questions. Access to water is too important to risk losing over an unpaid bill. Use the convenient payment methods to pay on time, every month or quarter.