Paying your water bill is a necessary chore that nobody really looks forward to. But it doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming especially if you take advantage of online bill pay through Shelby County Water Services.
I’ve been a Shelby County water customer for years. Over that time, I’ve learned the ins and outs of navigating their online payment system. It offers convenience and efficiency that just can’t be beat. In this article, I’ll walk through the step-by-step process I use each month to quickly and easily pay my water bill online.
Why Pay Your Shelby County Water Bill Online?
First, let’s talk about why paying bills online is great:
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It’s fast – The whole process takes just a few minutes No wasting half your lunch break sitting in line at the billing office
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It’s easy – The website is user-friendly. All you need is your account number and PIN.
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It’s secure – Your payment info is encrypted and protected.
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You can set up autopay – One less bill to remember each month!
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You can view billing history – Handy for budgeting or resolving disputes.
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You can monitor usage – Spot high usage and check for leaks.
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You can handle more than one account at once. Pay for rental homes or family members all in one place.
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It saves money – No checks, stamps, gas for driving to the office.
Clearly online bill pay offers nothing but advantages over mailing payments or paying in person. Read on to learn how it works.
Step 1: Navigate to the Online Payment Website
You can access the payment portal through Shelby County’s main website or directly via the URL https://shelbyal.payub.com/.
From the county website:
- Go to shelbyal.com
- Click on “Departments”
- Choose “Water Services”
- Click on “View or Pay My Account”
This will redirect you to the online payment portal.
Step 2: Log In
On the payment website, you’ll need to log in with your customer account number and 4-digit PIN.
These credentials are printed on your monthly paper billing statement. If you’ve misplaced them, you can retrieve them by contacting Shelby County Water Services customer support.
Step 3: Select Payment Amount
Once logged in, you’ll see your current account balance and due date.
You can choose to pay the full balance, minimum amount due, or a custom amount.
If paying after the due date, any late fees will automatically be added to your transaction.
Step 4: Enter Payment Details
Next, you’ll enter your payment source – either a card or bank account:
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For a credit/debit card, input the card number, expiration date, and CVV security code.
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For a bank account, provide your account number and routing number.
You can optionally save this payment source to your account profile so it’s ready to use for future bills.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Before completing the transaction, carefully review the payment details to ensure they are correct.
Once submitted, the payment will immediately process and post to your water account typically within 1 business day.
You’ll receive an emailed receipt as confirmation. And payment will be reflected on your next billing statement.
Tips for Paying Your Shelby County Water Bill Online
Over the years, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks for ensuring the online payment process goes smoothly:
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Pay early – Don’t wait until the due date, when the website traffic is highest.
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Set up autopay – One less bill to remember each month! Just be sure your payment source stays current.
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Check usage trends – Monitor for abnormal spikes that could indicate leaks.
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Update contact info – To receive email reminders and receipts.
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Save payment source – For faster checkout in the future.
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Print receipts – For your records to avoid disputes.
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Pay multiple accounts – Useful for rental properties, family members, etc.
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Use the mobile site – Pay bills easily from your smartphone.
Following this routine each month lets you complete this tedious task quickly, easily, and reliably. No more wasting time and stamps to pay your water bill!
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelby County Online Bill Pay
If you’re new to paying your Shelby County water bill online, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Q: Is there a fee to pay online?
A: Nope, online payments through the county’s portal are totally free.
Q: When will my online payment post to my account?
A: Payments are typically processed and reflected on your account within 1 business day.
Q: Can I use a credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.?
A: You can use any major credit card. The site does not currently support PayPal, Apple Pay, or similar services.
Q: What if I forget my PIN?
A: You can call or email Shelby County Water Services support to have your PIN reset or mailed to you.
Q: What if I already mailed a check or paid in person?
A: The system will not allow double payments on the same account. Any overpayments will be credited to your next bill.
Q: Will I be charged a fee if my payment doesn’t process?
A: Yes, a returned payment fee will apply if the payment fails or bounces.
Q: How do I dispute a charge on my water bill?
A: You must contact Shelby County Water Services support directly to dispute a billing error.
Q: How do I change the email on my account?
A: You can update your contact information by calling or emailing customer support.
Service Provider OptionsCurrently, there are two companies that offer utility services to Shelby County residents. These include the:
- Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Division (MLGW) 220 S. Main St. Memphis, TN 38103 Ph: (901) 544-MLGW (6549)
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) 400 W. Summit Hill Dr. Knoxville, TN 37902 Ph: (865) 632-2101
- Vasco A. Smith, Jr. County Administration Building 160 N Main Street Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: 901-222-2300