Living in Stafford County provides residents with access to high-quality utilities like water, sewer, trash pickup, and more But with these services comes the responsibility of paying your utility bills on time each month. This guide will walk through everything you need to know about paying utility bills in Stafford County, Virginia.
Overview of Stafford County Utilities
The Stafford County Utilities Department provides water and sewer service to around 28,000 households and businesses in the county. Water is supplied from the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers as well as aquifers and wells throughout the area.
The county owns and operates water treatment facilities in addition to water storage tanks, pumps, pipes, hydrants, and other infrastructure. Sewer service includes the pipes, manholes, lift stations, and wastewater treatment plants needed to collect and treat sewage.
Utility Services Covered in Bills
Stafford County utility bills cover water and sewer services. The county bills on a monthly basis for the prior month’s usage. So the bill you receive in March would be for February services.
In addition to water and sewer your utility bill may also include charges for
- Trash and recycling pickup if you live in a participating area
- Stormwater management fees
- Water service connection fees
- Sewer availability fees
Checking Your Usage and Current Charges
You can check how much water you used in the previous month along with your current charges and balance due online through the county’s eServices portal. This allows you to monitor your usage and anticipated bill amount.
It’s important to routinely check your usage to catch any leaks or other issues early before they can substantially increase your bill. Usage that is significantly higher than normal may indicate a leak or other problem.
Payment Options and Due Date
Utility bills are due by the 20th of each month. For example, your February bill should be paid by March 20th. Stafford County offers multiple ways to pay:
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Online – Pay via eCheck or credit/debit card through the eServices portal. eCheck has no fee while cards have a 2.95% convenience fee.
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Mail – Send a check or money order payable to Treasurer of Stafford County, Include your account number on the check,
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In person – Pay by cash, check or money/order at the Treasurer’s office in the county administration building.
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Drop box – Place your payment in the secure drop box by the main entrance.
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Bank bill pay – Use your bank’s online bill pay feature.
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Automatic payments – Enroll to have payments automatically withdrawn from your bank account each month.
Avoiding Late Fees
Pay your bills by the due date to avoid a 10% late penalty on the outstanding balance. If the bill remains unpaid, additional penalties, interest charges, and collection actions may occur.
Set calendar reminders as your bill’s due date approaches and enroll in auto-pay or schedule payments in advance whenever possible. This prevents forgetting and ensures on-time payment.
Payment Assistance Programs
Stafford County offers bill assistance programs to help qualified low-income households pay their utility bills. The county partners with Community Touch, Inc. to provide aid through grants from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
You can apply for assistance from Community Touch online or by phone. Funds are limited so apply as early as possible. Stafford County also offers payment arrangements in cases of financial hardship.
Moving In or Out of the County
When moving into a new home in Stafford County, you’ll need to set up a utility account. This requires completing an application and paying a deposit based on credit. Give at least 3 business days’ notice when starting service.
Likewise, remember to notify the county when moving out so your final bill can be prepared. Provide your move out date and forwarding address. You must also officially close or transfer your account. Failure to do so means you could be liable for usage at the property after you move.
Contact Information for the Utilities Department
Get in touch with the Stafford County Utilities Department with any questions about your bill, starting/stopping service, payment assistance, or other needs:
- Phone: 540-658-8616
- Email: [email protected]
- Office hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30PM, closed Thursdays 9AM-4:30PM
Following proper utility bill payment practices makes life a little easier for Stafford County residents. Pay on time, watch your usage, and reach out for help if needed. With some simple planning, you can stay on top of your monthly charges.
