Paying your water bill in Tuscaloosa is easy and convenient with the variety of payment options offered by Tuscaloosa Water Works. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about paying your water bill, from setting up online payments to understanding billing cycles.
Online Payment Options
The easiest way to pay your Tuscaloosa water bill is online. Tuscaloosa Water Works offers online payment through their website, allowing you to securely pay your bill 24/7 without leaving your home.
To pay online go to www.tuscaloosa.com/paywaterbill and click on “Pay Water Bill.” You’ll need to enter your account number and 4-digit customer number both of which can be found on your monthly bill statement. You can then choose to make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments to be automatically drafted from your bank account each month.
Online payments are fast and convenient, allowing you to avoid mailing checks or visiting the Tuscaloosa Water Works office. You’ll receive instant confirmation when your payment is processed. Online payments can be made using credit/debit cards, checking accounts or savings accounts. A small processing fee applies to credit/debit card transactions.
In-Person Payment Options
If you prefer to pay your water bill in person, Tuscaloosa Water Works offers several options:
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Drive-Thru Window: The drive-thru window is open Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm, excluding holidays. Pull up to the window and provide your account number and payment. Cash, checks, money orders and credit/debit cards are accepted.
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Dropbox: A secure dropbox is located outside the Tuscaloosa Water Works office, allowing you to drop off payments 24/7. Enclose your bill stub and check/money order in an envelope.
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Office Counter You can also pay your bill in person at the customer service counter during normal business hours, Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm. The office is located at 2201 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
No matter which in-person method you choose, be sure to bring your monthly bill with you so you have your account number handy.
Understanding Your Water Bill
Before paying your water bill, it helps to understand what’s included on your monthly statement. Here’s an overview of how to read your Tuscaloosa Water Works bill
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Account Information: This section displays your account number, service address, billing date range and due date.
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Account Summary: Provides an overview of current and previous charges and payments on your account.
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Water Usage and Charges: Details your water consumption in gallons and the corresponding charges based on your rate tier.
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Sewer Usage and Charges: Sewer charges are based on your water consumption.
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Taxes and Fees: Additional charges such as sales tax and refuse fees are itemized here.
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Account Balance: Shows the total amount due for the current billing period.
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Payment Stub: Detach and enclose this portion with mailed payments or bring to in-person payment.
Closely reviewing your bill can help identify any usage spikes or billing errors. Reach out to Tuscaloosa Water Works customer service at 205-248-5500 if you have any questions.
Payment Due Dates and Late Fees
Tuscaloosa Water Works bills on a monthly cycle. Your bill is mailed on the same date each month and payments are due 21 days after the bill date.
If your payment is not received by the due date, a 10% late penalty applies. Failure to pay your bill on time can eventually lead to water service disconnection.
If you anticipate having difficulty paying your bill on time, contact Tuscaloosa Water Works as soon as possible. Payment arrangements or extensions may be available to avoid late fees and disruption of service. Special payment terms have been extended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some key dates:
- Bills Mailed: Varies based on service area
- Payment Due: 21 days after bill date
- Late Fee Applied: 22 days after bill date
- Shut Off Notice Mailed: 15 days after due date
- Service Disconnection: 25 days after due date
Mark your calendar with each monthly due date so your payment arrives on time. Signing up for paperless billing and automated payments can also help avoid forgetting and late fees.
Payment Assistance Programs
If you’re struggling to keep up with your water payments, Tuscaloosa Water Works offers assistance programs for qualifying customers, including:
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Payment Arrangements: Establish an agreed upon payment plan tailored to your financial situation.
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Balance Assistance Program: Provides a credit on your account if you maintain on-time payments for 12 consecutive months.
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Leak Adjustment Policy: One-time bill adjustment if you have a qualifying water leak.
Additional community resources like United Way may also be able to provide utility assistance for households in financial hardship. Check with United Way of West Alabama at 205-759-3003 to learn more.
Start, Stop or Transfer Service
Need to start new water service, disconnect or transfer service? Here’s how:
Start Service
- Apply in person at the Tuscaloosa Water & Sewer Department office at least 3 business days before you need service to start.
- Provide proof of identity and sign a service agreement.
- Pay a deposit if required.
Stop Service
- Notify the water department at least 3 business days before your requested disconnect date.
- Provide forward mailing address for final bill.
- Request a refund of any deposit over $5.00.
Transfer Service
- Complete a transfer request form at least 3 business days before your move.
- Provide new service address and date of transfer.
- Pay any balance on old account.
Whether you’re moving in, moving out or relocating within Tuscaloosa, the water department’s customer service team can guide you through the process of starting, stopping or transferring service.
Customer Service and Additional Resources
Tuscaloosa Water Works provides top-notch customer service to assist with any questions about your water bill, service or payment options:
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Phone: Call 205-248-5500 Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm. After hours, an emergency dispatcher is available at 205-248-5200.
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Email: Email inquiries and requests to [email protected].
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Website: Visit www.tuscaloosa.com/water for billing info, rates, forms and water conservation tips.
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Mail: Tuscaloosa Water & Sewer, PO Box 2090, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
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Mobile App: Download the Tuscaloosa311 app for account access, bill pay, notifications and reporting issues.
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Office: Located at 2201 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Armed with all of this information, paying your Tuscaloosa water bill will be a breeze. This comprehensive guide covers online, in-person, and assistance payment options, bill reading tips, due dates, customer service resources, and everything in between. Keep it handy as a reference anytime you need to pay your water bill. Convenient payment and stellar customer service make Tuscaloosa Water Works a top-notch utility provider for residents and businesses alike.
Delinquent Accounts and Service Restoration
- Payments must be received in our office by the bill delinquent date. Otherwise, the account is subject to service interruption and additional fees.
- If water service is disconnected for non-payment, the customer must pay the outstanding balance in full, including fees, before service will be restored.
- Making a payment after service has been disconnected does not automatically schedule the reconnection of service. Customers should contact the Water Business Office either in person, by email at [email protected] or by phone during business hours at 205-248-5500 to request service reconnection.
- Customers who have made payment and filed for service reconnection should insure that all faucets and fixtures are turned off at the service address. Technicians cannot leave a meter on at an address where water is believed to be left running. If this occurs then the technician will leave notice at the address and the customer will need to contact the Water Business Office to reschedule reconnection.
- Disconnected or inactive accounts that continue to use water without properly reactivating the account may result in the meter being locked or pulled and additional fees being added to the account without further notice to the customer.
Oakman Water Works customers ask when issues will be resolved
FAQ
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Will Tuscaloosa reinstate online bill payments for water & sewer services?
The City of Tuscaloosa has reinstated online bill payments for water and sewer services beginning Monday, Oct. 5. Online services were temporarily suspended following a ransomware attack on Tyler Technologies, a vendor providing billing software used by the City.
Who is responsible for a Tuscaloosa water & sewer account?
By opening an account with the City of Tuscaloosa Water & Sewer Department a customer accepts full responsibility for the account and any amounts due on that account until such time as the customer contacts the City to close the account or until the account is transferred to another individual.
How does the city of Tuscaloosa process check payments?
Please be advised that the City of Tuscaloosa processes check payments through an “electronic check debit system.” When a customer pays a water bill using a check, the City will electronically debit the customer’s bank account on the day we receive that payment or on the next business day.
Why did Tuscaloosa suspend online payment options for water and sewer services?
“Temporarily suspending online payment options for water and sewer services was necessary to ensure that all steps were being taken to best serve and protect our community,” said Tuscaloosa Chief Information Officer Chuck Crocker. “After further investigation, we feel confident that online payments can now be made safely and securely.”