If you’re a resident or business owner in West Melbourne, Florida, paying your monthly water bill is essential to keeping your service running smoothly However, the process can sometimes be confusing, especially if you’re new to the area This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about paying your West Melbourne water bill, from understanding your charges to paying online or by phone.
Overview of West Melbourne Water Service
About 20,000 homes and businesses in the City of West Melbourne get water and sewer service. Rates are based on how much water is used each month, which is measured in thousands of gallons. A base facility charge is also assessed monthly. Sewer charges are based on your water consumption.
West Melbourne operates its own water treatment plant and wells so your bill goes to supporting local infrastructure and operations. By paying it on time each month, you help keep the water flowing in West Melbourne.
Checking Your Water Usage and Charges
Understanding what goes into your monthly water bill is important. Here are the key elements:
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Charge for water use—this is based on how many 1,000-gallon units you use. The price per 1,000 gallons is tiered, which means it goes up as more gallons are used. Watching your consumption can save money.
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Water Base Facility Charge – This fixed monthly charge helps cover some of the fixed costs of providing water service. It’s assessed regardless of how much water you use.
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Sewer Charge – This is based on your water consumption since most water used ends up as wastewater. There is also a fixed monthly sewer charge.
You can check your daily usage by reading your water meter. Meters are usually located near the front of the property in a utility box. Compare readings a day apart to see your usage.
Checking your billing statements online allows you to monitor your charges and usage over time. You can see if a leak may be developing or find opportunities to conserve water and save money.
When and How to Pay Your West Melbourne Water Bill
Water bills in West Melbourne are issued monthly and are typically due 21 days after billing. If not paid on time, late fees and penalties apply. Here are the ways you can pay your water bill:
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Online – Paying at the City of West Melbourne website allows use of credit/debit cards or e-check. Sign up for auto-pay to have payments automatically drafted from your bank account each month.
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By Phone – Call the City’s automated payment line at 321-837-7770 and follow the prompts to pay with a card.
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By Mail – Detach and return the payment stub from your paper bill with a check or money order. Allow 7-10 days for processing.
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In Person – Visit the City of West Melbourne Utility Billing Office at 2240 Minton Rd. Cash, check, money order and card payments are accepted.
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Drop Box – A drive-up drop box is available in the City Hall parking lot for after-hours payment drop off.
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Bank Bill Pay – Many banks offer free bill pay services. Provide details on the City of West Melbourne as the payee.
Whatever method you choose, be sure to include your 10-digit utility account number to ensure proper crediting to your account.
Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection
Paying your West Melbourne water bill promptly by the due date avoids expensive late payment penalties:
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A late fee of $7.50 is assessed if payment is not received within 21 days of billing.
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Accounts 30 days past due are assessed a $25 administrative late fee.
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If a bill is 60 days overdue, water service may be disconnected. A $50 disconnection fee and a security deposit will then be required for reconnection.
Setting up auto-pay or placing monthly payment due dates on your calendar can prevent overlooked bills and late fees. If you are struggling financially, contact the utility billing office before the due date to discuss possible payment plan options and avoid disconnection. Disconnection can be avoided with communication and mutually agreeable arrangements.
Payment Support Options for Qualified Residents
For low-income residents facing financial hardship, West Melbourne offers several programs to help pay water bills and avoid disconnection:
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The City Care Program provides up to $150 in annual utility payment assistance to qualifying applicants based on income thresholds and hardships.
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The Special Assessment Program allows deferred payment of water/sewer impact fees for eligible residents.
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Payment plans spread out past due balances over multiple installments. Plans help avoid disconnection.
Contact West Melbourne Utility Billing to learn more about these and other assistance programs designed to help residents maintain vital water service.
Monitoring Your Water Usage and Charges
Paying your water bill is easier when you monitor and understand your charges. Here are some tips:
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Read your meter periodically to check for abnormal usage that may indicate leaks.
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Review printed or online statements carefully each month to identify trends.
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See if usage rises with additional household members or heavy water use seasons.
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Check if fixed charges like base fees have increased recently.
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Note if you shift into higher tiered usage rates during hot months.
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Contact billing staff with any account or payment questions.
Staying informed helps avoid billing surprises and allows adjusting usage to control costs. Small changes can yield big savings.
Options for Landlords and Multifamily Properties
For residential landlords and multifamily communities, handling water billing across many tenants can be complex. But options exist to simplify utility management:
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Master metering bills the property owner directly for all water consumed. Tenants reimburse through rents.
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Submetering uses individual unit metering. Tenants pay for their own usage.
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Ratio utility billing allocates costs among tenants based on factors like occupancy, not actual metering.
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Contracting a specialized utility billing service manages billing and collections.
The right approach depends on property factors. Consult with West Melbourne utility staff on which method works best for your situation.
Commercial Water Service Considerations
For West Melbourne businesses and non-residential customers, water service billing has some unique considerations:
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Service size and capacity needs may require larger meter sizes and service connections.
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Usage often varies widely month-to-month based on your operations. Watch for spikes.
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Properties like laundromats and car washes may qualify for sewer-only accounts without water charges.
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Shutting off and activating service for vacant commercial spaces involves additional City inspections and meter sets.
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Multi-unit office or retail complexes can utilize master metering and allocate bills to tenants.
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Restaurants and similar facilities generate higher wastewater loads, raising sewer bills.
Discuss your particular situation with West Melbourne utility staff for tailored service suited to your business.
Finding Additional Information on West Melbourne Water Service
For additional details on West Melbourne water service, bills, and payments, helpful resources include:
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The City of West Melbourne website provides an overview of water and sewer utility services.
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Contact the Utility Billing Office by phone at 321-837-7750 or visit in person at City Hall at 2240 Minton Rd.
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West Melbourne utility billing personnel can answer questions and explain your statements and charges in detail.
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Attend a City Council meeting or watch online to learn about rate changes and policy issues impacting water service.
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The annual budget and financial reports have data on operating costs that drive utility rates and billing.
Staying engaged as a water customer allows you to provide input on our most essential utility service.
Paying Your Water Bill Keeps West Melbourne Flowing
Clean, safe, reliable water service is vital to our daily lives in West Melbourne. Paying your utility bill fully and promptly helps make this essential service possible. Avoid late fees and disconnection by monitoring your usage and charges regularly and paying on time through the various convenient options. If you face financial setbacks or need usage assistance, contact the City’s helpful utility staff for solutions. We’re all in this together as a community!
Garbage Recycle & Yard Trash Charges:
- $25.48 per month for single-family homes
- $7.64 for each additional container (one garbage and one recycle container included with service)
Utility bills are generated monthly and will be considered late if payment is not received on or before the due date on the bill. Past Due balances are due immediately to avoid interruption of service. Payments made by cash, check or Auto Pay using your checking account will not incur a processing fee. Additionally, many banking institutions offer online bill payment services free of charge. Payments made using a credit or debit card will incur a processing fee of 2.95% with a $1.95 minimum. Payments using an e-Check will incur a processing fee of $2.95. Payments can be made in any of the following manners:
- ACH process
- In person at 2240 Minton Rd. West Melbourne, FL 32904 (City Hall, first floor)
- Night-drop slot at City Hall (North end of parking lot)
- U.S. Mail to P.O. Box 120009 West Melbourne, FL 32912-0009
- Online
Accounts are considered delinquent if payment has not been processed on or before the due date and a 10% late charge will be added to the next bill. Once the account is in delinquent status, a shut off notice will be sent out by preferred method of contact. If a payment has not been made by the date stated in the notice, a $50 fee will be charged and the service will be disconnected. Service will not be reconnected until the current past due balance has been paid.
- $50 After hours call-out fee
- $100 Illegal water turn-on fine
The account can be closed by coming into City Hall and filling out the “Final Account” form, or by electronic submission. The request must be signed by the account holder(s) whose name(s) appears on the bill. For your protection, no telephone requests will be accepted. The deposit will be refunded less any outstanding amount due.
Our goal is to provide the best customer service we can. If you have any questions about your bill or payment arrangements, please call us at 321-837-7750, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Secret to Get Tenants to Pay Their Water Bill
FAQ
How to pay a water bill in Melbourne?
How to set up a water utility in Melbourne, FL?
Where does West Melbourne get its water?
How do I pay my water bill in California?
How do I pay a Melbourne Water invoice or offer document?
Use our online payment system to pay a Melbourne Water invoice or offer document, up to a maximum value of $10,000. Note we do not accept split payments. For amounts greater than $10,000, arrange a direct deposit by calling our Customer Service Centre on 131 722.
How do I make a deposit at City of West Melbourne?
Deposit Payment Methods: Cash, Credit/Debit (additional 2.95% fee), or 2 checks made payable to “City of West Melbourne” – 1 for $100 and 1 for $30 Please note that all paperwork and deposits must be in our office by 3 p.m. on the date requested to start service.
How do I pay my Sydney Water Bill?
Please enter a valid payment number and email address. Have you already registered for Direct Debit ? We charge a card processing fee of 0.4%. The fee will appear on your next bill. contact Sydney Water during business hours on (02) 8849 4949.
How do I pay my south west water bill?
You can pay this bill free of charge at a Post Office. Please take the whole bill with you and, if paying by cheque, please make it payable to “Post Office Ltd”. Please fill in the payment slip and send it with your cheque or postal order made payable to “South West Water Ltd” to: South West Water, PO Box 4762, Worthing, BN11 9NT.