Having clean, reliable tap water is something most of us take for granted But ensuring uninterrupted service takes careful management by your local water provider For Wheeling, WV residents, that provider is the Wheeling Water Department. They handle water treatment, infrastructure, billing, and more for the city.
Paying your water bill promptly each month is important to avoid service disruptions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything Wheeling residents need to know about water bills and payment options with the Wheeling Water Department.
Overview of Wheeling Water Department
The Wheeling Water Department has an impressive history spanning over 170 years They operate one of the oldest water systems west of the Allegheny Mountains
Key facts about the Wheeling Water Department include
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Provides drinking water to around 30,000 residents in Wheeling and nearby villages
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Operates a water treatment plant built in 2015 with 12 million gallon per day capacity
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Manages 189 miles of water lines, 20 storage tanks, and 10 booster stations
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Water testing lab monitors quality and safety 24/7
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Handle billing and payments for residential and commercial accounts
The Wheeling Water Department is divided into 3 divisions:
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Utility Accounting & Revenue – Billing, payment processing, starting/stopping service
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Distribution – Repair and maintenance of infrastructure
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Treatment – Water testing and treatment operations
We’ll focus mainly on the Utility Accounting side that deals with water bill payment processes.
Understanding Your Water Bill in Wheeling
Before paying your water bill, take a minute to review the charges and confirm everything looks accurate. Here are key elements to check on Wheeling Water Department bills:
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Account number – Verify this matches your address/account.
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Service address – Make sure the right property is listed.
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Billing dates – Shows the service period you’re being billed for.
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Previous balance – Any past due amount carried over.
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Payments – Checks if previous payments were applied.
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Water usage – Gallons used based on meter readings. Check for spikes.
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Water rates – The current per-gallon rates assessed.
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Fees – Standard monthly fees plus any extras like late fees.
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Total due – The full payment needed to avoid late penalties.
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Due date – Payment deadline to note on your calendar.
Checking these bill details takes just a minute but can prevent headaches down the road. Contact the Wheeling Water Department with any billing questions before the due date.
How to Pay Your Water Bill in Wheeling
The Wheeling Water Department offers several convenient payment options:
Pay Online
The fastest way to pay is through the City of Wheeling’s online payment portal:
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Select “Water Bills” from the dropdown menu
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Enter your account number and exact balance due
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Submit payment via credit card, debit card, or e-check
Online payments process instantly. You’ll receive an email confirmation with your payment details.
Pay by Phone
Call (304) 234-3762 to pay your water bill over the phone. Have your account number, balance due, and payment info ready.
Pay by Mail
Send a check or money order payable to “City of Wheeling” to:
Wheeling Water Department
P.O. Box 1625
Wheeling, WV 26003
Write your account number on the payment to ensure proper crediting. Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments.
Pay in Person
Visit the Utility Accounting office at the City/County building at 1500 Chapline St. in Wheeling to pay your bill in cash, check, or credit/debit.
Sign Up for Auto Pay
For one less bill to worry about, enroll in auto pay to have your water bill paid automatically each month from your bank account. Sign up online or call (304) 234-3762 for assistance.
Consider Paperless Billing
Opting into paperless billing saves resources while keeping all of your statements organized in one place online. Review and pay bills anytime.
Avoid Late Fees and Service Disruptions
Water service is critical for health and hygiene, so it’s imperative to pay your Wheeling water bill by the due date. Consequences of late payments include:
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Late fee penalties – Currently $10 added if not paid within 20 days of the bill date.
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Disconnection warning – 10 day shut off notice issued if bill not paid by due date.
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Water service shut off – Non-payment may result in disconnection.
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Reconnection fee – $25 during business hours, $40 after hours if disconnected.
Avoid fees and inconvenient shut offs by paying on time every month. If you’re struggling to pay, contact the Wheeling Water Department right away to ask about possible assistance or payment plan options before service is disrupted.
Monitor your usage and address leaks promptly to avoid sticker shock from high water bills. The Wheeling Water Department offers multiple payment channels to fit any schedule or preference. Just be sure to pay the total due by the due date listed to keep the water flowing. Reach out to the billing department with any questions on your account or charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about paying water bills in Wheeling:
What is the phone number to pay my Wheeling water bill?
Call 304-234-3762 to pay your water bill over the phone or speak with a customer service representative.
What are the office hours for the Wheeling Water Department?
The billing office is open 8am – 4pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
What do I need to pay my water bill online?
You’ll need your 9-digit account number and the exact balance due for online payment.
When is my water bill due?
Wheeling water bills are due by the due date printed on your statement, which is typically 20 days after the billing date.
What are the late fees for paying my water bill past the due date?
Wheeling charges a $10 late fee if the water bill is not paid within 20 days of the billing date.
How can I check if you received my payment?
You can check your account status online or call 304-234-3762 to confirm your mailed or phoned payment was received.
What if I can’t pay my bill on time?
Contact the Wheeling Water Department billing office right away if you expect to miss a payment due date to ask about possible payment arrangements or assistance.
Having access to safe drinking water is vital for public health. Paying water bills on time helps keep Wheeling’s system running smoothly. Contact the billing department with any questions about your charges, payment options, or if you need help avoiding shut offs due to non-payment. They can guide you on next steps to maintain uninterrupted water service.
Water & Sewer Rates for 2024
| Service | Cost/Rate |
|---|---|
| Water | $7.38 per 1,000 gallons of water consumed (3,000 gallon minimum) |
| Sewer | $1.83 per 1,000 gallons of water consumed (3,000 gallon minimum) |
| SWANCC Fee | $1.35 per month ($2.70 for 2 months) |
| Stormwater Fee | $4.00 per month ($8.00 for 2 months) |
| Total Minimum Bill | $38.33 |
A 10% penalty is added to the water and sewer bill if the payment is not received by the due date. Per the Wheeling Municipal Code, Title13, Section 13.04.230, the Director of Finance may waive the penalty upon the request of an account holder with a record of prompt payment for the prior 2 years. Such waiver may not be granted more than once in any 2-year period.
It is the residents responsibility to detect and repair any leaks in their water system. Unfortunately, even small leaks can have a tremendous effect on your water bill. Residents are encouraged to repair any leaks as soon as possible.
Non-essential water use (such as lawn sprinkling) is prohibited between noon and 6 p.m. from May 15 through September 15. To further water conservation efforts, the Village of Wheeling has implemented an even-odd address watering restriction in effect from May 15 through September 15. Properties with street addresses that end with an EVEN number (0,2,4,6,and 8) can only water on even-numbered calendar days. Properties with street addresses that end with an ODD number (1,3,5,7 and 9) can only water on odd-numbered calendar days. Your cooperation ensures an adequate supply to all water customers. Note: The watering of newly laid sod or seed is permitted at any time and on any day upon the issuance of an appropriate permit and for a time not to exceed two (2) consecutive weeks.
Change Mailing Address for Bill
Please submit a Change of Address Form to change the mailing address on your utility bill. Email form to [email protected] or mail to 2 Community Blvd, Wheeling, IL 60090. Click here to download the Change of Address Form.
The billing for water and sewer service is based on water consumption. Meters are read bimonthly. If a reading cannot be obtained, the bill is estimated based on prior usage.
Water and Sewer billing and rates are regulated by the Wheeling Municipal Code, Title 13, Section 13.04 and 13.08. View Ordinance 5626, Amending Title 13, Water and Sewer Fees (PDF).