Paying your water bill is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner or renter. The Department of Water Supply in Hilo, Hawaii aims to make paying your bill as convenient as possible with several options to choose from.
The Department of Water Supply provides clean drinking water to over 45,000 customers across the island of Hawaii They service areas like Hilo, Puna, and Kau on the east side of the island As the county’s water utility, they work hard to supply water, maintain infrastructure, and keep water rates affordable. Part of maintaining the system is collecting payments for water service through timely bill payment.
There are a few ways Hilo residents can pay their water bill to the Department of Water Supply each month or quarter. Here is an overview of the bill payment options available:
Pay Online
The easiest and most convenient way to pay your water bill is through the online payment system. On the Department of Water Supply website, you can make secure online payments by credit card or from your checking account. There are no transaction fees to pay online. As soon as your transaction is accepted, your payment will be reflected in your account.
Paying online allows you to avoid mailing in checks or visiting the office. You can take care of your bill from home at any time of day. Online payments can be made up until 11 59 p.m. on the due date to avoid late fees
Pay by Mail
If you prefer to mail in your water bill payments, you can send a check or money order using the remittance stub and envelope provided with your bill. Be sure to allow 5 business days for your mailed payment to be received and posted to your account to avoid penalties.
Include your remittance stub to ensure your payment is applied correctly to your water account. Write your account number on your check for reference. Then simply drop your envelope in the mail by the due date.
Pay by Phone
Another way to pay your water bill without leaving home is calling the toll-free automated payment line. To pay by phone, call (844) 216-1994. You will need to provide your account number and follow the prompts to make a payment.
Phone payments can be made by credit card or debit card. Like online payments, there are no transaction fees to use the automated phone system. Your payment will immediately be reflected in your account once the transaction goes through.
Pay in Person
For those who prefer to pay their bills in person, you can visit one of the Department of Water Supply payment offices. There are three locations on Hawaii Island to choose from:
Hilo Main Office
345 Kekūanaōʻa Street, Suite 20
Hilo, HI 96720
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Kona Baseyard Office
78-6717 Māmalahoa Highway
Holualoa, HI 96725
Monday-Friday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Waimea Baseyard Office
65-1234 Opelo Road
Kamuela, HI 96743
Monday-Friday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
At these locations, you can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Payments made at the office are applied same-day. Be aware offices are closed weekends and holidays.
Automatic Bill Pay
You can simplify bill payment by enrolling in automatic bill pay. This convenient option deducts your water bill from your checking account each month so you don’t have to remember when it’s due.
To start automatic bill pay, complete and submit an application with the Department of Water Supply. On the due date each month, your water bill will automatically be paid from your selected checking account.
Automatic payments avoid late fees, free up your time, and give you peace of mind knowing your bill is handled. Just be sure to notify the department if you switch checking accounts or want to cancel automatic payments.
Tips for Paying Your Hilo Water Bill
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Sign up for paperless billing to receive your statement electronically each month
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Mark your calendar with due dates to remember when payment is needed
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Keep your account number handy to reference when making payments
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Double check account numbers when paying other bills to avoid misapplied payments
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Contact the Department of Water Supply if you need to set up a payment plan
What to Do if You Cannot Pay Your Bill
If you are struggling financially and unable to pay your water bill, it’s important to contact the Department of Water Supply right away. Here are some options to avoid service disconnection:
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Payment plan – Set up a monthly payment plan to pay your balance over time. As long as you make your payments each month, your water will stay on.
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Payment assistance – You may qualify for payment assistance through LIHEAP or other programs if you meet low-income requirements.
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Payment extension – A one-time extension may be granted if you’re experiencing temporary financial hardship. This gives you 14 extra days to pay.
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Partial payment – Make a good faith partial payment by the due date and set up a plan to pay the remainder. This may avoid disconnection.
Don’t ignore past due notices from the Department of Water Supply. Call them to discuss bill payment solutions. It’s important to keep your water service active.
What to Expect if Your Water is Disconnected
If your water bill remains unpaid for too long, the Department of Water Supply may disconnect your service. Here’s what you can expect if this occurs:
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Shut off – Your water will be physically turned off at the meter in front of your home.
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Notice – A door hanger will be left indicating your service was disconnected for non-payment.
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Fees – A $30 disconnection fee and $30 reconnection fee will be added to your account.
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Payment – To restore service, your past due balance plus all fees must be paid immediately.
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Restoration – Once paid, your water will be turned back on within 24 hours.
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Impact – You will be without water service until payment is made.
Avoid the major inconvenience of shut off by paying on time or communicating with the Department of Water Supply if you need assistance. Establish good payment habits to keep your water flowing.
Keeping Your Hilo Water Service Active
Having continuous water service is extremely important for your health, hygiene, and household needs. Make on-time payment of your water bill from the Department of Water Supply a top priority each month.
Take advantage of convenient payment options like online, phone, auto-pay, and mail to fit your lifestyle. Track payment due dates and follow up to ensure your payment is received. Seek financial assistance if needed.
If you ever experience issues with your water service, reach out to the customer service team at the Department of Water Supply right away. They can troubleshoot problems, take payments, and discuss solutions. Keep the lines of communication open.
Reliable and affordable water service is vital to your home and family. Do your part by paying your Hilo water bill to the Department of Water Supply consistently and responsibly. This small monthly task will keep the water flowing freely when you need it.
Not Paying Your Bill On Time
- If payment is not received by the “PAYMENT MUST REACH US BY” date on your bill, the entire amount shall become past due and a Final Notice will be issued.
- If you receive a Final Notice, all past due amounts must be received by the Final Notice date or water may be discontinued.
- If your water is turned off for non-payment, you will be required to pay your bill in full plus a turn-on charge before your water can be restored.
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) and other City departments have retained the services of Medcah, Inc., a collection agency, to assist with collection of delinquent accounts. Once an account has been referred to Medcah, customers should call them directly to make payment or establish a repayment plan.
MEDCAH, INC. P.O. Box 1187 Kailua, HI 96734 www.medcah.com (808) 266-2020 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
©2024 Board of Water Supply, City and County of Honolulu. All Rights Reserved.
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Talk Story Room video series: Keith Okamoto, Department of Water Supply Manager – Chief Engineer
How do I pay my water bill?
The Department of Water Supply offers various options to pay your water bill. Choose one that is most convenient for you: No transaction fees. Payment will be reflected in your account as soon as transaction has been accepted. Allow 5 business days for posting to your account.
What does the Big Island Water Department do?
Founded in 1949, its primary function is to provide domestic water service through its 23 water systems scattered throughout the Big Island. The Department continually strives to provide safe, dependable, high quality, potable water at a reasonable cost.
How do I pay my Hawaii DWS bill online?
Pay Online. You can make a credit or debit card payment online at www.hawaiidws.org, by clicking the “Pay Your Bill Online” button on our home page or on the “How to Pay Your Bill” page (under the “Customer Service” drop-down menu). To what address do I mail my bill payment? What happens if I don’t pay my bill on time?
How can a financial institution pay my water bill?
Your financial institution can pay your water bill by automatically deducting the amount due from your financial account and transferring it to DWS. Save time writing checks and on stamps. Just complete and return the attached authorization form with a check marked “VOID”, and leave your water bill payments to ABP.
Who governs the Department of Water Supply?
The Department of Water Supply is governed by a Water Board consisting of 9 members appointed by the Mayor of the County of Hawaii.
How do I contact the water supply department?
(808) 961-8790 – Call 24 hours a day, all districts. Broken mains, low water pressure, leaks. August 22, 2024NEWS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDepartment of Water Supply Reminds Customers to Prepare for Approaching Storms, Possible Service InterruptionsThe Department