How to Pay Your Santa Margarita Water District Bill Online

Paying your water bill to the Santa Margarita Water District is easy and convenient with their online payment options. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up an account and making an online payment

Who is the Santa Margarita Water District?

The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) provides drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater services to over 200,000 residents in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Wagon Wheel, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, and Talega. They are the water provider for most communities in south Orange County, California.

Why Pay Your Bill Online?

Paying your SMWD bill online has many advantages:

• It’s fast and easy – Takes just a few minutes to log in and make a payment 24/7. No need to mail a check or visit the SMWD office.

• Avoid late fees – Online payments post instantly to your account, so you don’t have to worry about a late payment if you pay close to the due date.

• Payment history – Your online account stores payment history for easy reference

• Paperless billing – Reduce clutter and go green by enrolling in paperless billing

• Automatic payments – Set up recurring payments from your bank account or credit card so you never miss a payment.

How to Pay Your SMWD Bill Online

Follow these steps to pay your water bill online with SMWD:

Step 1: Set Up an Online Account

First, you’ll need to set up an online account on the SMWD website.

• Go to smwd.com and click on “Pay Bill” at the top.

• Under “Pay YOUR BILL” click on “Pay your water Bill”.

• Click on “Pay Bill” in the top right.

• Select “Sign Up” below the log in.

• Enter your account number, email address, and create a password.

• Agree to the terms and conditions.

• Click “Create My Account”.

• Check your email for a confirmation link to activate your account.

Step 2: Log Into Your Account

Once your account is activated, you can log in anytime to pay your bill.

• Go to smwd.com and click on “Pay Bill”.

• Enter your email and password.

• Click “Log In”.

Step 3: Make a Payment

When logged into your account, you can easily pay your water bill online.

• The homepage shows your account balance. Click “Pay Bill”.

• Enter the payment amount (usually the Total Due).

• Select a payment method – credit card or bank account.

• Enter your payment details and submit.

• The payment will process instantly. You’ll receive a confirmation email with details.

And that’s it – your water bill is paid! The payment will post to your account immediately and your balance will update.

Payment Methods Accepted

SMWD offers flexible payment options:

• Credit or debit card – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards are accepted.

• Electronic check – Pay from a checking or savings account by entering your routing and account numbers.

• Automatic payments – Set up recurring payments from a credit card or bank account so your bill gets paid automatically each month.

Are There Fees for Paying Online?

SMWD does not charge any fees for paying your water bill online using an electronic check from your bank account.

If paying by credit or debit card, there is a small convenience fee that goes to the payment processor, not the water district. This is typically less than $3 per transaction and well worth the convenience of paying online 24/7.

Special Payment Programs

If you’re having trouble paying your water bill, SMWD offers programs that can help including:

• Payment arrangements – Set up a payment plan to pay your past due balance over time.

• Customer assistance program – Offers a discount of 30% or more for qualifying low-income households.

Contact SMWD customer service to learn more about enrollment requirements for these programs.

San Juan Capistrano Customers

If you are a SMWD customer in San Juan Capistrano, you will pay your bill through the city’s water billing system, not SMWD. Go to SanJuanCapistrano.org/Billing to set up an account and pay your bill.

Getting Help with Your SMWD Bill

SMWD has a helpful customer service team ready to assist you:

• By phone – Call 949-459-6420 Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm. Automated payments can be made 24/7.

• Email – Email [email protected] for any billing or payment questions.

• In person – Visit the SMWD office at 26111 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.

Paying your SMWD water bill online is fast, easy, and secure. Sign up for an account today to take advantage of all the benefits of paperless, automatic payments. And contact customer service if you ever need assistance managing your water bill payment.