A Quick Guide to Paying Your Water Bill with Englewood Water District

Having reliable access to clean water is something we often take for granted. But behind the scenes, water districts work hard to deliver this precious resource while also managing billing and payments. This article will explain how paying your water bill works with the Englewood Water District and provide tips for stress-free payment.

Overview of Englewood Water District

The Englewood Water District (EWD) provides water and wastewater utility services to over 30,000 residents in southwest Florida. Their service area covers parts of Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

EWD operates:

• 10 wellfields and a reverse osmosis water treatment plant that supply over 5 billion gallons of drinking water per year

• Over 360 miles of water mains, pipes, and distribution lines

• A wastewater reclamation facility that treats and reuses over 1 billion gallons of wastewater annually

• 250 miles of wastewater collection pipes and mains

As a special district government agency, EWD is run by a publicly elected Board of Supervisors. Operations are funded by the rates, fees, and charges paid by customers.

Understanding Your EWD Water Bill

As an EWD customer, you’ll receive a monthly utility bill for your water and sewer service. Your bill charges for:

• Water usage – Based on how much water you use as measured by your property’s meter. Rates are tiered, with prices per 1,000 gallons increasing at higher usage levels.

• Basic facility charge – A fixed monthly charge that covers some fixed costs of providing service and billing/customer service expenses.

• Wastewater charge – This covers the costs of treating and managing wastewater. Charged at a fixed rate per 1,000 gallons.

• Sales tax – A 6.5% sales tax is levied on the subtotal.

• Special assessments – Additional charges earmarked for certain infrastructure projects.

Review your bill carefully to ensure accuracy before paying. Check for things like billing the right service address, proper meter readings, and correct rates.

Ways to Pay Your EWD Water Bill

EWD offers several options for quick and easy bill payment:

• Online – Pay via the EWD website with electronic check or card. You can make one-time payments or set up recurring automatic payments.

• Phone – Use the automated payment line at 941-474-3217 to pay with electronic check or card.

• Mail – Send your check or money order to the EWD office address with your payment stub.

• In person – Visit the EWD office during business hours to pay with cash, check, or card.

• Drop box – The drop box at the office can be used to drop off check or money order payments after hours.

Payment Plan Options

If you’re unable to pay the full balance due, contact EWD before your due date to set up a payment plan, such as:

• 50/50 payment plan – Pay 50% now and 50% by the next due date

• 3-month payment plan – Pay 1/3 of the balance each month over 3 months

• Long-term payment plans – Extended plans for larger past due balances

Payment plans help avoid late fees, service disruption, and collections. But you must arrange them ahead of time before your account becomes delinquent.

Financial Assistance Programs

For customers experiencing economic hardship, EWD partners with organizations like the Salvation Army and St. Vincent De Paul Society to provide financial aid for utility bills through programs like the SHARE Program.

EWD also offers payment matching, where they match dollar for dollar any payment you can afford, up to $150.

If you’re struggling to pay, contact EWD’s customer service team to learn about assistance options. Providing information on your circumstances upfront allows them to direct you to resources.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

To avoid penalties like late fees and service interruption, be sure to pay your EWD water bill by the due date printed on your statement. Late fees are 10% of the past due balance.

If your account becomes 60 days past due, your water service may be disconnected. Reconnection fees apply to resume service.

Set payment reminders and review bills promptly to catch any issues early. Communicate with EWD if you anticipate payment challenges.

Customer Support for Your EWD Account

EWD’s customer service team is available to support you with any bill pay issues or questions:

• Explain charges on your statement
• Review payment history
• Take payments over the phone
• Set up payment plans
• Process billing disputes and corrections
• Discuss financial assistance resources
• Update account and contact information
• And more!

Contact them at 941-474-3217 or in person during business hours. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Key Takeaways for EWD Bill Pay

Paying your water bill ensures continuous service and supports infrastructure and operations. EWD offers flexible payment methods and assistance programs to make bill payment smooth. Keep these tips in mind:

• Carefully review statements for accuracy
• Pay on time to avoid late fees
• Discuss payment plans if needed
• Ask about financial assistance options
• Use auto-pay or reminders to stay on track
• Contact customer service with any questions
• Provide updated contact info for billing
• Check for leaks to avoid high usage charges
• Take advantage of online account access