How to Pay Your East Providence Water Bill: A Quick and Easy Guide

Paying your water bill on time is an important responsibility as a resident of East Providence. Failure to pay can lead to service interruption, penalties and other hassles you want to avoid. The good news is the city offers multiple easy and convenient ways to pay your water bill so you can take care of it quickly.

Understanding Your Water Bill

Your water bill will arrive by mail each month or quarter from the East Providence Water Utilities Division. It covers charges for water usage, sewer usage fire service and any other applicable fees.

The bill will show your previous balance, new charges for the current period, and the total amount due. It also includes your account number, service address and due date. You are responsible for paying the total amount owed by the due date to avoid late fees or disconnection.

When Are Water Bills Due?

Water bills in East Providence are issued on a quarterly basis. This means you receive a bill once every 3 months.

Bills are mailed out at the beginning of January April July and October. They are due for payment by the end of those months – January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31.

If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, you have until the next business day to pay your bill without incurring late fees. But it’s best to pay early to avoid forgetting.

Monthly Budget Billing

If you prefer to pay the same amount each month rather than fluctuating quarterly bills, East Providence offers a monthly budget billing plan. This lets you pay 1/12th of your yearly charges each month for more predictable budgeting.

Your account will be reviewed periodically and the monthly amount adjusted if needed to reflect changes in usage. Call the Water Department to enroll.

Payment Options

East Providence offers several ways to pay your water bill conveniently:

• Online – Pay via credit/debit card or electronic check through the online payment portal. Just have your account number ready.

• By Phone – Call the Water Department at 401-435-7750 and pay over the phone using a credit card or checking account.

• Mail – Send a check or money order using the payment stub and envelope included with your bill. Allow 5 business days for mail delivery.

• In Person – Bring your payment to the Water Department office at 60 Commercial Way. They accept cash, checks, credit/debit and money orders.

• Drop Box – Place your payment in the secure drop box at City Hall or the Water Department after hours.

• AutoPay – Set up recurring automatic payments from your checking account so your bill gets paid on its own each period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Paying Your Bill

• Do pay your water bill by the due date to avoid late fees. If you’re mailing payment, allow extra time.

• Do enroll in autopay or budget billing for easy, automated payments if desired.

• Do contact the Water Department immediately if you have issues paying on time. They may be able to arrange a payment plan.

• Don’t ignore past due notices or shut off warnings. Call right away if you need help.

• Don’t mail cash or drop cash in the after hours box. Checks or money orders are safer payment methods.

• Don’t delay until the last minute. Set a reminder to pay your bill early each period.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

Failing to pay your East Providence water bill can lead to:

• Late Fees – A 1.5% penalty is added to past due accounts after the due date. This can add up quickly if you’re already struggling to pay.

• Credit Damage – Unpaid bills can be sent to collections and hurt your credit score. This makes it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards and other financing.

• Water Shut Off – If your account remains delinquent after multiple late notices, your water service may be disconnected until you pay in full.

• Liens – Long overdue bills can result in a lien being placed on your property until all charges are paid. This affects your ability to sell your home.

Avoid these headaches by paying your water bill in full and on time, or promptly contacting the city if you need assistance. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you’re facing financial hardship and unable to pay your bill, East Providence offers programs that may be able to help, including:

• Payment Plans – Set up a monthly payment plan to pay your outstanding balance over time. Call the Water Department to discuss options.

• LIHEAP – This federal program provides grants to help cover utility bills for low income households. Apply through your local Community Action Agency.

• Project Hope – Offers emergency assistance for past due utility bills. Applicants must meet income guidelines.

• Other Local Resources – Many churches, charities and nonprofits in the community may be able to provide you one-time aid as well.

Tips for Conserving Water and Saving Money

Using less water reduces your utility costs over time. Try these tips to lower your household usage:

• Fix leaky faucets and toilets that waste water 24/7. This alone can save thousands of gallons per year.

• Replace old showerheads and faucet aerators with EPA WaterSense labeled models that use less water but still provide strong water pressure.

• Run full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher instead of multiple small loads to maximize efficiency.

• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes, etc.

• Install rain barrels to collect water for your garden instead of using drinking water.

• Choose native plants for landscaping that don’t need excessive watering to thrive.

• Check for hidden leaks in pipes, sprinklers, hoses and connections that may be quietly wasting water every day.

With some mindfulness about your water use and prompt payment of your water bills, you can avoid unnecessary costs and keep your household water flowing. Reach out to the East Providence Water Department if you need guidance or assistance at any time. They’re available to help residents manage this essential service.