A Guide to Paying Your New Castle County Sewer Bill

If you own property in New Castle County, Delaware that is connected to the county sewer system, you receive an annual sewer service bill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about understanding, managing, and paying your New Castle County sewer bill.

About New Castle County Sewer Bills

• Sewer bills are sent out once a year in January

• They cover service for the entire calendar year ahead.

• Charges are based on your prior 12 months of water usage and the size of your water meter.

• Bills are sent to the property owner on record

• Payment is due by the last day of February each year.

• The county uses your water usage data provided by your local water company.

Calculating Your Sewer Charges

Your annual sewer service bill has two components:

1. Usage Charge

This covers the cost of treating wastewater. It’s determined by your water usage over the previous year multiplied by the current usage rate. Usage is measured in hundreds of cubic feet (CCF).

2. Fixed Charge

This is a standard monthly fee based on the size of your water meter. It helps maintain the sewer system infrastructure.

Payment Options

New Castle County offers several ways to pay your sewer bill:

• Online – Through the county website or Paymentus. E-checks and credit cards accepted.

• Phone – Via Paymentus by calling 1-877-225-7351.

• Kiosk – At an e-pay kiosk located at the Government Center or Appoquinimink Library. Takes cash, checks, e-checks, and cards.

• Drop Box – The secure drop box at the Government Center. For checks or money orders only.

• In Person – At the Treasury office in the Government Center. Take cash, checks, money orders, or debit cards.

• Mail – Send check or money order to the payment processing address in Philadelphia.

Avoid Late Fees

Sewer bills are due by February 28th each year. To avoid a penalty:

• Pay online or by phone by February 28 at 11:59pm ET.

• Drop off payment in person or at a drop box by close of business on February 28.

• Mail your payment with enough time to arrive by February 28.

Late payments incur a 10% penalty on any unpaid balance.

Payment Plan Option

If you need help paying your full balance on time, the county offers a payment plan option. To enroll:

• Your account must be current with no past due charges.

• Sign up by February 28 to avoid late fees.

• Payment plans allow you to pay over 4 monthly installments.

• A $20 application fee applies.

Contact the billing office for details on enrolling in a payment plan.

Prepay Next Year’s Bill

You can start prepaying your next sewer bill immediately after this year’s bill is issued. Prepayments will apply as a credit to your next annual bill.

To prepay, you can:

• Set up monthly ACH payments through the county Treasury office

• Mail checks to the billing address

• Pay through your bank’s online bill pay

Review Billing Details Online

The county’s website allows you to view and manage details on your sewer account:

• See current and past bills and payments

• Check pending charges and account balance

• Update mailing address and contact info

• Enroll in paperless billing

Monitoring your account online helps avoid surprises on your next bill!

Understanding Common Sewer Bill Issues

Some common questions and issues that impact sewer bills include:

• Bill larger than expected? Check for leaks that increased water usage. Compare usage to prior years.

• Meter size incorrect? Inform the county if your meter was replaced with a different size.

• Never received a bill? Make sure billing address is up to date. Bills go to property owners.

• Bill for property you sold? Inform the county of ownership changes. Unpaid bills remain with the property.

• Water company changed? Let the county know if you switched providers.

Getting Billing and Payment Assistance

For help understanding your sewer charges or making a payment, contact New Castle County:

• Call 302-395-5340 or email [email protected].

• Visit the Treasury office at the Government Center at 87 Reads Way in New Castle.

• Access FAQs and forms on the county sewer billing website.

Paying your annual sewer bill is an essential part of owning property in New Castle County. Knowing all the billing details, payment options, and assistance resources will help you effectively manage this annual responsibility.