Paying your water bill on time is an important responsibility for any Coppell resident. An unpaid water bill can lead to service interruptions and late fees, so it’s crucial to understand the process and your payment options. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about paying your Coppell water bill efficiently and on time.
Overview of Coppell’s Utility Billing
The City of Coppell handles water sewer, garbage and recycling services for residents and businesses. Utility billing falls under the Finance Department.
Some key facts about Coppell’s utility billing:
- Bills are sent out monthly and are due 21 days after the bill date.
- Failure to pay can lead to late fees, disconnection of service, and additional charges to restore service.
- The utility billing department can be reached at 972-304-3695 or [email protected].
Checking Your Water Usage
The first step to paying your bill is understanding your water usage. The City of Coppell provides a few ways to check your consumption:
- Review your monthly bill: Your usage totals in gallons are printed on each monthly bill. Compare it to previous bills to spot any spikes or changes.
- Use the MyH2O portal: This online portal allows you to view real-time usage data from your smart water meter. You can track trends, set alerts, and more.
- Call customer service: The utility billing team can look up your usage data and explain your bill charges if anything seems amiss.
Monitoring your monthly usage helps you catch leaks early and informs the amount you pay each billing cycle.
Payment Options in Coppell
Coppell offers several ways to pay your water bill so you can choose the most convenient method
- Pay online: The fastest way to pay is through the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal. You can pay by credit card or e-check with no additional fees.
- Pay by phone: Call the utility billing department at 972-304-3695 and follow the prompts to pay by credit card.
- Pay by mail: Detach the payment stub from your bill and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed. Allow 5-7 days for processing.
- Pay in person: Bring your bill to Coppell Town Center at 255 Parkway Blvd. Payments can be made 24/7 at the drop box.
- Auto-pay: Sign up to have payments automatically drafted from your bank account each month. Log in to CSS or call utility billing to enroll.
The utility billing department does not accept cash payments directly. You’ll need to get a money order or cashier’s check to pay by mail or use a card/e-check for electronic payments.
Avoiding Late Fees
To avoid late fees and service disruptions, your payment must be received by the due date printed on your bill. Here are some tips:
- Pay as soon as you receive your bill to stay on track.
- Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments.
- If paying online, pay by 5 PM CST on the due date.
- Sign up for auto-pay or reminders through the CSS portal so you never miss a payment.
- If you’ll be out of town, pay early or sign up for paperless billing.
Late fees are 10% of the past due balance. If your account becomes delinquent for non-payment, your water service may be disconnected.
Payment Assistance Programs
If you’re struggling to pay your water bill, Coppell has programs that can help:
- Payment arrangements: Call utility billing to set up a payment plan if you’re unable to pay the full balance due. This helps avoid disconnection of service.
- One-time assistance: Limited emergency bill assistance may be available for qualifying hardships. Contact utility billing to learn more.
- Discount programs: Seniors 65+ and disabled residents can receive a 10% discount on their water bills. The application process is simple – just call or email utility billing to apply.
Don’t let an unpaid bill spiral out of control. Reach out early to discuss assistance so you can maintain uninterrupted service.
What to Do If Your Service Is Disconnected
If your water service is disconnected due to non-payment, all past due balances and fees must be paid before service is restored. Here are the steps to take:
- Pay the past due amount immediately by phone or online. Mail payments may delay reconnection.
- A reconnection fee of $50 (during business hours) or $75 (after hours) also applies.
- Service will typically be restored within 24 hours after payment is received.
- Verify with utility billing when service should be back on.
- Once restored, take preventive steps like enrolling in auto-pay so disconnection doesn’t occur again.
Service disconnections can usually be avoided by communicating with the utility billing department early regarding any payment issues. Be proactive in reaching out to them for assistance.
Decoding Your Water Bill Charges
When reviewing your monthly bill, you may notice some unfamiliar fees and abbreviations. Here are some common ones explained:
- Water service charge – Fixed monthly fee that covers infrastructure and operating costs. Based on your meter size.
- Water volume charge – Covers the actual cost of the water used. Rates per 1000 gallons. Tiers increase in summer to promote conservation.
- Wastewater service – Based on your winter water usage averages. Covers sewage system upkeep and treatment.
- Regulatory charge – Helps fund water quality testing and system improvements required by TCEQ.
- Solid waste – Covers trash, recycling, and yard waste services. Varies based on neighborhood collection schedules.
- EMA – Electronic metering access fee for maintaining smart water meters and online portals.
- PICA – Public improvement construction fee added to new construction. Funds future infrastructure growth.
- TCEQ – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality charge for statewide programs protecting water resources.
Understanding these fees provides clarity into what you’re paying for and why your monthly bill amounts vary.
Steps to Opening a New Water Account
When moving into a new home or apartment in Coppell, you’ll need to open a water account. Here’s how to get your utilities started:
- Have service turned on: Complete a utility service agreement 3-5 days before your move-in date. Provide ID, lease details, and deposit payment.
- Submit a start service form: Fill out the residential application form online or in person. Provide contact info and account holder details.
- Provide access: Ensure water meters and connections are accessible. Dogs should be secured on service start dates so technicians can complete work safely.
- Receive your first bill: Your initial water bill will arrive within one month reflecting partial month usage and prorated charges.
- Pay deposit: All customers pay a deposit – $150 for homeowners or $300 for renters. It’s refunded after 12 months of consistent on-time payments.
Follow these steps to open your account hassle-free. Reach out to the utility billing department if you have any questions during the process. Proper setup ensures you have continuous water service from move-in.
Closing or Transferring Service When Moving Out
When moving within or outside of Coppell, you must close or transfer your water account. Failing to do so can make you responsible for usage at your old address. Follow these steps:
- Notify utility billing at least 3 days before your move of your stop service or transfer date.
- Provide new resident info if you’re transferring service to the next occupant so it’s a smooth transition.
- Pay final bill: Usage gets billed up to your stop service date. Pay your final bill promptly to avoid collections issues.
- Receive deposit refund: If no balance is due, your deposit gets refunded via the original payment method in 4-6 weeks.
- Leave water access clear: Don’t block water meters inside or outside the home so the next residents or technicians can easily access them.
Closing your water account properly when moving is just as important as opening a new one. Following the correct steps avoids billing headaches down the road.
Key Takeaways on Paying Your Coppell Water Bill
Having access to reliable water service is a necessity we often take for granted. Avoid headaches by paying your Coppell water bill on time and in full each billing cycle.
To recap, be sure to:
- Monitor your usage and charges monthly to catch inconsistencies
- Use the fastest, most convenient payment method for you
- Note due dates and pay by the deadline to avoid penalties
- Contact utility billing immediately if you anticipate payment issues
- Understand the fees on your bill and what they fund
- Setup and close accounts properly when moving in or out
Clean water is critical to our community’s health and quality of life. We all play a role in funding its operations through prompt payment. Utilize the guidance in this
H2Online – Water Billing Service for City of Coppell
How do I pay my water bill in Coppell Texas?
Pay your water bill online. Learn how to use the utility and permit payment kiosk located in the parking lot of Coppell Town Center. Learn how to pay your bill and set up automatic draft services. Read through the Texas Utilities Code to learn about disclosing personal information.
How do I make a one time payment in Coppell?
You will need to have your credit or debit card in order to make the one time payment. Click here to make a one time payment . When you move to a new home in Coppell, you’ll most likely already have running water, but you’ll still need to set up water service with the City Of Coppell Water.
Does Coppell have a seasonal water rate?
The City of Coppell bases its water rates on meter sizes and employees a seasonal water rate structure to encourage conservation. View some helpful watering techniques, courtesy of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Effective April 1, 2023, the City of Coppell uses winter averaging to bill for residential sewer service.
How do I start water service in Coppell?
Luckily, Coppell has made it pretty simple with the following online form. Starting service generally takes just two business days. Click here to fill out a Start Service Form . When you move out of a home in Coppell, you’ll need to stop your water service with the City Of Coppell Water, so you don’t keep getting billed.
How do I Stop my Water service in Coppell?
When you move out of a home in Coppell, you’ll need to stop your water service with the City Of Coppell Water, so you don’t keep getting billed. Simply fill out the following online form. Stopping service normally takes just two business days.
Does Coppell have a water conservation plan?
Review the City of Coppell’s Water Conservation Plan and current watering schedule. The City of Coppell bases its water rates on meter sizes and employees a seasonal water rate structure to encourage conservation. View some helpful watering techniques, courtesy of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.