How To Pay Your Water Bill In Rochester, NY

Paying your water bill to the City of Rochester or Monroe County Water Authority is easy when you know all the options. This guide will outline the available payment methods, fees, due dates, late penalties, and tips for paying on time.

There are convenient online, in-person, mail, auto-debit, and phone payment choices. Read on to find the right fit for your household.

Rochester Water Bill Payment Options

The City of Rochester and Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) provide the following ways to pay your residential or business water bill:

Online

• City of Rochester customer portal – Pay by e-check for $150 fee per transaction

• MCWA customer portal – Pay by card for $1.30 fee per transaction

• MCWA one-time guest payment – $1.30 fee per transaction

By Phone

• City of Rochester IVR payments – $1.50 fee applies

• MCWA phone payments – $130 fee per transaction

Automatic Payments

• Auto-debit from bank account

• Recurring credit card payments

By Mail

• Send check or money order to address on bill

• Allow 5-7 days for processing

In Person

• City Hall office – Cash, check, credit/debit accepted

• Authorized payment locations – Fees may apply

• Drop box at City Hall

Rochester Water Bill Due Dates

Water bills have quarterly due dates:

• January 31
• April 30
• July 31
• October 31

Final bills for home sales have a due date 15 days after issuance.

Due dates are shown on each bill. Pay by the due date to avoid late fees. Online and phone payments process instantly, mailed payments can take 5-7 days.

Late Fees and Penalties

• City of Rochester – 3% late fee on quarterly bills, compounded each quarter

• MCWA – 1% late fee on monthly bills

• Unpaid City bills after May 15 go on property taxes with penalties

Avoid late fees by paying a few days early online or in-person. Mailed payments risk delays past the due date. Set up auto-pay for peace of mind.

Tips For Paying Your Water Bill On Time

Follow these tips for avoiding late water bill fees:

• Mark due dates on your calendar as soon as you receive the bill

• Pay online for instant processing to avoid mail delays

• Schedule recurring auto-payments for each due date

• Sign up for reminders from City/MCWA before due dates

• Pay a few days early to allow processing time

• Know penalties – fees compound each quarter/month

• Contact City/MCWA with payment issues before the due date

Sign Up For E-Billing And Account Access

The City and MCWA urge customers to go paperless with e-billing. It provides faster access to bills and you’ll get due date reminders.

Both offer online customer portals to view account history, make one-time payments, set up auto-pay, submit meter readings, and manage your account online 24/7.

Water Bill Assistance Programs

If you’re struggling to pay your water bill, these programs provide aid:

• City of Rochester Water Affordability Program – Income-based discounts

• Project Share Heating & Water Program – Grants for qualifying households

• LIHEAP – Federal heating and water bill assistance

• NY State Emergency Rental Assistance Program – Help paying utility bills in arrears

• Catholic Family Center – Emergency hardship assistance

Contact United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline to get connected with assistance programs.

Moving Your Water Service

To end or transfer service when moving, customers must contact the City/MCWA a few days in advance. Schedule a final meter read and provide a forwarding address for the final bill. New owners can set up water billing in their name.

Disputing Your Water Bill

If you think your water bill is incorrect, contact the utility immediately. Do not wait until the due date. They can check for leaks, faulty meters, billing errors and may adjust the charges if warranted. Provide current meter readings that show unusually high usage. Catch errors early to avoid paying incorrect charges.

Paying your City of Rochester or Monroe County water bill is simple when using the available online, phone, auto-debit, mail or in-person options. Pay by the due date to avoid compounding late fees. Go paperless and enroll in customer portals to manage payments 24/7. Reach out for bill help if needed. Keeping your account in good standing ensures uninterrupted water service.