The Complete Guide to Paying Your Union County Water Bill

Paying your water bill is a necessary part of being a homeowner or renter in Union County. While it may seem like a hassle, paying your bill on time and in full prevents service interruption and additional fees. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about paying your Union County water bill.

An Overview of Union County Water Bills

Union County provides water service to residents through the Union County Public Works department. They bill residents monthly for water usage and base the amount on the number of gallons used. Bills also include fixed charges and fees.

The typical water bill amount ranges from $30 to $100 per month for an average household. Those with larger properties irrigation systems, or pools may have higher water usage and bills. The fixed service fee is currently $10 per month.

Bills are mailed out around the 10th of each month and are due by the end of that same month. So if you receive your bill on June 12th, payment must be received by June 30th to avoid late fees

Payment Options for Union County Water Bills

Union County offers several ways to pay your monthly water bill to provide convenience:

• Online – Payments can be made on the Union County website using credit card, debit card, or e-check. You must set up an online account to access this option.

• Phone – The automated pay-by-phone system allows you to pay with a credit/debit card by calling the number on your bill.

• Mail – You can mail your payment stub along with a check or money order to the address listed on the bill. Allow 7-10 days for mail delivery.

• In Person – Take your payment stub and payment method to one of the designated collection sites around the county by the due date.

• Auto Bill Pay – Set up recurring automatic payments from a checking account so you never forget.

Always be sure to include your full account number on any payment method to ensure proper crediting to your account.

Avoiding Late Fees and Service Disruption

To avoid penalties, your payment must be received by the due date printed on your bill, not simply postmarked. If payment is not received on time, a late fee of 1.5% of the unpaid balance will be added to your next bill.

If a bill remains unpaid for 60 days past the due date, a penalty of $50 or 10% of the unpaid balance (whichever is greater) will be assessed. Failure to pay after 90 days can result in water service being discontinued.

Once service has been shut off for nonpayment, the full past due amount plus a $50 reconnection fee must be paid before service is restored. To avoid these fees and hassles, pay on time every month.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are having difficulty paying your water bill, Union County offers programs to help qualified residents:

• Payment Arrangements – Payment plans can be set up to divide your balance into multiple smaller payments over several months. You must contact the billing department to make arrangements prior to disconnection.

• Leak Adjustment – You may qualify for a bill adjustment if you had a qualifying leak on your private property that caused unusually high usage. Specific rules apply, so check with the water department.

• Hardship Program – Very low income households can qualify for credits to help lower their monthly bill amount. You’ll need to verify income and expenses to determine eligibility.

Don’t let an inability to pay lead to loss of essential water service. Contact Union County right away if you anticipate problems paying your upcoming bill.

Moving In or Out of a Property with Union County Water

When moving into or out of a home or apartment with Union County water service, you must transfer or close your account.

To start new service in your name, contact the water department 1-2 weeks before your move-in date to provide details and complete the application. This prevents bills in the previous owner’s name or service delays.

When moving out, inform the department at least 1-2 days ahead of time to schedule a final meter reading on your end date. You’ll receive a final bill for all usage through that date and can close the account.

Billing Disputes and Error Correction

Despite best efforts, occasional billing errors do occur. If you notice an unusually high bill and suspect an error, contact Union County right away to investigate. Provide an explanation of the issue and any supporting details.

Some common causes of billing disputes include:

• Leaks or pipe breaks leading to high usage
• Meter misreads resulting in incorrect gallon counts
• Multiple houses on shared meters
• Incorrect application of fees or late charges

Work collaboratively with the billing department to understand the charges and provide any evidence needed. They will research the account history, check meter readings, and make corrections if an error is confirmed. Any bill adjustments will be reflected on your next statement.

Key Takeaways on Paying Your Union County Water Bill

• Bills are issued monthly and due by the end of the same month
• Multiple payment options available, including online, phone, mail, auto pay
• Late fees applied if not received by due date
• Nonpayment can lead to service shut off after 90 days
• Assistance programs available for those struggling to pay
• Account setup and closure required when moving in or out
• Dispute suspected billing errors promptly by contacting the billing department

Paying your water bill doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. Following this guide makes it quick and hassle-free to take care of this monthly responsibility as a Union County resident. Reach out to the billing department with any other questions on your account.