How to Pay Your Washington Water Service Bill

Washington Water Service provides essential water utility services to homes and businesses across Washington state. As a customer, you are responsible for paying your water bill by the due date each month. This guide will outline the different payment options available and provide tips for paying your Washington Water bill on time.

Ways to Pay Your Washington Water Bill

Washington Water offers several convenient payment methods to pay your monthly water bill

• Online – Pay at wawatercom by logging into your account. You can pay by credit/debit card or e-check.

• Phone – Call 1-877-408-4060 to speak with a customer service agent and pay by credit card over the phone.

• Mail – Send a check or money order payable to Washington Water to PO Box 336, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. Include your account number.

• In Person – Visit a Washington Water office in Gig Harbor or Bonney Lake to pay by cash, check, or card in person.

• AutoPay – Set up recurring automatic payments from your bank account through your online account.

• Drop Box – Place a check or money order in a Washington Water payment drop box.

• Bank Bill Pay – Use your bank’s bill pay service to have them mail a paper check to Washington Water monthly.

Tips for Paying Your Bill on Time

Paying your water bill by the due date every month is important to avoid penalties and potential service disruption. Here are some tips:

• Enroll in autopay or set calendar reminders for bill due dates.

• When mailing payments, allow 7-10 days for delivery before the due date.

• Review statements carefully each month to spot any incorrect charges.

• If your payment information changes, update your card or bank account on file right away.

• Pay a few days early to allow time for processing and mail transit.

• Pay more than the minimum if you are carrying a balance month-to-month.

• Contact Washington Water immediately if you foresee difficulty paying on time.

Consequences of Not Paying Your Water Bill

It’s essential to pay your Washington Water bill in full and on time every month. Here is what can happen if you miss the due date:

• A late fee is charged, typically 1% of the overdue balance.

• After 30 days past due, a shutoff notice is sent giving 15 days to pay before water service disconnection.

• Water service can be physically disconnected if the bill remains unpaid after the shutoff notice period.

• A reconnection fee applies to resume service after disconnection, usually $30-$60.

• Credit scores can be damaged once an account is 60+ days past due.

• Accounts over 90 days past due may be sent to a collection agency, further harming your credit.

• Washington Water may require a security deposit to reopen a disconnected account related to nonpayment.

• Late fees, interest, and reconnection charges increase the total amount owed.

• For severely delinquent accounts, legal action can result in wage garnishment or property liens.

What to Do if You Miss a Payment

If you do fail to pay your Washington Water bill on time, take these steps:

• Contact Washington Water immediately to discuss options.

• Pay whatever you can afford as soon as possible after missing the due date.

• Ask if any late fees can be waived based on your circumstances.

• Inquire about setting up a payment plan to pay down the balance over several months.

• Prioritize paying Washington Water before less critical expenses.

• Verify the amount owed and report any billing errors right away.

• If autopay failed, update your payment details immediately.

• Avoid using credit cards or taking on new debt until your account is current.

How to Avoid Late Payments in the Future

To avoid paying your Washington Water bill late going forward:

• Call them to review your payment history and discuss solutions.

• Set up bill reminders on your phone calendar and planner.

• Sign up for autopay or recurring automatic bank bill pay for on-time payment.

• Check your online account regularly to confirm billing accuracy.

• Update your contact information if your phone number or address changes.

• Pay your water bill on payday before spending money on less essential items.

• Build an emergency fund to cover bills in the event of lost income or unexpected expenses.

• Review your budget to find areas to cut back and free up more funds for utility bills.

• Contact Washington Water right away if you think you may pay late in the future.

Get Payment Assistance If Needed

If you continue to struggle paying your bill, Washington Water may offer payment arrangements or extend due dates in certain situations. You can also contact nonprofit agencies and government programs for possible utility assistance. Don’t wait to get help – call early to avoid service shutoffs.

Paying your Washington Water bill on time should be a top priority every month. Sign up for autopay, take advantage of reminders, and pay online or by phone for convenience. Maintaining on-time payment ensures continuous access to essential water service.