Billing is back on track and normal billing practices resumed May 1. The grace period on late fees, penalties and disconnections also ended May 1. Learn more in our Bill Resumption FAQs.
You can PAY your bill now online. To VIEW your bill or use other payment methods, including drive-throughs and a 24-hour drop box, see the tabbed table below.
Additional online services are listed in NEWS. For questions or comments about your water, sewer or stormwater bill, call CityLink 311 or 336-727-8000, or email CityLink.
You can make a one-time payment using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) or electronic check.Youll need these numbers from your bill: 7-digit account number 4-digit PIN (last 4 digits of your customer number)PAY Bill Now You may also use the link above for DEPOSIT payments to start service.
VIEW Bill Now Click on Account Transaction Summary, then the link to save and view that dates bill.
Pay by bank draft to automatically deduct the amount of your bill from your bank account each billing cycle.
Hey there, fellow Fairfield residents! Today I want to talk about something we all deal with – paying our water bills. I’ve been living in Fairfield for years now, and I’ve tried pretty much every method to pay my water bill. Some are quick, some take more time, but I’ll help you figure out what works best for you.
Why Paying Your Water Bill On Time Matters
Before we dive into the payment methods, let’s quickly talk about why it’s important to pay your water bill on time First, nobody wants their water shut off! Also, late fees can add up and make your bill even bigger Plus, staying current helps maintain your good credit score.
Payment Options for Fairfield Water Bills
Fairfield offers several ways to pay your water and sewer bills. Let’s go through each one so you can decide what’s most convenient for you.
Online Payment Portal
The fastest and most convenient way to pay your Fairfield water bill is through the city’s online payment portal, Here’s how it works
- Visit the official Fairfield city website
- Look for the “Pay Water Bill” link
- Create an account if you haven’t already
- Enter your account number (found on your bill)
- Select your payment method (credit/debit card or bank account)
- Complete the payment
The best part? The online portal is available 24/7, so you can pay whenever works for you – even at 2 AM in your pajamas!
Pay by Phone
If your internet is down or you just prefer talking to a human, you can pay your bill by phone:
- Call the Fairfield Water Department at their customer service number
- Have your account number and payment method ready
- Follow the prompts to complete your payment
This option is great for those who aren’t comfortable with computers or want confirmation from a real person,
Mail-In Payments
Old-school but reliable! To pay by mail:
- Write a check payable to “City of Fairfield”
- Include your account number on the check
- Send it to the address printed on your bill
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing
Just remember to mail it early enough to avoid late fees!
In-Person Payments at City Hall
Sometimes nothing beats going in person. You can pay your water bill at:
Fairfield City Hall
Finance Department
1000 Webster Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
Hours are typically Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5:30 PM.
When paying in person, you can use:
- Cash
- Personal checks
- Money orders
- Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
Drop Box Option
In a hurry? The city maintains a secure drop box at City Hall where you can deposit your payment 24/7:
- Place your check or money order in an envelope
- Write your account number on the envelope
- Drop it in the designated payment box
- The box is checked daily during business days
Do NOT put cash in the drop box! Checks and money orders only.
Setting Up Automatic Payments
This is my personal favorite way to pay – I never have to worry about forgetting! Here’s how to set it up:
- Visit the city’s water billing portal
- Create an account and link your water bill
- Select “Auto-Pay” or “Recurring Payment” option
- Enter your bank account or credit card information
- Choose your payment date preference
- Confirm and save your settings
With automatic payments, the amount due will be automatically deducted from your account on the specified date each billing cycle. Just make sure you’ve got enough funds in your account!
Understanding Your Water Bill
To better manage your payments, it helps to understand what you’re actually paying for. Your Fairfield water bill typically includes:
- Water consumption charges
- Sewer service fees
- Any applicable local taxes
- Previous balance (if any)
- Due date information
The bill shows your water usage in units (CCF – hundred cubic feet), and the rate depends on how much water you use. Fairfield uses a tiered rate structure, meaning the more water you use, the higher your rate per unit.
What If I Can’t Pay My Bill?
We all face financial difficulties sometimes. If you’re struggling to pay your water bill, don’t just ignore it! The city offers:
- Payment plans to spread out the amount due
- Financial assistance programs for qualifying residents
- Extensions in certain circumstances
The key is to contact the Fairfield Water Department before your bill becomes delinquent. They’re usually willing to work with residents who proactively reach out.
Tips for Lowering Your Water Bill
While we’re on the topic, here are some ways to reduce your water consumption and save money:
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets promptly
- Install water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators
- Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines
- Water your lawn in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Consider drought-resistant landscaping for your yard
I saved almost 20% on my water bill last year just by fixing a running toilet and being more mindful of my usage!
Common Questions About Fairfield Water Bills
How often will I receive a water bill?
Fairfield residents receive water bills every two months. The city divides service areas into different billing cycles, so your specific billing date depends on your location.
What payment methods are accepted?
The city accepts:
- Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- Personal checks
- Money orders
- Cash (in-person only)
- Electronic checks (online)
Is there a fee to pay online?
Yes, there is typically a small convenience fee when paying with credit cards. The exact amount should be displayed before you complete your payment. Using electronic check or bank draft usually has a lower fee or no fee at all.
When is my water bill due?
Your due date is printed on your bill, typically 21 days after the bill is issued. Payments received after this date may incur late fees.
What happens if I pay late?
If your payment is received after the due date, you’ll be charged a late fee (usually a percentage of your outstanding balance). If your bill remains unpaid for an extended period, you risk having your water service disconnected.
How do I update my billing address?
You can update your billing information:
- Online through your account portal
- By calling customer service
- In person at City Hall
- By mailing in a change of address form
Always update your information promptly when you move!
Special Considerations for New Residents
Just moved to Fairfield? Welcome! Here’s what you need to know about setting up your water service:
- Contact the Fairfield Water Department at least 3 business days before you need service
- Provide identification, proof of residency, and property information
- Pay any required deposit (typically refundable after establishing good payment history)
- Choose your preferred billing method
New accounts often require an initial deposit, which will be refunded after a certain period of on-time payments (usually 12 months).
Seasonal Considerations
Your water usage (and therefore your bill) will likely fluctuate throughout the year:
- Summer months: Higher bills due to lawn watering, pool filling, etc.
- Winter months: Generally lower water usage and bills
- Holiday seasons: You might see increases due to visitors or special activities
Budget accordingly for these predictable changes in your water bill.
Stay Informed About Rate Changes
Water and sewer rates in Fairfield are subject to periodic adjustments. The city must provide notice before implementing rate changes, but it’s good to stay informed by:
- Checking the city’s official website regularly
- Reading notices included with your bill
- Attending public meetings when rate changes are discussed
My Personal Experience
I’ve lived in Fairfield for over 8 years now, and I’ve found that the online payment system works best for me. I set up auto-pay and honestly just forget about it until I get the email receipt. But my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins prefers going to City Hall in person because she likes to chat with the staff and ask questions about her bill – it’s become part of her monthly routine!
When I first moved here, I did make the mistake of forgetting to pay for two months straight. The late fees were annoying, but the customer service rep was super helpful in setting up a payment plan. Since then, I’ve been on auto-pay and haven’t had any issues.
Final Thoughts
Paying your Fairfield water bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With all these payment options, you can choose what works best for your lifestyle and preferences. The most important thing is to pay on time to avoid those pesky late fees and potential service disruptions.
Stay hydrated, Fairfield friends!
Note: For the most current information about water bill payment options, rates, and policies, always refer to the official City of Fairfield website or contact the Water Department directly. This information was last updated in October 2025.
Option 1: Fill Out Automatic Draft Authorization Form (PDF)
Include the printed, completed form and a voided check with your bill payment. Your next new bill will be processed for draft payment ten days after the bill date. You will continue to receive statements by mail.
If you cannot print this form, you can request a copy by calling 336-727-8000 or stopping by the City of Winston-Salem Revenue Office, Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Suite 121, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Option 2: Use Your Bank’s Online Bill Pay Service
Go to your bank’s website and log into your account to set up recurring electronic payments. Directions and policies vary by bank, so contact your bank if you need any help.
- Find the windowed envelope included with your bill.
- Place a check or money order, along with the bottom portion of your bill, in the envelope. No cash is accepted.
- Drop the envelope in any mailbox.
If you cannot locate the windowed envelope, you may mail the bottom portion of your bill and your payment to the following address:
City of Winston-Salem Revenue Collections PO Box 2756 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2756
