Dealing with utility bills is never the highlight of anyone’s month. If you’re a resident of Roswell, New Mexico, you’ve probably found yourself wondering about the easiest way to pay your water bill. I’ve been there too! After moving to Roswell last year, figuring out the water billing system was on my long list of “adulting” tasks. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about the City of Roswell water bill payment options so you can save time and avoid late fees.
The City of Roswell recently updated their online payment system, which has made things much easier for us residents. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through all the different ways you can pay your water bill, from online payments to in-person options, and even how to set up payment plans if you’re facing financial difficulties.
Online Payment: The Most Convenient Option
The City of Roswell has implemented a new online self-pay and recurring payment system for water customers, which is definitely the most convenient option for busy folks like us. I personally use this method every month because I can pay at any time without having to drive anywhere or remember to mail a check.
How to Access the Online Payment System
To pay your water bill online, you’ll need to:
- Visit roswellnmcitizens.munisselfservice.com
- You might need to click the “Expand Menu” link at the upper left corner
- Then select “Citizen Self Service”
Alternatively, you can access the system through the “Pay My Bill” option on the City website’s front page at wwwroswell-nm.gov
Important note The previous online payment system is no longer available so make sure you’re using the correct link!
Setting Up Your Online Account
When I first tried to pay my bill online I was a bit confused about how to set everything up. Here’s what you’ll need
- Your water bill (you’ll need your account number)
- A valid email address
- A credit card, debit card, or banking information
You can choose between:
- Making a one-time payment without creating an account
- Creating an online account for regular payments and account management
I highly recommend setting up an account if you plan to stay in Roswell long-term. It saves your information securely and makes future payments much faster.
Benefits of Paying Online
There are several advantages to using the online payment system:
- Immediate reflection – Payments show up on the system right away
- 24/7 access – Pay your bill any time of day or night
- Recurring payment option – Set it and forget it!
- Payment history – Track all your past payments in one place
- No stamps or envelopes needed – Save on postage costs
Just remember that while the payment shows up in the system immediately, it might take 2-3 business days for the transaction to fully process as funds transfer from your financial institution or credit card company.
Mail-In Payment Option
If you’re old school like my grandpa or just prefer sending checks, you can still pay your Roswell water bill by mail. Here’s how:
- Make your check payable to “City of Roswell”
- Include the return portion of your statement with your payment
- Use the return envelope that came with your bill
If you’ve lost the return envelope, no worries! Just mail your payment to:
City of Roswell
P.O. Box 1838
Roswell, NM 88202-1838
Pro tip: I wouldn’t recommend mailing cash payments for obvious reasons. Stick with checks for mail-in payments.
In-Person Payment Options
Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person or pay with cash. The City of Roswell offers in-person payment options for those situations.
Paying at the Water Billing Department
You can visit the Water Billing Department at:
- Location: 415 N. Richardson Ave., Roswell, NM
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
When paying in person, you can use:
- Cash
- Check
- Debit card (ID required)
- Credit card (ID required)
To make your visit quicker, bring both portions of your water bill with you. This helps the staff process your payment more efficiently.
After-Hours Drop Box
Can’t make it during business hours? No problem! The city provides an after-hours payment drop box located at 421 N. Richardson Ave., just across the street from the water billing department.
Just remember:
- Only use checks (made payable to City of Roswell)
- Do NOT leave cash payments in the drop box
- Payments received after 8 a.m. will post the following business day
Bank Bill Pay Services
Another option I’ve used when I was traveling was my bank’s Bill Pay service. Most financial institutions offer this feature, and it’s pretty convenient once set up.
To use this method:
- Contact your financial institution about their “Bill Pay” options
- Set the City of Roswell as a payee
- Schedule payments for your utility bill
The advantage here is that your bank handles sending the payment, and you can usually schedule recurring payments. The downside is that it might take a few days for the payment to process, so plan accordingly!
Payment Plans for Those Facing Hardship
We all go through tough financial times occasionally. If you’re having trouble paying your water bill, the City of Roswell offers payment plans through their Extended Payment Program.
How to Set Up a Payment Plan
To establish a payment plan:
- Visit the billing office in person at 415 N. Richardson Ave.
- Bring your account information and ID
- Be prepared to discuss your situation with a customer service representative
The length of your payment plan will depend on how much you owe.
Eligibility Requirements
Not everyone automatically qualifies for the Extended Payment Program. To be eligible, you must:
- Be delinquent in payment and have received a past-due notice
- Have a satisfactory payment history with the utility (meaning during the previous 18 months, you haven’t had more than two instances of NSF checks, turn-off tags, or service termination)
- Have an account classified as one of the following:
- Metered single-family residence
- Multi-family residence with individually metered units
- Commercial account
If you’re unsure about whether you qualify, it’s worth calling the Utility Billing Office at 575-624-6711 to discuss your situation.
Important Contact Information
Sometimes you just need to talk to someone directly about your bill. Here’s all the contact information you might need:
Utility Billing Customer Service
Physical Address: 415 N Richardson Ave, Roswell, NM 88201
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1838, Roswell, NM 88202
Phone: (575) 624-6711
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
City of Roswell Main Office
Address: 425 N Richardson, Roswell, NM 88201
Phone: 575-624-6700
Common Questions About Roswell Water Bills
How often will I receive a water bill?
Water bills in Roswell are typically sent out monthly. The billing cycle depends on your service area, but most residents can expect to receive their bill around the same time each month.
What should I do if I think there’s an error on my bill?
If you spot something that doesn’t look right on your water bill, don’t hesitate to contact the Utility Billing Office at 575-624-6711. They can review your account and help resolve any issues.
What happens if I pay my bill late?
Late payments may result in additional fees and, in extreme cases, service disconnection. If you know you’re going to be late with a payment, it’s best to contact the billing office proactively to discuss your options.
Can I view my water usage history online?
Yes! If you’ve created an online account through the self-service portal, you can view your usage history, which is super helpful for tracking consumption patterns and spotting potential leaks.
What should I do when moving to a new address in Roswell?
When moving, you’ll need to:
- Contact the Utility Billing Office to close your account at your current address
- Set up service at your new location if it’s within Roswell city limits
- Provide a forwarding address for your final bill
Tips for Managing Your Roswell Water Bill
Over the past year of living in Roswell, I’ve picked up some helpful strategies for managing my water bill:
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Set up autopay – This has been a lifesaver for me! No more forgetting to pay and getting late fees.
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Check for leaks regularly – Even small leaks can dramatically increase your water bill. Check faucets, toilets, and outdoor spigots.
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Monitor your usage online – The online portal lets you track your consumption patterns, which helps identify unusual spikes that might indicate problems.
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Consider water-efficient fixtures – Low-flow showerheads and toilets can significantly reduce your water usage and lower your bill.
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Pay attention to outdoor watering – Lawn irrigation is often the biggest water expense for homeowners. Consider drought-tolerant landscaping options that work well in Roswell’s climate.
Conclusion
Paying your City of Roswell water bill doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the convenience of online payments, the reliability of mail-in options, or the personal touch of paying in person, there’s a solution that fits your lifestyle.
I’ve found that setting up recurring online payments works best for my busy schedule, but it’s great to know there are other options available when needed. And remember, if you’re ever facing financial difficulties, reaching out to the Utility Billing Office about payment plans is always better than letting your bill go unpaid.
For more information or assistance with any water billing matters, don’t hesitate to call the Utility Billing Office at 575-624-6711 or visit them in person at 415 N. Richardson Ave.
Stay hydrated, Roswell!
Online Bill Pay Now Available
In our efforts to better serve you, we now accept all major credit and debit cards – Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express. Payment can be made using a credit or debit card online, for a 4% fee. You can also pay by E-Check. To pay your bill online you will need to know your account number and the current amount due.
For more information, click the green “Pay Your Bill Now” button.
If paying by check or money order through the mail, please send all payments with your payment coupon.
You may pay your bill in person at our office address. We accept cash, check, or money orders. You can also drop your payment in the night drop in the window facing north.
