Effective immediately, our CHARLOTTE post office box for utiltiy payments is changing from POB 63025 to the following address on our payment stubs:
If you pay your water bill using your Bank Bill Pay Services, please update our Payee Information if you send your payment to Charlotte. Your bank mails a paper check to us (not EFT) and correcting the Charlotte address will prevent any unnescessary delay in receiving your payment. All correspondence going to our Smithfield address DID NOT change. Please call 919-989-5075 (Option 1) for any questions you may have. Smithfield mailing address is: P O BOX 2234, Smithfield, NC 27577
Hey there, Johnston County residents! If your one of those people who struggles every month remembering how to pay that darn water bill your not alone. I’ve been living in Johnston County for over 8 years now, and let me tell ya, figuring out all the different ways to pay your water bill shouldn’t be so complicated! That’s why I’ve put together this super detailed guide to help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of utility payments in our county.
Quick Payment Options at a Glance
Before diving into all the details, here’s a quick look at your options:
- Pay by Phone: Call 844-845-2151
- Pay Online: Visit the Johnston County website
- Pay in Person: Visit the Land Use Center in Smithfield
- Pay by Mail: Send check to P.O. Box 2263, Smithfield, NC 27577
Why Johnston County Water Bills Matter
Water bills might seem like just another monthly expense, but they’re actually really important for our community. When we pay our water bills on time, we’re helping to maintain clean drinking water, proper sewage treatment, and other essential utilities that keep our county running smoothly.
As someone who’s lived in Johnston County for quite a while now, I’ve seen how our public utilities have improved over the years. But these improvements dont happen without proper funding, which comes from our timely bill payments.
Online Payment Methods – The Easiest Way!
In today’s digital age, paying online is probably the most convenient option for most of us. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Johnston County Public Utilities website at www.johnstonnc.gov/utilities
- Look for the “Pay Bill” option in the menu
- You’ll be redirected to the payment portal
- Create an account if you haven’t already (you’ll need your account number from your bill)
- Follow the prompts to complete your payment
I personally use the online payment system most months and find it super convenient, especially when I’m traveling or just dont want to leave the house The system accepts major credit cards and electronic checks
Phone Payment – For When You’re On The Go
Sometimes the websites can be a bit glitchy (let’s be honest), so paying by phone is a great alternative:
- Call the dedicated payment line: 844-845-2151
- Have your account number and payment method ready
- Follow the automated prompts to complete your payment
This is actually my backup method when I’m in a hurry or if the website is giving me trouble. It’s quick and usually takes less than 5 minutes.
In-Person Payment Options – Old School But Reliable!
If you’re like my neighbor Mrs. Johnson who prefers to pay bills in person (and get that receipt in hand!), you can visit:
Physical Address:
Land Use Center
309 E. Market Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
The office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but I’d recommend calling ahead (919-989-5075) to confirm, especially around holidays.
Mailing Your Payment – Plan Ahead!
For those who like to keep a paper trail of everything, mailing your payment is still a valid option:
- Make your check payable to “Johnston County Public Utilities”
- Include your account number on the check
- Mail it to:
P.O. Box 2263
Smithfield, NC 27577
Just remember to mail it at least 7-10 days before the due date to avoid any late fees! I learned this lesson the hard way last summer when my payment arrived 2 days late and I got hit with a fee.
Understanding Your Johnston County Water Bill
Before you pay, it’s helpful to understand what you’re actually paying for. Your bill typically includes:
- Water usage charges
- Sewer services (if applicable)
- Stormwater fees (in certain areas)
- Any applicable taxes or special assessments
The bill should clearly show your usage history, current charges, and due date. If something looks off, don’t hesitate to contact customer service at 919-989-5075.
Late Payments and What Happens
We all forget sometimes, right? But it’s important to know what happens if you miss your due date:
- Late fees are typically applied after the due date
- If payment is significantly overdue (usually 30+ days), you may risk service disconnection
- To restore service after disconnection, you’ll need to pay the past due amount plus a reconnection fee
I’ve had a few close calls myself over the years, and trust me, those late fees add up quick! Setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders has been a lifesaver for me.
Assistance Programs for Johnston County Residents
If you’re facing financial hardship, Johnston County offers several assistance programs:
- Payment arrangements for temporary difficulties
- Emergency assistance programs through local non-profits
- Seasonal support through various community organizations
Don’t wait until your bill is overdue to seek help. Contact the Public Utilities Department at 919-989-5075 to discuss your options before you fall behind.
Water Conservation Tips to Lower Your Bill
One of the best ways to manage your water bill is to simply use less water! Here are some tips that have helped me reduce my bill:
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets promptly (a dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons per day!)
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
- Only run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine
- Water your lawn and garden in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Consider installing a rain barrel to collect water for outdoor use
After implementing some of these changes last year, I saw my summer water bill drop by almost 15%!
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnston County Water Bills
How often are water bills issued?
Johnston County typically issues water bills monthly.
Can I set up automatic payments?
Yes! This can be arranged through the online payment portal.
What forms of payment are accepted?
The county accepts checks, money orders, cash (in-person only), credit/debit cards, and electronic checks.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my bill?
Call Customer Service at 919-989-5075 during regular business hours.
What if I’m moving within Johnston County?
You’ll need to notify the Utilities Department at least 3 business days before your move to transfer service to your new address.
Recent Updates to Johnston County Utilities
As of July 2025, Johnston County has made several updates to their billing and payment systems:
- Enhanced online payment portal with mobile-friendly design
- Additional payment kiosks at select county buildings
- New water quality initiatives that might affect future rates
- Updated customer service hours for better accessibility
We should always stay informed about these changes since they directly affect our service and billing experiences.
My Personal Experience with Johnston County Water Bills
I’ve been a Johnston County resident since 2017, and I’ve tried pretty much every payment method they offer. For the first couple years, I mailed in my payments, but after a few close calls with late fees, I switched to online payments.
The thing I appreciate most about Johnston County’s system is the flexibility. When I was traveling for work last year and completely forgot about my water bill, I was able to quickly pay by phone from the airport just before the due date. Crisis averted!
That said, there was that one time when the website was down for maintenance right when my bill was due. I had to drive to the Land Use Center in Smithfield during my lunch break to make sure I didn’t get a late fee. Not ideal, but the staff was super helpful and got me in and out quickly.
What To Do If You Have Issues
If you run into problems with your water bill or payment, here’s what I recommend:
- Document everything – Keep copies of bills, payment confirmations, and note the names of representatives you speak with
- Contact customer service promptly – Don’t wait until small issues become big problems
- Be persistent but polite – Sometimes resolving issues takes multiple calls
- Know your rights – Familiarize yourself with the county’s policies on disputes and adjustments
When I had an unusually high bill last winter due to a leak I wasn’t aware of, I called customer service right away. They were able to send someone out to verify the leak had been repaired, and they adjusted my bill accordingly. I was so relieved!
Final Thoughts
Paying your Johnston County water bill doesn’t have to be a hassle. With multiple payment options available, you can choose what works best for your lifestyle and preferences.
If you have any questions or tips about managing Johnston County utility bills that I haven’t covered, drop them in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your experiences too.
Stay hydrated, Johnston County!
** CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON ⇒ Boil Water Advisory PDF
We would like to remind our water customers to be prepared for freezing winter temperatures that could cause frozen water lines. We encourage you to:
- Wrap any exposed pipes.
- Check all outside faucets and remove water hoses.
- Close all vents on the outside of your home.
- Keep meter box lids tightly closed.
- Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow heat inside.
If you have water pipes that are subject to freezing, try to keep a steady trickle of water running from the nearest faucet. If you have frozen pipes, but some water is running, the safest thing to do is to wait for the frozen pipes to thaw. Never use an open flame to thaw waterlines. Once the pipes thaw out again, be sure to check for cracks or leaks that may occur from freezing. During inclement weather, our Field Technicians respond to service calls when roads are safe to travel.
Please anticipate delays in service restoration when snow and ice conditions exist in your area. For further assistance, please call 919-989-5075.
