After careful review of the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget, the Authority Board has approved a moderate sewer rate increase of 3%, or about 5 cents per day for a typical residential user, effective January 1, 2025. This increase will help to offset inflationary increases in operation costs associated with the treatment of more than 1.5 billion gallons of sewage and the processing of 5,000 tons of biosolids annually. The user rate increase will also help fund sustainable capital improvement projects for the benefit of maintaining the level of service provided to our ratepayers.
The DTMA Stormwater Management Program (SMP) fee will increase by $0.50 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) per month starting in January 2025. The SMP continues to serve the Township’s stormwater infrastructure improvement needs and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The SMP fee will enable DTMA to address the Township’s future stormwater management needs and initiatives while also remaining financially stable. This includes the continued management of the large-scale Ridge Road Stormwater Improvements Project, which is currently underway, as well as numerous future small-scale projects soon to come. If you should have any questions, please contact Customer Service at (717) 566-3237, Option 1.
The following new rates will go into effect with monthly invoices issued on or after January 1, 2025.
As we continue to perform our essential critical infrastructure function of treating millions of gallons of sewage daily, there are reports of unanticipated issues resulting from the shelter in place orders and perceived shortage of toilet paper.
Customers may be inclined to use a variety of substitute materials such as paper towels, baby wipes, or “flushable” wipes. Despite misleading labeling, flushable wipes should never be flushed and absolutely none of the imaginative variety of alternative materials should be flushed down the toilet.
While flushable wipes and any paper products other than toilet paper are problematic for DTMA, our real concern is for our customers and homeowners. Flushing anything other than toilet paper has the real potential to cause a blockage in your sewer lateral. When a lateral blockage does occur, the best case for a homeowner is a several hundred dollar plumber’s bill to unblock your lateral, while the worst case for a homeowner is several thousand dollars of damage and irreplaceable losses from a flooded basement caused by the back-up from a blocked lateral.
Please remember the 3 “P’s when you flush the toilet. Only pee, poop, and [toilet] paper should be flushed down the toilet. It’s not worth the chance of a blocked lateral. Please dispose of all “substitute” materials including anything labeled as “flushable wipes” in the trash!
Please note that the following schedule will be in effect for the DTMA septage receiving station for holidays in 2019.
The administrative office will be closed on these days but an Operator will be on duty to answer any questions you may have. You can reach the Operator by calling 717-576-8268 or in case of an emergency 717- 566-7928.
Hey there! If you’ve ever struggled with paying your DTMA bill on time or wished there was an easier way to handle those monthly payments, you’re in the right place I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of DTMA bill payments Whether you’re in Derry Township, PA (Hershey area) or Westmoreland County, there are multiple ways to pay your bill that can save you time and hassle.
Understanding DTMA: Which One Are You Dealing With?
First things first – there are actually TWO different DTMAs in Pennsylvania
-
Derry Township Municipal Authority (Dauphin County/Hershey area)
- Located at 670 Clearwater Road, Hershey, PA 17033
- Phone: 717-566-3237
- Handles wastewater and stormwater services
-
Derry Township Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County
- Located at 5760 Route 982, New Derry, PA 15671
- Phone: 724-694-2513
- Handles sewage services
Knowing which DTMA you’re dealing with is super important because they have different payment systems and options!
Ways to Pay Your DTMA Bill (Hershey/Dauphin County)
If you’re in the Hershey area, here are your payment options:
1. Pay Online (Fastest Method)
The online portal is definitely the most convenient way to pay your DTMA bill. Just a few clicks and you’re done!
- Visit the DTMA payment portal through their website at https://dtma.com/pay-my-bill/
- Click on the “Pay Now” button
- Follow the instructions to access your account details and make your payment
2. Mail Your Payment
If you prefer the traditional route
- Make your check payable to “DTMA”
- Use the self-addressed envelope included with your bill
- Mail to: Derry Township Municipal Authority, P.O. Box 830800, Philadelphia, PA 19182-0800
3. Pay in Person
Sometimes it’s nice to pay in person:
- Visit their office at 670 Clearwater Road, Hershey
- Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
4. Use the Drop Box
No time during business hours? No problem!
- A drop box is available at 670 Clearwater Road
- Hours: Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Located to the right of the main entrance door
Ways to Pay Your DTMA Bill (Westmoreland County)
For those in the New Derry/Westmoreland County area:
1. Pay Online
- Visit their new online payment system at https://derrytwpsewage.com/payment.php
- Follow the link to their secure payment center
2. Pay by Phone
- Call 844-708-1528 to make a payment
- Have your account information ready
3. Mail Your Payment
- IMPORTANT: Only use the PO Box address! If you use the physical address, the post office will return your payment to you.
4. Use Local Banks
You can pay at:
- S&T Banks in Derry & Blairsville (near Walmart)
- Commercial Bank Lincoln Road drive-thru
5. Drop Box
- Located at their building (5760 Route 982)
- Please do not leave cash in the drop box
What If You Can’t Pay Your Bill on Time?
Life happens, and sometimes bills can’t be paid exactly when they’re due. If you’re struggling to pay your DTMA bill, don’t just ignore it! Here’s what to do:
For Hershey/Dauphin County DTMA:
- Call them at (717) 566-3237 Option 1
- Visit their office in person
- They’re happy to work with you to make payment arrangements
For Westmoreland County DTMA:
- Contact their office at 724-694-2513
- Explain your situation and ask about payment options
Remember, it’s always better to communicate with them proactively rather than letting bills become delinquent.
Tips for Easier Bill Management
After paying many DTMA bills myself, I’ve learned a few tricks that might help you too:
1. Set Up Reminders
If you’re forgetful like me, set up calendar alerts or phone reminders a few days before your bill is due. This gives you plenty of time to arrange payment.
2. Consider Paperless Billing
The Westmoreland County DTMA offers a paperless option, which is great if you’re trying to reduce paper waste. Plus, you’ll get an email reminder when your bill is ready!
3. Keep Your Account Number Handy
Store your DTMA account number somewhere easy to access. This makes online and phone payments much faster.
4. Know the Billing Cycle
Understanding when to expect your bill can help you budget more effectively. Most DTMA bills are monthly or quarterly.
5. Check for Credits and Adjustments
Sometimes you might have credits on your account from overpayments or adjustments. Be sure to review your bill carefully.
Understanding Your DTMA Bill
Your DTMA bill isn’t just a random number – it’s calculated based on several factors:
Hershey/Dauphin County DTMA:
- Wastewater charges: Based on water usage and treatment costs
- Stormwater fees: Based on impervious area (hard surfaces like roofs and driveways that don’t absorb water)
- For stormwater, residential properties typically pay for 1 ERU (Equivalent Residential Unit = 3,800 square feet) at $9.50 per month
- Non-residential properties pay based on their actual impervious area divided by 3,800 sq ft
Westmoreland County DTMA:
- Primarily focuses on sewage services
- Rates are typically based on usage and service area
Avoiding Common Problems
Here are some issues people often encounter with their DTMA bills and how to avoid them:
1. Late Fees
Don’t let those late fees add up! Pay your bill a few days before the due date to allow for processing time.
2. Returned Checks
Make sure you have sufficient funds in your account before writing a check to avoid returned check fees.
3. Lost Mail
If using mail payment, send it at least a week before the due date to account for potential postal delays.
4. System Problems
If you encounter issues with the online payment system, take a screenshot of any error messages and contact customer service right away.
5. Address Changes
Be sure to update your address with DTMA if you move within their service area to ensure you receive your bills.
What Your DTMA Bill Payments Support
Ever wonder where your money goes? Here’s what those DTMA payments help fund:
Hershey/Dauphin County DTMA:
- Wastewater collection and treatment
- Stormwater management (replacing/improving storm sewer infrastructure)
- Meeting Pennsylvania MS4 Permit requirements
- Laboratory testing and quality assurance
- System maintenance and upgrades
Westmoreland County DTMA:
- Sewage collection and treatment
- System maintenance and upgrades
- Emergency response for sewage issues
Emergency Information You Should Know
It’s also good to have emergency contact info readily available:
Hershey/Dauphin County DTMA:
- Emergency number: 717-576-8268
- Regular inquiries: 717-566-3237
Westmoreland County DTMA:
- After hours emergencies: 724-691-5011
- Regular office: 724-694-2513
My Personal Experience with DTMA Bill Pay
I’ve been paying DTMA bills for years now, and I can tell you that switching to online payments was a game-changer for me. No more searching for stamps or rushing to mail a check! The online system is pretty straightforward, though occasionally it can be a bit glitchy during high-traffic periods (like right before due dates).
One time I forgot to pay my bill and received a reminder notice. I called their customer service, and they were actually super helpful and waived the late fee since it was my first time missing a payment. So don’t be afraid to reach out if you make a mistake!
Final Thoughts
Paying your DTMA bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With all these payment options available, you can choose what works best for your lifestyle and schedule. The most important thing is staying on top of your payments to avoid any service disruptions or late fees.
Remember, the easiest method is definitely online payment – it saves time, paper, and gives you an immediate confirmation of your payment. But whatever method you choose, just make sure you’re keeping track of those due dates!
What’s your preferred way to pay your utility bills? Have you tried the DTMA online payment system yet? I’d love to hear your experiences!
Derry Township Municipal Authority
DTMA is a public authority located in Hershey, PA that provides wastewater treatment services to approximately 20,000 residents. We are committed to providing reliable service with quality customer service at a reasonable cost.
Providing a cost effective public service to protect and enhance the water environment and quality of life for our local and regional community.
How to Use Pay My Bills
FAQ
Who is pay my bill DTMA?
Pay My Bill The Doylestown Township Municipal Authority is your locally owned and managed water provider serving Doylestown Township and parts of New Britain Borough and Plumstead Township. The DTMA Board of Directors consists of five volunteer members appointed by the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors.
Do DTMA customers receive a water bill?
Some DTMA customers receive a water bill from DTMA and a sewer bill from Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority. Sewer bills from Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority are green in color. If you have specific questions about your sewer bill, please contact BCWSA at 215-348-2538.
How much does the DTMA stormwater management program cost?
The DTMA Stormwater Management Program (SMP) fee will increase by $0.50 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) per month starting in January 2025. The SMP continues to serve the Township’s stormwater infrastructure improvement needs and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
What does the DTMA board do?
The DTMA Board is responsible for setting policy, rules, and water rates. DTMA provides water service to approximately 10,000 residents in Bucks County. Our mission is to deliver a safe and affordable drinking water supply utilizing a combination of cutting edge technology and excellent customer service.
Who is the DTMA Board of directors?
The DTMA Board of Directors consists of five volunteer members appointed by the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors. The DTMA Board is responsible for setting policy, rules, and water rates. DTMA provides water service to approximately 10,000 residents in Bucks County.
How do I make payment arrangements if I have trouble paying my bill?
If you think you’re going to have trouble paying your bill on time and need to make payment arrangements, please call us at (717) 566-3237 Option 1 or visit our office. We’ll be happy to work with you. Checks should be made payable to “DTMA” and remitted to us in the self-addressed envelope included with the bill.
