Are you tired of forgetting to pay your Alma water bill until the last minute? Do you want a simpler way to manage your monthly water and wastewater payments? I’ve been there too, scrambling to find my checkbook or rushing to the payment office before closing time. The good news is that Alma offers several convenient options for paying your water bill that can make life much easier.
Understanding Your Alma Water Bill
Before we jump into payment methods, let’s understand what exactly we’re paying for The City of Alma’s Water and Wastewater Department provides essential services to residents in Alma, Dyer, Kibler, and Redhill Water Users Your bill covers both drinking water (sourced from beautiful Lake Alma) and wastewater treatment.
According to the Alma Water Department website, your water bill
- Is due upon receipt
- Becomes past due 15 days from billing date
- Incurs a 10% late penalty if paid after 5:00 pm on the 15th
- May result in service disconnection if not paid by the 22nd before 5:00 pm
Nobody wants to pay late fees, so let’s explore how you can pay on time, every time!
5 Ways to Pay Your Alma Water Bill
1. Online Payment Portal
The easiest and most convenient way to pay your Alma water bill is through the online portal. The City of Alma provides a user-friendly platform where you can:
- Make one-time payments
- View your payment history
- Set up automatic payments
- View your water usage
- Register for e-statements
To access this service, you can visit alma.watersmart.com or click the “Make A Payment” link on the Alma water department website.
2. Free Bank Draft Registration
If you prefer not to worry about remembering due dates at all, Alma offers FREE bank draft services. This allows your payment to be automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the due date.
To register for this service:
- Call the water office at 479-632-2254
- Complete the bank draft application available on their website
I’ve personally used this service for years and haven’t had to think about my water bill since setting it up!
3. Pay By Phone
For those who prefer speaking with a real person, you can always call the Alma Water Department at 479-632-2254 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) to make a payment over the phone.
4. Mail Your Payment
Old school but reliable! You can mail your payment to:
Alma Water Department
811 Fayetteville Ave
Alma, AR 72921
Just make sure you allow enough time for mail delivery before the due date to avoid those pesky late fees.
5. In-Person Payment
If you’re in the neighborhood or prefer face-to-face interactions, you can always pay in person at the Alma Water Department office located at 811 Fayetteville Ave. Their office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Setting Up New Water Service
New to Alma? Setting up water service is pretty straightforward. The city now offers an online application process where you can apply for service and pay your deposit all in one go.
To establish new service:
- Visit the Alma Water Department website
- Look for “NEW! Apply for Service & Pay Deposit Online”
- Follow the instructions to complete your application
Alternatively, you can visit the office in person or call 479-632-2254 for assistance.
Understanding Your Water Quality
While we’re on the topic of Alma’s water services, it’s worth noting that the city takes pride in their water quality. In fact, Alma’s water has been a first-place recipient in Arkansas’s drinking water taste contest!
The water undergoes purification at the Alma Water Treatment Facility before distribution. It’s ozonated for quality taste and fluoridated for oral health.
However, seasonal taste and odor variations can occur due to naturally occurring algae in Lake Alma. These variations are most common in early spring and fall but rest assured – the water remains completely safe to drink even during these periods.
Customer Portal Features
The WaterSmart customer portal offers more than just bill payment options. When you register at alma.watersmart.com, you’ll gain access to:
- Payment history tracking
- Water usage monitoring
- Usage alerts (great for catching leaks early!)
- E-statement enrollment
- Auto-pay setup
If you need help registering for the customer portal, just call the water office at 479-632-2254 and they’ll walk you through the process.
Tips for Managing Your Water Bill
While we’re talking about paying bills, why not discuss ways to keep those bills lower? Here are some simple tips:
- Monitor your usage through the customer portal to identify unusual spikes
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets promptly (even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons)
- Install water-efficient fixtures like low-flow showerheads and toilets
- Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine
- Water your lawn during cooler hours to reduce evaporation
What To Do If You Have Payment Difficulties
We all face financial challenges sometimes. If you’re struggling to pay your water bill, don’t wait until disconnection notices arrive. The Alma Water Department may be able to work with you on payment arrangements if you contact them proactively.
Reporting Water Problems
Have an issue with your water service? Whether it’s a leak, service interruption, or water quality concern, don’t hesitate to report it. Call the Water Department at 479-632-2254 to report any problems with your water or sewer services.
Remember, if you’re planning any digging on your property, always call 811 before you dig to have underground utilities located. This isn’t just about avoiding disruption to your water service—it’s about safety and avoiding potentially costly damages.
Understanding Seasonal Water Quality Changes
As I mentioned earlier, Alma’s water source is Lake Alma, which undergoes seasonal variations. These natural changes can occasionally affect the taste and odor of your drinking water, particularly in spring and fall.
The city uses advanced oxidation by ozone to minimize unpleasant tastes and odors, and they’ve installed a lake surface aeration system to reduce algae growth. They’re also continuously planning upgrades to further improve water quality.
If you notice taste or odor issues, you might try:
- Adding a lemon wedge to refrigerated drinking water
- Using a Brita water filter pitcher with fresh carbon
These episodes typically last just a few weeks, and the water remains completely safe throughout.
Why Pay Your Bill On Time?
Besides avoiding late fees and potential service disconnection, paying your water bill on time supports the continued operation of essential services. Alma Water and Wastewater is municipally owned and operated, but operations are fully supported by water and wastewater rates—not taxes.
By paying your bill promptly, you’re helping maintain the infrastructure that delivers clean water to your tap and treats wastewater before it returns to the Arkansas River.
Final Thoughts
Managing and paying your Alma water bill doesn’t have to be complicated. With multiple payment options available, including convenient online services, you can choose the method that works best for your lifestyle.
I’ve found the online portal to be a game-changer for me personally—no more forgotten bills or late fees! And the usage tracking features have actually helped me identify and fix a toilet leak that was quietly wasting water (and money).
Whether you’re a new resident setting up service or a long-time customer looking for more convenient payment options, the Alma Water Department offers solutions to meet your needs. And remember, if you ever have questions or concerns about your service or bill, don’t hesitate to contact them directly at 479-632-2254.
Stay hydrated, Alma!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is my Alma water bill due?
A: Your bill is due upon receipt and becomes past due 15 days from the billing date.
Q: What happens if I don’t pay my water bill on time?
A: A 10% late penalty is charged for payments received after 5:00 pm on the 15th of the month. Late notices are sent out indicating potential disconnection on the 23rd if payment isn’t made by the 22nd.
Q: Can I set up automatic payments for my water bill?
A: Yes! You can set up auto-pay through the customer portal or register for free bank draft services by calling 479-632-2254.
Q: How do I report a water-related emergency?
A: For emergencies, call the Water Department at 479-632-2254 during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, contact the Alma Police Department at 479-632-3333.
Q: Is Alma’s water safe to drink?
A: Yes, Alma’s drinking water meets or exceeds all regulatory standards for safety. While seasonal variations may occasionally affect taste and odor, these are aesthetic issues only and do not impact safety.
Payment in the Office
Our office is now open to the public from 8 am to 5pm Monday – Friday. You are able to pay with cash, check, debit or credit card in the office.
If paying by check or money order through the mail, please send all payments with your payment stub or put account number on check or money order. To avoid late fees, please mail your payment at least five to seven business days before the due date specified on your bill.
The worry-free way to pay your water bill. With this service, the amount of your monthly bill is automatically deducted from your bank account and credited to your utility account. There is no set-up fee or charge associated with this method of payment. To set up Automated Bank Draft, simply download and fill out the ACH Recurring Debit Form located in the Forms & Reports Section and drop it off or mail it to our office, along with a voided check.
You may drop your payment off in our drop box at any time we accept checks or money orders.
Pay Your Bill Online
For your convenience, we offer the ability to pay your bill online or over the telephone. Simply click the green button to the right and follow the prompts. You will need your only your account number handy. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and EChecks. There is a convenience fee with paying online or over the telephone.
Convenience by telephone, simply call 1-844-286-1783. Be sure and have your account number ready.
