Are ya tired of those pesky late fees on your Auburn water bill? I know I am! As a resident of the lovely Auburn, Alabama (or as locals call it, “The Loveliest Village on the Plains”), I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the sometimes confusing process of paying your water bill in our growing city.
Understanding Your Auburn Utility Bill
Before we dive into payment options, let’s understand what you’re actually paying for. In Auburn, your utility bill typically includes:
- Water services
- Sewer services
- Trash collection
- Possibly other municipal services
The Water Works Board of Auburn provides these essential services to residents throughout the city. With Auburn growing rapidly (the population was 76,143 according to the 2020 census and estimated at over 80000 in 2022) the utility system continues to expand to meet the needs of our community.
Where to Pay Your Auburn Water Bill
The Utility Billing Office is located at the Bailey-Alexander Complex at 1501 W Samford Ave. They’re open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, which is convenient for most folks who work standard hours.
If you need to contact them directly:
- Phone: (334) 501-3050
- Email: [email protected]
Online Payment Options – The Easiest Way!
Let’s be real – who wants to drive across town just to pay a bill these days? Fortunately, Auburn has modernized their payment systems, and you can now pay your water bill online. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Create an Online Account
- Visit the City of Auburn’s Citizen Self Service portal
- Click “Register” to create a new account
- Use a valid email address and create a secure password
- If you already have an account for City invoices or business licenses, you can use the same login
IMPORTANT UPDATE: All utility customers need to set up a new online profile! You’ll need to use your new 13-digit “Account ID – Customer ID” which has replaced the old 8-digit account number.
Step 2: Link Your Utility Account
After creating your online account, you’ll need to link it to your water utility account. The city provides instructions on how to do this on their website. Basically, you’ll enter your 13-digit Account ID and Customer ID to associate your online profile with your actual water account.
Step 3: Pay Your Bill
Once everything is set up, paying your bill online is super easy! Just log in, select the bill you want to pay, choose your payment method, and confirm the payment. The system accepts credit cards and electronic checks.
Other Payment Options
Not everyone is comfortable with online payments, and that’s totally fine! Auburn offers several other ways to pay your water bill:
In-Person Payment
You can visit the Utility Billing Office at the Bailey-Alexander Complex during business hours. They accept cash, checks, and credit/debit cards.
Payment by Mail
If you prefer the traditional route, you can mail a check or money order to:
City of Auburn Utility Billing Office1501 W Samford AveAuburn, AL 36832Just make sure to include your account number on your check!
Phone Payment
You can call the Utility Billing Office at (334) 501-3050 to make a payment over the phone using a credit or debit card.
Understanding Your Water Rates
Auburn’s water rates are structured to be fair while ensuring the system remains sustainable. The city uses a tiered rate system, which means the more water you use, the higher your rate per gallon becomes. This encourages conservation while keeping basic water needs affordable.
The Water Works Board of Auburn provides detailed information about residential water rates on their website. It’s worth checking out if you’re curious about exactly how your bill is calculated.
Tips to Reduce Your Auburn Water Bill
Who doesn’t want to save money? Here are some ways to lower your water bill:
- Fix leaks promptly: Even a small drip can waste gallons of water over time
- Install water-efficient fixtures: Low-flow showerheads and toilets can make a big difference
- Water lawns efficiently: Use timers and water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
- Use full loads: Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full
- Check for toilet leaks: Put food coloring in your toilet tank and see if it appears in the bowl without flushing
What to Do If You’re Having Trouble Paying
We all go through tough times. If you’re struggling to pay your Auburn water bill, contact the Utility Billing Office before your payment is late. They may be able to work out a payment plan or connect you with assistance programs.
Understanding Late Fees and Disconnection
If you don’t pay your Auburn water bill on time, you’ll face late fees. If the bill remains unpaid for too long, your service could be disconnected, which would require an additional reconnection fee.
The specific late fee structure is:
- A percentage of your outstanding balance is added after the due date
- Additional fees apply if service is disconnected
To avoid these fees, make sure to pay your bill by the due date each month, or set up automatic payments through the online system.
Auburn: More Than Just Utilities
While we’re on the topic of Auburn, I can’t help but mention what a great place it is to live! Auburn is home to Auburn University, which had an enrollment of 31,526 students as of 2021-2022. The university is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine.
Auburn’s public school system has been ranked among the top in the state and nation. It includes ten elementary schools, two middle schools, one junior high school, and one high school with a second planned for opening in August 2028.
The city has grown rapidly, with the population increasing over 77% from 2000 to 2020. It’s now the largest city in eastern Alabama and part of the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Area.
Final Thoughts
Paying your Auburn water bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With multiple payment options available, you can choose the method that works best for your lifestyle. The online payment system offers convenience, while traditional methods remain available for those who prefer them.
Remember, if you have questions or concerns about your water bill, don’t hesitate to contact the Utility Billing Office. They’re there to help!
FAQs About Auburn Water Bill Payments
How often will I receive my water bill?
Auburn utility bills are typically sent monthly.
Can I set up automatic payments for my water bill?
Yes! After creating an online account, you can set up recurring payments.
What should I do if I think there’s an error on my bill?
Contact the Utility Billing Office immediately at (334) 501-3050 to discuss any potential errors.
Is there a fee for paying online?
There may be convenience fees for certain payment methods. Check the current fee structure when making your payment.
What if I’m moving to or from Auburn?
Contact the Utility Billing Office to set up service at your new address or to discontinue service at your current address.
How can I report a water leak or emergency?
For water emergencies outside normal business hours, contact the City of Auburn’s emergency line.
Have you found other convenient ways to manage your utilities in Auburn? Drop a comment below and share your tips with your neighbors!
The City of Auburn provides the following services depending on your address:
- Sewer
- Storm Drainage
- Water
- Garbage, Recycle & Yard+Food Waste Services
- Waste Management Customer Service 253-939-9792
- Website www.wmnorthwest.com/auburn
Find information regarding your water, sewer, storm and/or garbage services. Please take a look at the following brochure and call us if you have any questions at 253-931-3038.
Setting up service
To set up service at your home or business for water, sewer and/or storm drainage services:
- New Owners: Fill out an Application for Utility Services or call 253-931-3038, Option #2.
- New Tenants: A Tenant Release form is required to set up a Tenant/Owner account.
- Tenant Release (To be filled-out and submitted by the property owner or manager.)
Water, sewer, and storm rates for residential and commercial customers:
Per City Ordinance No. 6801, the amount billed includes a tax of 10% calculated on the gross revenue of the water, sewer, stormwater, and solid waste utilities.
City of Auburn Water Usage Customer Portal
The City of Auburn is ready to launch our new Water Usage Customer Portal. The Customer Portal allows online access to your water usage data. You can set alerts to notify you when water use reaches above your selected threshold.
Instructions:
