Billing is back on track and normal billing practices resumed May 1. The grace period on late fees, penalties and disconnections also ended May 1. Learn more in our Bill Resumption FAQs.
You can PAY your bill now online. To VIEW your bill or use other payment methods, including drive-throughs and a 24-hour drop box, see the tabbed table below.
Additional online services are listed in NEWS. For questions or comments about your water, sewer or stormwater bill, call CityLink 311 or 336-727-8000, or email CityLink.
You can make a one-time payment using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) or electronic check.Youll need these numbers from your bill: 7-digit account number 4-digit PIN (last 4 digits of your customer number)PAY Bill Now You may also use the link above for DEPOSIT payments to start service.
VIEW Bill Now Click on Account Transaction Summary, then the link to save and view that dates bill.
Pay by bank draft to automatically deduct the amount of your bill from your bank account each billing cycle.
Are you tired of forgetting to pay your water bill until that dreaded late notice arrives? I’ve been there too! As a Forsyth County resident, I’ve tried every payment method available and wanted to share what I’ve learned to make your life easier. Whether you prefer paying online by phone or in person, this guide covers everything you need to know about handling your Forsyth County water bill.
Payment Options for Forsyth County Water Bills
Forsyth County offers several convenient ways to pay your water and sewer bill. Let’s explore each option so you can choose what works best for your lifestyle
Online Payment Options
The most convenient way to pay your Forsyth County water bill is online You’ll need
- Your 7-digit account number (found on your bill)
- Last 4 digits of your customer number (as your PIN)
You can use the secure Paymentus service to make one-time payments using:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
- Electronic checks directly from your bank account
Pro tip: Sign up for AutoPay through Paymentus to schedule recurring payments and never worry about late fees again! After your first payment processes, you can also view and download your payment history.
Visit the Forsyth County water bill payment portal to get started.
Mail Payment Option
If you prefer the traditional route, you can mail your payment:
- Find the windowed envelope included with your bill
- Insert a check or money order with the bottom portion of your bill (no cash!)
- Mail to:
PO Box 100003Cumming, GA 30028
Phone Payment Option
Need to make a quick payment? Call the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department at (770) 781-2160 during business hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday) to pay by phone.
In-Person Payment Options
Sometimes it’s just easier to pay in person. You have several options:
- Main Office: 110 E. Main Street, Suite 150, Cumming, GA
- Night Drop Box: Located between the Administration Building and the parking deck
- Drive-Through: Available at some locations (check local office for availability)
Understanding Your Forsyth County Water Bill
Water bills in Forsyth County are sent approximately monthly, with meters read every 28-32 days. Bills are typically generated 1-2 weeks after your meter is read, so due dates may vary from month to month.
Billing Cycle and Due Dates
Your water bill includes:
- Current water and/or sewer usage
- A specific due date (payments are due 20 days after the billing date)
- Meter reading dates
Conservation Pricing Structure
Forsyth County uses a tiered pricing structure to encourage water conservation. The more water you use, the higher the rate per 1,000 gallons.
Here’s the residential water consumption monthly rate schedule effective January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025:
| Tier | Gallons used | Rate per 1,000 gallons |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 1,000 – 6,000 | $4.31 |
| Tier 2 | 6,000 – 12,000 | $5.82 |
| Tier 3 | 12,000 – 24,000 | $8.16 |
| Tier 4 | 24,000 – 36,000 | $11.57 |
| Tier 5 | 36,000+ | $16.78 |
This pricing structure helps promote water efficiency by making excessive water use more expensive. The concept is simple: as the price increases, customers are encouraged to use water more efficiently and avoid waste.
Avoiding Late Fees and Service Disruption
No one wants to pay extra fees or lose water service. Here’s what happens if your payment is late and how to avoid these situations.
Late Payment Penalties
If you don’t pay your bill within 20 days from the billing date:
- A 10% penalty is added to the delinquent amount
- A termination notice will be sent within seven days
- You’ll have at least fourteen days from the termination notice date to make payment
Service Disconnection Process
If payment isn’t received by 5 PM on the termination date:
- A $20 late fee is applied
- Your water service may be disconnected
- To restore service, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee
Important: Even if you pay online after disconnection, your service won’t automatically be restored. You MUST contact the business office during normal hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday) at (770) 781-2160 to have your water service restored.
Payment Timing for Restoration
- If payment is made before 5 PM on business days, service will be restored the same day
- If payment is made after 5 PM, service will be restored on the following business day
Tips for Managing Your Water Bill
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make managing my Forsyth County water bill easier:
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Set up AutoPay – This has been a game-changer for me! No more forgotten bills or late fees.
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Monitor your usage – Check your bill each month to track consumption patterns and spot potential leaks early.
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Consider water conservation – Moving from Tier 3 to Tier 2 usage can save significant money on your bill.
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Mark your calendar – Since billing dates vary each month, I add a reminder a few days before the typical due date.
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Check for leaks – A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons monthly. Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank – if color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak!
Setting Up Payment Arrangements
Life happens, and sometimes we need flexibility. If you’re unable to pay your full water bill by the due date, Forsyth County offers payment arrangement options:
- You must call the Water Department at (770) 781-2160 before the disconnection date
- Pay at least half of the delinquent balance upfront
- The remainder can be paid in interest-free installments over 3-6 months
- Continue paying all new bills on time to avoid additional fees
Common Water Bill Questions
“My bill seems unusually high. What should I do?”
First, check for leaks! A leaking toilet, dripping faucet, or underground pipe leak can cause unexpected increases. If you find no leaks, contact the Water Department to request a meter check.
“I just moved to Forsyth County. How do I set up water service?”
Contact the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department at (770) 781-2160 to establish service. You’ll need:
- Property address
- Date service should begin
- Personal identification
- Proof of ownership or rental agreement
- Security deposit (may be required)
“Do I need to create an online account to make payments?”
No, you can make one-time payments without creating an account. However, setting up an account gives you access to AutoPay options and payment history.
“What if I’m going on vacation?”
Your water bill is based on actual usage, so if you’re away, your bill will likely be lower. Water service continues unless you specifically request it to be disconnected.
“Why does Forsyth County use tiered pricing?”
The conservation-oriented pricing structure encourages efficient water use and helps sustain water supplies for future needs. This approach has been implemented in many communities to promote conservation while ensuring adequate funding for water infrastructure.
Looking Forward: WaterSavvy Portal Coming Soon
Forsyth County is planning to launch a new online customer portal called WaterSavvy that will make managing your water account even easier. This portal will allow you to:
- View current and past bills
- Track water usage in real-time
- Set up alerts for unusual consumption patterns
- Make payments more easily
Watch for announcements about this upcoming service improvement!
Final Thoughts
Managing your Forsyth County water bill doesn’t have to be complicated. With multiple payment options and a clear understanding of the billing structure, you can keep your account in good standing while potentially saving money through conservation.
I’ve found that setting up AutoPay has been the most stress-free approach – it’s a “set it and forget it” solution that ensures I’m never hit with those pesky late fees. But whichever method you choose, staying on top of your water bill helps avoid the inconvenience and extra costs of service interruptions.
Have you tried any of these payment methods? Which one works best for your lifestyle? I’d love to hear about your experiences with Forsyth County water billing in the comments below!
This guide was last updated in October 2025. For the most current information, please contact the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department directly at (770) 781-2160 or visit their official website at www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Water-Sewer.
Option 1: Fill Out Automatic Draft Authorization Form (PDF)
Include the printed, completed form and a voided check with your bill payment. Your next new bill will be processed for draft payment ten days after the bill date. You will continue to receive statements by mail.
If you cannot print this form, you can request a copy by calling 336-727-8000 or stopping by the City of Winston-Salem Revenue Office, Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Suite 121, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Option 2: Use Your Bank’s Online Bill Pay Service
Go to your bank’s website and log into your account to set up recurring electronic payments. Directions and policies vary by bank, so contact your bank if you need any help.
- Find the windowed envelope included with your bill.
- Place a check or money order, along with the bottom portion of your bill, in the envelope. No cash is accepted.
- Drop the envelope in any mailbox.
If you cannot locate the windowed envelope, you may mail the bottom portion of your bill and your payment to the following address:
City of Winston-Salem Revenue Collections PO Box 2756 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2756
