Are you tired of driving to the Hecla Water Association office just to pay your water bill? Maybe you’ve been hit with a late fee because you forgot to mail your check on time? I’ve been there too! As a resident of Lawrence County, Ohio, I know how important it is to have reliable access to clean water – and how annoying it can be to deal with bill payments. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to pay your Hecla water bill with minimal hassle.
Who is Hecla Water Association?
Before diving into payment methods, let’s take a quick look at who provides our water. Hecla Water Association, Inc. has been serving Lawrence County since 1969, providing clean, safe drinking water to approximately 14,000 connections throughout rural areas. The system distributes nearly 3 million gallons of treated drinking water daily through an impressive network of 1,300 miles of water lines. Pretty amazing when you think about it!
Their commitment to quality is evident in their slogan “Quality on Tap! Our Commitment… Our Profession.” They take pride in delivering safe drinking water that meets all EPA standards as demonstrated in their annual Water Quality Reports.
Ways to Pay Your Hecla Water Bill
Hecla Water Association offers several convenient methods to pay your bill. Let’s explore each option:
1. Online Payment Portal
The easiest and most convenient way to pay your Hecla water bill is through their online payment portal. Hecla has recently implemented a new customer portal system called Nexbillpay that makes managing your account simpler than ever.
To pay online:
- Visit https://heclawater.smartpayworks.com/
- If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to create an account
- Once logged in, you can view bills, monitor usage, and make payments
- You can also enroll in convenient services like Text to Pay and Autopay
It’s worth noting that online payments are for water usage only. Service fees must still be processed through the corporate office.
2. In-Person Payment
If you prefer the traditional approach, you can always pay your bill in person at the Hecla Water Association office
Office Address 3190 SR 141Ironton. Ohio 45638(Located two miles north of Ironton on State Route 141)
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 740-533-0526
3. Mail-In Payment
You can also mail your payment to the same address:
Hecla Water Association, Inc.
3190 SR 141
Ironton, Ohio 45638
Just remember to allow sufficient time for mail delivery to avoid late fees!
Understanding Your Hecla Water Bill
Your water bill isn’t just a random number – it’s calculated based on your actual water usage. Here are some helpful things to know:
Billing Cycles
Hecla Water typically bills on a monthly cycle. The amount charged depends on how much water you’ve used during that billing period, measured in gallons.
Leak Adjustments
Sometimes, unexpected plumbing issues happen. Hecla Water understands this and offers a leak protection program. As of December 1, 2024, their policy has changed, so here’s what you need to know:
- You can receive one leak adjustment (covering up to two billing cycles) in a 12-month period
- To qualify, the leak must generate additional charges at least 2x your average monthly bill
- You must provide proof that the leak has been repaired
- Not all leaks qualify (irrigation systems, swimming pools, negligent acts are excluded)
- Customers must submit for adjustment within 90 days from the billing date
Hecla has partnered with ServLine for their leak protection program. If you want to decline participation, you can call 740-237-3488, but be aware that without this program, you’ll be responsible for the full amount of your water bill with no adjustments for leaks occurring after December 1, 2024.
What to Do During Water Emergencies
We’ve all experienced that panic moment when the water suddenly stops flowing! If you experience a water outage or need to report an emergency after business hours, Hecla has employees on duty 24/7 at their treatment plant. Call their emergency numbers:
- 740-886-8863 or
- 740-451-0120
Stay Informed About Service Interruptions
Hecla Water uses a Rave customer notification system to alert customers about outages and provide estimated repair times. To receive these important notices, make sure your contact information is up-to-date! Call their office to provide your current:
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
This free notification service can save you from those unexpected shower interruptions or washing machine disasters!
Before You Dig – Call 811!
Planning a home improvement project that involves digging? Remember that Ohio state law requires you to call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service at 800-362-2764 at least 48 hours before digging. This helps prevent damage to water lines and other utilities, which could cause outages and potentially costly repairs that you might be liable for.
Tips for Managing Your Hecla Water Usage and Bills
As a long-time customer, I’ve picked up a few tricks for keeping water bills manageable:
Monitor Your Usage
With the new customer portal, you can easily track your water usage patterns. This helps you identify unexpected increases that might indicate a leak.
Check for Leaks Regularly
A dripping faucet or running toilet might seem minor, but they can waste significant amounts of water over time. A toilet that runs continuously can waste up to 200 gallons per day! That’s about $70 extra on your monthly bill.
Install Water-Efficient Fixtures
Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can reduce your water consumption without sacrificing performance.
Mind Your Outdoor Water Use
Lawn and garden watering can significantly increase your bill. Consider:
- Watering during early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Using mulch in garden beds to retain moisture
- Installing a rain barrel to collect water for gardens
Prepare for Winter
Frozen and burst pipes are a common problem in Lawrence County winters. Protect your plumbing by:
- Insulating pipes in unheated areas
- Sealing cracks and openings where cold air can reach pipes
- Allowing faucets to drip during extreme cold
- Keeping cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
FAQ About Hecla Water Bill Payments
Q: Can I set up automatic payments for my Hecla water bill?
A: Yes! The new Nexbillpay customer portal allows you to enroll in Autopay, which automatically deducts your payment each billing cycle.
Q: What if I think my bill is incorrect?
A: Contact the Hecla Water office at 740-533-0526 during business hours to discuss any billing concerns.
Q: Can I pay for multiple months in advance?
A: Yes, you can pay ahead on your account, which is particularly useful if you plan to be away from home for an extended period.
Q: What happens if I forget to pay my bill?
A: Late fees may apply, and continued non-payment could eventually result in service disconnection. If you’re facing financial difficulties, contact the office to discuss potential payment arrangements.
Q: Can I use credit cards for in-person payments?
A: Yes, Hecla Water accepts major credit cards for in-person payments at their office.
Final Thoughts
Managing your Hecla water bill doesn’t have to be complicated. With the variety of payment options available – especially the convenient new online portal – you can choose the method that works best for your lifestyle.
Remember that Hecla Water Association is committed to providing quality water service to Lawrence County residents. Their staff is always available to answer questions about your bill, water quality, or service issues.
Have you tried their new online payment system yet? What do you think? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Abridgement or Modification of Rules
No promise, agreement or representation of any employee of HWA shall be binding upon HWA except as it shall have been agreed upon in writing, signed and accepted by the officers of HWA.
No modification of rates or any of the Rules and Regulations shall be made by any agent of HWA.
These Rules and Regulations may be modified or amended at any time by HWA and thereupon be binding upon all customers.
In the event a critical resource shortage exists, the HWA board of directors have adopted a water management plan.
Stage 1 – When moderate but limited supplies of water are available, HWA shall call upon the general population to employ prudent restraint in water usage, and to conserve water voluntarily by whatever methods available. At that time, there will be temporary hold on the purchasing of water taps.
Stage 2 – When very limited supplies of water are available, HWA shall order curtailment of less essential usage of water, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: 1.) The watering of any vegetation; trees, grass, plants 2.) The washing of vehicles or any mobile equipment. 3.) The washing of driveways, parking lots, office buildings, or other outdoor surfaces. 4.) The operation of any ornamental structure making a use of water. 5.) The filing of swimming pools/and or wading pools, or the refilling of said pools after the effective date of order. 6.) The use of water from fire hydrants for any purpose other than filling fire trucks. 7.) The serving of drinking water in eating establishments, unless requested by the individual; as well as a freeze on water hook-ups or new water taps sold.
Stage 3 – When critically limited supplies of water are available, HWA shall institute mandatory restrictions on each customer as follows: 1.) Industrial, institutional, commercial, governmental, wholesale and all other non-residential customers shall be allotted a percentage reduction of water based on that customers average monthly consumption. 2.) Individual residential customers shall be limited to a specific amount or percentage of water per billing period. In the event any customer exceeds the maximum allotted monthly water usage, said customer shall be charged and shall pay $10.00 (ten dollars) for every one thousand (1,000) gallon consumed above the allotted amount.
Stage 4 – When only crucial supplies of water are available, HWA, by regulation and order, restrict the use of water to purposes which are absolutely essential to life, health and safety. In the event any customer exceeds the maximum allotted water usage imposed, said customer shall be charged and shall pay $10.00 (ten dollars) for every one thousand (1,000) gallon of water consumed above the allotted amount; and upon conviction of any person in violation, shall upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of not less than $100.00 (one hundred dollars), nor more than $1,000 (one thousand dollars). Each act or each days consumption in violation shall be considered a separate offense. In addition, HWA may suspend water service to any person violating the provisions of this resolution on more than one occasion, regardless of whether such person had been previously convicted of such offense. If such water service is so terminated, no service shall be restored until such time that all fines, fees and penalties imposed under this regulation have been paid in full. Additionally, no service shall be restored until such times that a reconnection fee has been paid in full.
Whenever HWA shall promulgate regulations and issue orders directing restriction or curtailment of the use of water as provided herein or shall seek suspension of water service as a result of a violation, the subject of the order or suspension shall have the right to appeal the decision of HWA. The board may appoint a temporary board of appeals to grant a reasonable opportunity to present, in writing or in person, an argument against such decision.
Meter Reading, Billing, Collections
Meters will be read and bills rendered monthly, but HWA reserves the right to vary the dates or length of period covered, temporarily or permanently if necessary or desirable.
Bills for water will be figured in accordance with the HWAs water rate schedule and will be based on the amount consumed for a period covered by the meter reading, except where a customer orders turn-on, the minimum bill to such period shall be equal to the minimum charge for one full months service.
Charge for service commences when meter is installed, whether used or not.
Reading from different meters will not be combined for billing, irrespective of the fact that said meters may be for the same or different premises, or the same or different customers or for the same or different services.
Bills are mailed the last business day of each month with the payment due by the 15th of the following month. If the 15th falls on the week-end or holiday, payment must be received in the office the last business day prior to the 15th to avoid a 10% penalty on the net bill amount.
All bills not paid on or before the past due date shall be termed delinquent and service on the account may be discontinued without further notice. Notice of this rule is printed on the water bill.
Failure to receive bills or notices shall not prevent such bills from becoming delinquent nor relieve the customer from payment. The water company is not responsible for postal mail delivery.
All delinquent bills shall be held as a lien against the property served.
The Hecla Water Association provides assistance for the high cost of water lost to a leak. Eligible customers are automatically enrolled into the Leak Protection Program. A $2.00 fee will be placed on your monthly bill to reflect coverage. This fee allows you up to $2,500 in coverage for lost water due to an eligible leak. The service can be used one time in a twelve month period. You will only be responsible for your average bill, and in the rare case, any amount over $2,500. This program is not mandatory. To decline coverage, call Hecla ServLine at 1-740-237-3488. Please remember that there is no other leak adjustment policy offered. You will be responsible for all lost water if not enrolled. The program covers an eligible leak for a two month billing cycle. There will be no adjustments for water used for irrigation, pools, or fraud.
Service discontinued for non-payment of bills will be restored only after bills are paid in full, and a service charge paid for each meter reconnected.
HWA reserves the right to discontinue its service without notice for the following additional reasons:
- To prevent fraud or abuse, including two residences on one meter.
- Consumers willful disregard of HWAs rules.
- Emergency repairs.
- Insufficiency of supply due to circumstances beyond HWAs control Legal process.
- Director of public authorities.
- Strike, riot, fire, flood, accident or any unavoidable cause.
Tampering with a meter in any way will result in the meter being pulled from service.
A fee of $100 will be charged to the account. In addition to the fine, any water used will be charged as well as any Hecla Water property. These charges must be paid before service can be restored.
HWA may, in addition to prosecution by law, permanently refuse service to any customer who tampers with a meter or other measuring devices.
All maintenance shall be performed or approved by HWA. Cost of said maintenance shall be billed to the township, or village in which the hydrants are located, unless otherwise approved in writing by the board of directors.
No person shall, except in time of fire, open or connect to any hydrant of HWA, nor draw water therefrom except as approved by HWA.
No person shall obstruct or in any way prevent or interfere with continuous free access to any hydrant except by written permission of HWA.
Any person violating any provision of these Rules and Regulations shall be liable to a fine to be paid upon conviction of such violation, as provided by law.
If a customer believes the bill to be in error, he or she shall present his or her claim, in person or in writing to the office of HWA before the bill becomes delinquent. Such claim if made after the bill has become delinquent shall not be effective in preventing discontinuance of service, as hereto provided. The customer may pay such bill under a protest and said payment shall not prejudice his or her claim.
Upon written request of any customer, the meter serving said customer shall be tested by HWA. Such test will be made without charge to the customer if the meter proves to be greater than 2% fast. Otherwise, a charge will be made if the test indicates meter accuracy within the 2% limit or less. The customer may be required to witness the test. The charge is for residential size meters. Larger meters will be tested on a cost plus basis and charged if the meter proves not to be fast by more than 2%.
HWA will make special meter readings at the request of the customer for a fee, provided, however, that if such special reading discloses that the meter was over-read, no charge will be made.
