Hey there Howard County neighbors! If you’re like me paying your water bill probably isn’t the highlight of your day. But it’s one of those adulting things we all gotta do, right? The good news is that Howard County offers several convenient ways to pay your water and sewer bill. I’ve been a Howard County resident for years, and I’ve tried pretty much every payment method available. Today, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about paying your Howard County water bill.
Understanding Your Howard County Water & Sewer Bill
Before we dive into payment methods, let’s talk about the basics. Howard County issues water and sewer bills on a quarterly basis. That means you’ll get a bill every three months – not monthly like some other utilities. And here’s something super important to remember all property owners are responsible for payment of their water and sewer bills.
Your bill includes
- Water usage charges (based on your metered consumption)
- Water account user charge (based on meter size)
- Sewer account charge (a flat rate)
- State Bay Restoration Fee ($15 per quarter for residential properties)
Even if you don’t use any water during a quarter, you’ll still be charged the account fees. The County doesn’t pro-rate between buyers and sellers or landlords and tenants, so keep that in mind if you’re moving or renting out property.
5 Ways to Pay Your Howard County Water Bill
Howard County gives us several options for paying our water bills. I’ve tried all of them, and each has its own pros and cons. Let me walk you through them:
1. Online Payment Portal (Howard County Utilli)
This is honestly my preferred method. The County has a dedicated online portal called “Howard County Utilli” that lets you view and pay your bills.
How to use it:
- Visit the Howard County Utilli portal
- Register for an account (it only takes a few minutes)
- Pay with credit/debit card
Pros:
- 24/7 access to your account
- View consumption, billing, and payment history
- Download the free mobile app from Apple Store, Google Play, or Windows Phone Store
- Option to enroll in Direct Debit
- Ability to donate to the “H2O Help to Others” program
Cons:
- The County no longer absorbs merchant service fees, so you’ll pay extra when using credit/debit cards
2. Direct Debit (Automatic Payment)
This is perfect if you’re forgetful like me and don’t want to risk late fees.
How to set it up:
- Option 1: Set it up through the Utilli portal (easiest method)
- Option 2: Complete an application form (personal or business), include a voided check, and mail to:
Director of Finance, Direct Debit
PO Box 3367
Ellicott City, MD 21041-3367
Important note: Your account must have a zero balance or credit balance to enroll in Direct Debit.
Pros:
- Never worry about missing a payment
- No need to remember due dates
- No late fees
Cons:
- Less control over exact payment timing
- Need to ensure sufficient funds in your account on due date
3. Telephone Payment (1-800-263-1923)
For those times when the internet is down or you just prefer to pay by phone.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Available anytime
- No computer needed
Cons:
- You’ll still pay those merchant service fees
- No paper receipt (though you can request one be mailed)
4. Mail a Check or Money Order
The old-school way that some of my neighbors still prefer.
How to do it:
- Write check payable to Howard County
- Include your account number on the check
- Mail to the address printed on your bill
Pros:
- No electronic transaction fees
- Familiar method for many people
- Paper trail for your records
Cons:
- Must mail early enough to arrive by due date
- Risk of mail delays
- Cost of postage
5. Pay In Person
If you’re in Ellicott City and want to handle things face-to-face:
Where to go:
Cashier’s Office
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
There’s also a drop box located to the left of the main entrance.
Pro tip: Payments deposited after 8:30 A.M. won’t be collected until the next business day, so plan accordingly!
Pros:
- Get a receipt immediately
- Can ask questions if needed
- No transaction fees for cash/check payments
Cons:
- Limited to office hours
- Have to drive to Ellicott City
- Parking can be a pain sometimes
What Happens If You’re Late Paying Your Water Bill?
We all forget things sometimes, but missing your water bill payment in Howard County can be costly. Here’s what happens:
- Bills give you a 30-day payment period
- If payment isn’t received by the due date, a 10% late fee is assessed on the unpaid balance
- You’ll receive a past due notice
- If you still don’t pay, water service can be discontinued
- Turn-off and turn-on charges will be assessed
- Unpaid charges can be placed in the annual tax sale with an additional administrative fee
Trust me, I learned this the hard way once. That 10% adds up quickly, especially on larger bills!
Help with Your Water Bill
If you’re struggling to pay your water bill, Howard County offers help:
Bay Fee Hardship Exemption
Low-income homeowners can apply for an exemption from the Bay Restoration Fee. There’s even a special application for renters who pay their own water bills.
H2O – Help to Others Program
This program connects residents who need help paying bills with those who want to help. You can donate by:
- Rounding up your payment to the nearest dollar
- Making a one-time donation
- Signing up on the Utilli portal
To receive assistance, Howard County works with Family and Children Services to verify need and distribute funds.
My Tips for Managing Your Water Bill
After years of paying these bills, I’ve picked up a few tips:
-
Set calendar reminders for when bills are typically due (remember, it’s quarterly, not monthly!)
-
Check for leaks regularly – A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons and jack up your bill. Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank and wait 15 minutes without flushing. If color shows up in the bowl, you’ve got a leak!
-
Consider enrolling in Direct Debit – I switched to this after forgetting to pay once and getting hit with that 10% late fee. Never happened again!
-
Use the Utilli app to monitor your usage – It can help you catch unusual consumption patterns that might indicate a leak
-
If your bill seems unusually high, don’t just pay it – call the Water and Sewer Billing Division at 410-313-2058 to investigate
FAQ About Howard County Water Bills
Q: Who should I call with questions about my water bill?
A: Contact the Water and Sewer Billing Division at 410-313-2058.
Q: I’m moving to another home. Do I need to report the change of address?
A: Yes, contact the Water and Sewer Billing Department at 410-313-2058. Water bills are not forwarded with regular mail.
Q: Why is my water bill so high?
A: It could be due to a leak, increased usage, or rate increases. Check for leaks and contact the billing office if you need help.
Q: I have a leak at my property. Will my bill be adjusted?
A: The County may adjust sewer charges for underground leaks. You need to repair the leak first, then send a letter requesting an adjustment along with a copy of the plumbing bill.
Q: I’m filling my pool. How much will my bill be?
A: To estimate the cost, divide the number of gallons by 748 (gallons in one unit of consumption), then multiply by the current water and sewer rates.
Final Thoughts
Paying your Howard County water bill doesn’t have to be complicated. With five different payment methods available, there’s an option that works for everyone’s preferences and needs. I personally recommend setting up automatic payments through the Utilli portal or Direct Debit program – it’s made my life so much easier!
Remember, water bills in Howard County come quarterly, not monthly, so they might be larger than you expect. And don’t forget that these charges constitute a lien on the property, so they’re the property owner’s ultimate responsibility.
Have you found another convenient way to pay your Howard County water bill? Or do you have questions I didn’t answer? Drop me a comment below, and I’d be happy to help!
Useful Contact Information
- Water and Sewer Billing Division: 410-313-2058
- Email: Available through the Howard County website
- Mailing Address for Direct Debit Applications:
Director of Finance, Direct Debit
PO Box 3367
Ellicott City, MD 21041-3367 - In-Person Payments:
Cashier’s Office
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Stay dry, Howard County friends! Unless you’re enjoying our beautiful lakes and rivers, of course!
RED LIGHT TICKET Content
Major credit cards are accepted. There is an added $2 convenience fee to use the online payment service.
The County has ceased absorbing merchant service fees associated with all payments made by credit card or ACH. These fees will now be paid by the customer and will be clearly shown during checkout at the completion of their transaction.
All electronic payments will incur convenience fees: $1.50 for e-check, $3.95 for VISA debit and 2.45% for all other credit & debit cards.
MuniciPay charges a convenience fee of $1.00 for e-check transactions and 2.4% ($2.00 minimum) for all other debit and credit card transactions for payments of Real Property Taxes.
