In the next week, property owners will receive a notice in the mail announcing the return of our previous water and sewer invoicing company, Pennichuck. The laws of procurement dictated that the city contract with Diversified Technology as the lowest responsible bidder. The same laws allowed us to terminate the contract and employ Pennichuck on an interim basis as the city prepares a new Request for Proposal (RFP) in the coming weeks.
The payment portal on the city website will be live online, March 3, 2025. Rates for your services will remain the same, and your account number will remain the same.
The previous billing company, Diversified Technology, will continue to receive checks until February 27, 2025. After February 27, 2025, mailed payments will need to be sent to Pennichuck at a new address:
The City of Amesbury operates a Water Enterprise Fund and a Sewer Enterprise Fund. Due to the rising costs of materials and equipment maintenance, the Water Fund’s retained earnings balance has been almost completely depleted and is being used to run the operation. After operating in these circumstances for more than 8 years, a thorough water rate study and subsequent action was necessary to ensure that water revenues will cover water expenses and build back up our water retained earnings. Future rate action will be necessary to ensure balanced budgets moving forward, in addition to funding much needed and anticipated capital expenses.
Additionally, the city must meet current state and federal requirements associated with the operations of our municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). Municipalities have grappled with these standards as compliance tightens. Amesbury has improved preventative measures including street sweeping and catch basin cleaning. However, to achieve and maintain compliance there is more work to do. To do this work, additional funds are required, and the city is seeking to implement a stormwater fee.
Hey there! If you’re like me, juggling multiple bills each month can be a real headache. Today, I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know about paying your Pennichuck Water bill. Whether you’re a new customer in Nashua or one of the 110,000 residents in southern New Hampshire served by Pennichuck, this guide will make your life easier!
Who is Pennichuck Water, Anyway?
Before we dive into payment options, let’s take a quick second to understand who’s sending you that water bill.
Pennichuck Water Works, Inc (PWW) has been around since 1852 (wow, that’s old!) and is now owned by the City of Nashua as the sole shareholder They provide water to approximately 110,000 folks living in Nashua, Merrimack, and 10 other surrounding municipalities in southern New Hampshire.
The water comes from surface water sources including a series of two chain ponds (Supply Pond and Harris Pond) connected by the Pennichuck Brook and the Merrimack River And good news – they’ve earned an “A” rating for water quality from WaterZen, particularly for their excellent lead levels!
Quick Payment Options for Your Pennichuck Water Bill
Let me cut to the chase – here’s how you can pay your bill:
- Online Payment – The most convenient option
- Phone Payment – Call customer service
- Mail – The traditional way
- In-Person – Visit their office
Now let’s break these down with more details!
Online Payment: The Easiest Way to Pay
Pennichuck makes it pretty simple to pay online. You’ve got several options:
If You Already Have an Account
If you’ve already set up an account with Pennichuck Water, just:
- Visit their website at pennichuck.com/pay-online
- Click on the link for “All other New Hampshire Customers” (unless you live in one of the specific towns listed)
- Login with your username and password
- Follow the prompts to make your payment
They accept credit cards, debit cards, and direct deposit/bank transfers.
Creating a New Account
Don’t have an account yet? No problem! Here’s what to do:
- Go to the Pennichuck website
- Look for the option to create a new account
- You’ll need to provide some basic information including your account number (found on your bill)
- Once your account is created, you can set up your preferred payment method
Having an account is great because you can:
- View your billing history
- Track your water usage
- Sign up for automatic payments
- Switch to paperless billing (Go green!)
One-Time Payments Without an Account
In a hurry or don’t wanna create an account? Pennichuck’s got you covered:
- Visit their website
- Find the one-time payment option
- Have your bill handy as you’ll need your account number
- Enter your payment information
- Confirm and you’re done!
Customer Service Hours and Contact Info
If you’re having trouble with online payments or just prefer talking to a real human (I get it!), here’s their customer service info:
Phone: (800) 553-5191
Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:30am – 7:00pm
Friday 7:30am – 5:00pm
Emergency contact: Available 24/7
Physical Address:
25 Walnut Street
PO Box 428
Nashua, NH 03061-0428
Mailing Address for Bills:
PO Box 1947
Nashua City, New Hampshire 03054
Email: [email protected]
Starting or Stopping Your Water Service
New to the Area?
If you’ve just moved to Nashua or another area served by Pennichuck, you’ll need to set up your water service. Even though your new home probably already has running water, you still need to transfer the account to your name.
The good news is, Pennichuck has made this pretty simple with an online form. Starting service usually takes just two business days. Visit their website and look for the “Start Service Form.”
Moving Out?
Don’t forget to stop your water service when you move! Otherwise, you’ll keep getting billed for the next tenant’s water usage (and nobody wants that!). Just like starting service, you can fill out an online “Stop Service Form.” This typically takes about two business days to process.
What’s the Watertight Protection Plan?
I noticed Pennichuck offers something called the “Watertight Protection Plan” which they claim “could save you thousands of dollars!” While I don’t have all the details, this appears to be some kind of service line protection program. If you’re a homeowner, you might want to ask about this when setting up your account.
Why Switch to E-Bill?
Pennichuck encourages customers to “Go Green” by switching to E-Bill (paperless billing). This is not only better for the environment but can also make your life easier by:
- Reducing paper clutter
- Making it easier to track bills
- Providing faster delivery of your bill
- Allowing easier payment directly from your email
Additional Services Worth Knowing About
Beyond just providing water and sending bills, Pennichuck offers:
- Water Quality Reports – They publish Consumer Confidence Water Quality Reports annually
- Conservation Resources – Tips for saving water (and money on your bill!)
- Source Water Protection – Programs to protect the water sources
- Watertight Protection Plan – As mentioned above
- Cross Connection Program – Ensuring safe water delivery
Avoid Late Fees and Service Disruptions
While I couldn’t find specific information about Pennichuck’s late fee policies, most water utilities charge penalties for overdue payments and may eventually disconnect service. To avoid this:
- Set up automatic payments
- Mark bill due dates on your calendar
- Sign up for email or text reminders if available
- Contact customer service BEFORE your bill is due if you’re having trouble paying
Understanding Your Water Bill
Water bills can sometimes be confusing. Here are the key components you’ll likely see:
- Base service charge – This is the fixed amount you pay regardless of water usage
- Usage charges – Based on how much water you use (measured in gallons)
- QCPAC charges – Qualified Capital Project Adjustment Charges (these help fund infrastructure improvements)
- Previous balance – Any unpaid amounts from previous bills
- Due date – When payment must be received
Water Conservation = Lower Bills
Want to reduce your Pennichuck water bill? Try these simple conservation tips:
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets (a dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons per day!)
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
- Only run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine
- Water your lawn in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Consider installing water-efficient appliances
Pennichuck even offers a “Water Calculator” on their website to help you understand your usage.
Customer Experiences with Pennichuck
In my research, I found that Pennichuck has generally positive reviews for their water quality. They received the “best-possible grade” from WaterZen for their lead levels, which is definitely reassuring!
The utility has been serving the area since 1852, so they’ve had plenty of time to get things right. Being owned by the City of Nashua likely helps ensure accountability to the public.
Final Thoughts
Managing your Pennichuck water bill doesn’t have to be complicated. With multiple payment options, online account management, and responsive customer service, you’ve got everything you need to stay on top of your water bills.
I personally recommend setting up an online account and enrolling in autopay – it’s one less thing to worry about each month! And while you’re at it, consider switching to paperless billing to reduce clutter and help the environment.
Have you had experiences with Pennichuck Water that you’d like to share? Or do you have questions about your water service? Drop me a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help!
Remember, staying hydrated is important, but so is keeping your water bill current!
Water and Sewer Rate Study
Online payment information will always be shown on your bill. A service fee will apply.
Credit Card Payment
ACH Payment
You can pay by providing your banking information (account number and routing number). There is a $.50 processing charge.
If you experience any difficulties, please contact online support at (800) 553-5191, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM until 7:00 PM EST and Friday from 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM EST. Please have your utility account number ready when calling.
The previous billing company, Diversified , will accept checks up until 2/27/2025. After 2/27/2025, all mailed payments will need to be sent to Pennichuck at a new address:
City of Amesbury c/o Pennichuck PO Box 310 Nashua, NH 03060-0310
A pre-addressed remittance envelope will come with your bill. Your payments will remain payable to “The City of Amesbury”.
Paying by Electronic Check or Bank Payment
If you currently pay through your own bank with electronic checks/payments, you will need to update the account information (payee, address, account number).
Customer service questions related to final meter reads, online payments, and accounts, can be directed to [email protected] or by calling (800) 553-5191.
Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM until 7:00 PM EST and Friday from 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM EST. Please have your utility account number ready when calling.
How Do I Pay My Water Bill in Grand Rapids? – Service Spotlight
FAQ
How can I view my Pennichuck water bill?
Pennichuck offers electronic bill presentation. If you switch to E-Bill, an email will be sent to you stating that your bill is ready for viewing. Simply click on the link and enter a username and password to view your water bill. Please call customer service at 800-553-5191 with any questions or concerns.
How do I create a Pennichuck water account?
If you already have an account, you just need to login to the Pennichuck Water site. Pennichuck Water accepts credit cards, debit, and direct deposit. Click here to login. Want to create a new account? You can create a new account on the Pennichuck Water website.
How do I contact Pennichuck water?
(800) 553-5191 [email protected] 603-913-2362 For updates, tips, and other news, follow us on our Pennichuck Water Facebook page. This Important Plan Could Save You Thousands of Dollars! Looking for a career in the water industry? Follow us on Pennichuck Water LinkedIn.
Does Pennichuck water works have a water quality report?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA requires Pennichuck Water Works to assess local water quality each year and distribute a Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report. At WaterZen, we review these reports and make the information available, in a concise, straightforward, and easy-to-understand way.
What happens if I don’t pay my water bill?
Please note: If you do not pay your bill by the due date, you will receive a Disconnect Notice. Please call us if you are unable to pay your bill by the due date. If we do not hear from you by the date of disconnection, your water service will be disconnected. To reconnect service, you must pay your bill and a service charge.
