Note: Payment methods vary depending on the wastewater system that your neighborhood is serviced by. Please see below for details.
Are you tired of standing in long lines just to pay your Shelby County water bill? Maybe you’ve been hit with late fees because you forgot the due date? I’ve been there too! As a resident who’s dealt with the occasional water bill headache, I wanted to create this comprehensive guide to help fellow Shelby County residents navigate their water bill payments with ease
Understanding Your Shelby County Water Services
Shelby County Water Services provides water to thousands of residents across the county. They’ve been working hard to make bill payment more convenient, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic limited in-person contact. The good news is that they now offer multiple ways to pay your bill – some you might not even know about!
What You Need Before Making a Payment
Before attempting to pay your bill, make sure you have these handy:
- Your Customer Number
- Your PIN number
Can’t find these? Don’t worry! Both your customer number and PIN are printed directly on your utility bill This information is crucial for accessing your account online or paying by phone
Easy Ways to Pay Your Shelby County Water Bill
Let’s explore all the different methods you can use to pay your water bill:
1. Online Payment Through the Customer Portal
The most convenient method is using the online customer portal at https://shelbyal.payub.com/.
Here’s what you can do on the portal:
- Make real-time payments that post immediately to your account
- View detailed billing history
- Check usage information and graphs
- Manage multiple accounts under one login
To use the portal, you’ll need:
- Your customer number
- Your PIN (for first-time registration)
- An email address (to create your account)
The online system is super user-friendly and saves tons of time compared to mailing checks or driving to an office.
2. Quick Pay Option (No Login Required)
In a hurry? Don’t want to create an account? No problem!
Shelby County Water Services offers a “Quick Pay” option on their website. This feature allows you to make a one-time payment without creating a login. You’ll still need your customer number and PIN, but it’s perfect for those occasional payments.
3. Pay by Phone
Sometimes websites can be frustrating, I get it! If you prefer speaking with a real person or using an automated system, you can pay by phone.
Call the payment line at 866-419-2896. Make sure you have your customer and PIN number ready before calling. The automated system will guide you through the payment process.
4. In-Person Payment
If you’re old-school like my grandpa and prefer handling transactions face-to-face, you can visit the Customer Service Office located at:
19220 Highway 280, Suite 101
Birmingham, AL 35242-6755
Their office hours are:
- Monday through Friday
- 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Closed on County Holidays
Just remember, due to COVID-19, in-person contact might still be limited, so calling ahead is a good idea.
Setting Up Auto Pay – Never Miss a Payment Again!
One of my favorite features is the Auto Pay option. I set this up last year and haven’t worried about missing a payment since! Through the online portal, you can:
- Schedule automatic payments
- Choose your preferred payment date
- Select your payment method
- Receive email confirmations when payments process
This feature is perfect for busy professionals, frequent travelers, or anyone who simply has too much on their plate to remember another bill due date.
Managing Multiple Accounts
Do you own several properties in Shelby County? Or maybe you’re helping elderly parents with their bills? The customer portal makes it easy to manage multiple water accounts under a single login.
This feature saves tremendous time since you won’t need to log in and out of different accounts. Everything is accessible from one dashboard!
What If I Have Questions or Problems?
Shelby County Water Services offers excellent customer support. If you encounter any issues with your bill or the payment process, you have several contact options:
- Customer Service Office: (205) 678-2818
- Administration/Engineering: (205) 670-6540
- After-Hours Emergencies: (205) 678-2818
- Fax: (205) 670-6825
- Email: Through the “Email Water Services” link on their website
The customer service team is usually very helpful and responsive. I had an issue with my bill last summer and they resolved it within one phone call.
SCAM ALERT – Protect Yourself!
This is super important! The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has reported scammers in the area who impersonate Shelby County Water Services Department. These scammers demand credit card payments for supposedly overdue water bills.
Always verify your account status with the local office or by calling the official number before providing payment information over the phone to anyone claiming to represent the water department.
Additional Services Available Online
Beyond just bill payment, the Shelby County Water Services website offers several other useful services:
- Start New Water Service
- End Existing Service
- Submit Leak Inquiries
- Email Billing Option
- View Water Quality Reports
- Access Rates & Fees Information
Practical Tips for Managing Your Water Bill
Here are some practical tips I’ve learned that might help you too:
1. Sign Up for Email Billing
Save paper and receive your bill faster by signing up for email billing. This ensures you never miss a bill due to mail delays.
2. Check for Leaks Regularly
A hidden leak can dramatically increase your water bill. The water services department can help investigate unusual increases in usage.
3. Know the Holiday Closures
The Customer Service Office closes for county holidays. Plan ahead if a payment is due around a holiday.
4. Keep Your Account Information Updated
Make sure your contact information is current, especially if you’ve recently moved or changed phone numbers.
Understanding Your Water Bill
Your Shelby County water bill contains important information beyond just the amount due:
- Account summary
- Usage history (often with graphs on the online portal)
- Due date
- Payment options
- Customer number and PIN
Taking a few minutes to review your bill each month can help you catch unusual patterns in water usage that might indicate leaks or other issues.
Resources for Shelby County Residents
Shelby County Water Services maintains partnerships with several organizations that might be helpful:
- Alabama 811 – Call before digging (It’s the LAW!)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Before You Dig – An Important Reminder
This might not seem directly related to bill payment, but it’s worth mentioning: Always call Alabama 811 at the telephone number 811 before digging on your property. This is actually required by law and could prevent damaging water mains or other utility lines that serve you and your neighbors!
Summary: The Easiest Way to Pay Your Bill
If I had to recommend the absolute easiest method for paying your Shelby County water bill, I’d suggest:
- Create an account on the customer portal (https://shelbyal.payub.com/)
- Set up auto-payments with your preferred payment method
- Sign up for email billing notifications
This three-step approach essentially puts your water bill on autopilot, ensuring you never miss a payment while still keeping you informed about your usage and charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I forgot my PIN?
A: Look for it on your printed bill or contact customer service at (205) 678-2818.
Q: Can I pay with a credit card?
A: Yes, credit card payments are accepted online, by phone, and in person.
Q: Is there a fee for online payments?
A: There may be convenience fees for certain payment methods. These will be disclosed before you complete your transaction.
Q: What if my bill seems unusually high?
A: First, check for leaks. Then contact the Leak Inquiry service through the water services website.
Q: Can I set up a payment plan if I’m struggling financially?
A: Contact customer service to discuss payment options if you’re experiencing financial hardship.
Remember, staying on top of your utility bills not only helps you avoid late fees but also contributes to the overall health of our community’s water infrastructure. And that’s something we can all feel good about!
Pay My Bill Online
Online Bill Payment is available for residents of Brookwood Utility, Morris Utility, North Shelby Utility, Shelby Ridge Utility, and Weatherly Utility Systems.
Visit our Self Service Portal to pay your bill with Visa or MasterCard debit/credit cards or electronic checks, set up auto pay, and view payment information including total amount due, due date, and last payment amount and date.
Customers of Brookwood Utility, Morris Utility, North Sheby Utility, Weatherly Utility
Please make your check payable to Alabama Water Utilities, and mail your check with payment stub to:
Alabama Water Utilities 2086 A Valleydale Terrace Birmingham, AL 35244
Customers of Riverview Utility
Please mail your check with payment stub to:
Birmingham Water Works PO Box 830269 Birmingham, AL 35283-0269
Customers of Shelby Ridge Utility Systems
Please make your check payable to Shelby Ridge Utility Systems, LLC, and mail your check with payment stub to:
Shelby Ridge Utility Systems, LLC 2086 A Valleydale Terrace Birmingham, AL 35244
Toll-free 866-654-SWWC (866-654-7992)Call us 24/7 for quick, secure and automated self-service via interactive-voice-response technology (IVR).
- Check your account balance
- Get last payment information
- Pay using credit or debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo
- Set up recurring payments on your credit/debit card
Payments will be posted to your account within one hour.
Customers of Brookwood Utility, Morris Utility, North Shelby Utility, Shelby Ridge Utility, Weatherly Utility Systems
Pay your bill in person in our office located at 2086 A Valleydale Terrace, Birmingham AL 35244. Our business hours, excluding most nationally recognized holidays, are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Customers of Riverview Utility
You can pay your bill at at the Birmingham Water Works Board office at 3600 1st Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35222 (see a map). Business hours for this location are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST). Please note the office is closed on most nationally recognized holidays.
Pay With Automatic Bank Draft (ACH)
Brookwood Utility, Morris Utility, North Shelby Utility, Shelby Ridge Utility, Weatherly Utility Systems Customers
Have your bill payment deducted automatically from your checking account. This is a free service that saves your time (no more writing checks and stuffing envelopes) and money (no more stamps). Your payment will always be on time and, because it’s made electronically, it’s fast and secure!
You can get started today by accessing your account through our customer portal.
Riverview Utility Customers
Riverview Utility Customers: Please visit the Birmingham Water Works Board’s website for available payment options.
