Where to send your Montgomery County water payment

Montgomery's water service is run by the City of Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board. You can pay your bill in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at their office.

The mailing address for payments is Montgomery Water Works, P.O. Box 1111, Montgomery, AL 36102. If you pay by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach them and post to your account. Payments made close to your due date may result in a late fee if they do not arrive in time.

To pay online or find the office location for in-person payment, visit the City of Montgomery's official water website. The online portal lets you pay immediately with a bank account or debit card, and you will see your payment post within one to two business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Montgomery water bills are issued by the City of Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person.
  • Online payment is the fastest method and shows your payment posted within one to two business days, while mail payments take at least 10 business days.
  • Your bill includes water service, sewer service, and sometimes stormwater fees, each shown as a separate line item.
  • If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact the Water Works office to ask about payment plans or hardship programs before you fall behind.
  • Late fees are added if payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, so plan ahead if you mail your check.

What appears on your Montgomery water bill

Your bill shows three main charges: water service, sewer service, and stormwater fees. The water and sewer charges are based on how much water you used that month, measured in gallons. Stormwater is a flat fee that does not change based on usage.

The bill also lists your account number, the meter reading from the current month and the previous month, and the number of days in the billing period. Use your account number when you pay online or call with questions. The meter reading tells you how much water flowed through your meter; the difference between this month's reading and last month's reading is what you are charged for.

Look for the due date printed on the front of your bill. This is the date by which the Water Works must receive your payment to avoid a late fee. Some bills also show a grace period of a few days after the due date, but do not rely on this—pay by the due date to be safe.

Setting up automatic payments or a payment plan

If you want your bill paid the same way every month without having to remember, you can set up automatic payments through the online portal. You choose the date each month when the payment will be withdrawn from your bank account, and the Water Works will deduct the amount due automatically.

If you are struggling to pay your bill in full, call the Water Works office before your bill becomes overdue. They can discuss a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months. Payment plans are more likely to be offered if you contact them before you miss a payment, not after.

The Water Works also has a Customer Assistance Program for households with low income. This program may reduce your bill or help you catch up on arrears. You will need to provide proof of income and household size. Contact the office directly to learn whether you might be included and what documents you need to provide.

Understanding late fees and service disconnection

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, the Water Works will add a late fee to your account. The amount of the fee varies, so check your bill or call the office to find out the exact amount. Late fees are separate from the bill itself and must be paid in addition to your regular charges.

If your account remains unpaid for a certain number of days past the due date, the Water Works may send you a disconnection notice. This notice tells you how many days you have to pay before your water service is shut off. The exact timeline depends on the Water Works' policy, but typically you have 10 to 30 days after receiving the notice.

If your service is disconnected, you will have to pay a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance and late fees. This fee can be substantial. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact the Water Works immediately to discuss your options, even if you cannot pay the full amount right away.

Reading your meter and checking for leaks

Your water meter is usually located outside your home near the street, in a box in the ground, or on the side of your house. The meter shows how many gallons of water have passed through it since it was installed. Your bill is based on the difference between the reading this month and last month.

If your bill seems unusually high, check for a leak. Turn off all water inside and outside your home, then look at your meter. If the meter is still moving or the numbers are still changing, you likely have a leak. Leaks can happen in pipes underground, under your house, or in toilets and faucets that run slowly and are hard to notice.

A leak that goes undetected for a month can add hundreds of dollars to your bill. If you find a leak and repair it quickly, contact the Water Works to ask about a one-time adjustment for the excess water. Some utilities will reduce a bill if the leak was recent and you can show proof of repair.

Disputing a charge or reporting a problem

If you believe your bill is wrong, do not ignore it. Contact the Water Works office with your account number and explain what you think is incorrect. They can review your meter readings and usage history to see whether an error occurred.

Common reasons for disputes are a meter malfunction, a sudden spike in usage from a leak you did not know about, or a billing error. The Water Works will investigate and may adjust your bill if they find a mistake. This process usually takes a few weeks.

If you have a problem with your water service itself—low pressure, discolored water, or no water at all—report it to the Water Works right away. These issues may be temporary and affect your whole neighborhood, or they may be specific to your home. Either way, the Water Works needs to know so they can investigate and fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?

Call the Water Works office before your bill is due or as soon as you know you will be late. They can set up a payment plan or discuss the Customer Assistance Program if you have low income. Contacting them early is much better than waiting until your service is about to be disconnected.

How do I know if my meter is broken?

If your bill jumps suddenly without any change in your household's water use, or if you find a leak and fix it but your next bill is still high, your meter may be faulty. Contact the Water Works and ask them to test your meter. They can compare your meter reading to your actual usage and determine whether it is accurate.

Can I get a one-time bill reduction if I had a leak?

Some water utilities offer adjustments for leaks, but policies vary. Contact the Water Works with proof that you repaired the leak—a receipt from a plumber or a photo of the repair. They will review your request, but there is no may provide they will adjust your bill. It is worth asking, especially if the leak was recent.

What happens if my water service is disconnected?

You will need to pay your full unpaid balance, all late fees, and a reconnection fee before your water is turned back on. The reconnection fee can be $100 or more. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact the Water Works immediately to avoid this cost.

How do I update my mailing address or contact information?

Log into your account on the Water Works online portal and update your information there, or call the office directly with your account number. Make sure your address is current so you do not miss a bill or a disconnection notice.