Where to pay your Gwinnett County water bill

Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources handles water billing for most of unincorporated Gwinnett County. You can pay your bill online through their official website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their payment centers. The online portal is the fastest route — you can set it up in minutes and pay immediately without waiting for a check to arrive.

If you live in a city within Gwinnett County (such as Alpharetta, Marietta, or Dunwoody), your water bill comes from that city's utility department, not the county. Check your bill to see which entity issued it. City utilities have their own payment systems and deadlines, so paying through the county system will not work for a city bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Gwinnett County water bills can be paid online, by phone at 770-904-7880, by mail to the address on your bill, or at payment centers in Lawrenceville and Suwanee.
  • Online payment through the county website is the fastest option and lets you see your balance and payment history immediately.
  • If you live within a city, your water bill is issued by that city, not the county, and you must use that city's payment system.
  • Late payments trigger a reconnection fee and possible service interruption, so paying by the due date shown on your bill matters.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments to avoid missing a due date.

Paying online through Gwinnett County

The county's online payment system is called eServices. Go to the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources website and look for the "Pay Your Bill" or "eServices" link. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and the amount you want to pay. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, though credit and debit card payments include a processing fee of around 2.5 percent.

Bank transfers (ACH payments) have no fee and take one to two business days to process. If you pay by card and need the payment to post immediately, it will show in the system right away, but the county may take a few days to record it on your account. Check your account balance online after paying to confirm the payment went through.

You can also set up automatic payments through eServices so your bill is paid on the same day each month. This prevents late fees if you forget the due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through the same portal.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources at 770-904-7880 during business hours (usually Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Have your account number and payment amount ready. Phone payments are processed the same day you call, but like online card payments, they include a processing fee.

Mailing a check takes longer — the county must receive and process it, which typically adds five to seven business days. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address printed on your bill. If your due date is coming up soon, mailing is risky because the payment may not arrive in time to avoid a late fee.

In-person payment locations

Gwinnett County operates two payment centers where you can pay in cash, check, or card without a processing fee. The main office is in Lawrenceville, and there is a second location in Suwanee. Hours vary by location, so check the county website before you go. Paying in person with cash or check avoids the online processing fee, which can add up if you pay monthly.

If you are unable to visit during regular hours, the online system and phone line are available as alternatives. Some payment centers may have extended hours during certain times of the year, so it is worth checking the county's website for current schedules.

Understanding your due date and late fees

Your water bill shows a due date — typically 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If you do not pay by that date, the county charges a late fee (usually a percentage of your bill) and may add a reconnection fee if service is shut off. The exact amounts vary, so check your bill or call the county for current late fee amounts.

If your service is disconnected for non-payment, you must pay the full past-due amount plus the reconnection fee to restore water. Reconnection can take one to three business days. Paying on time is much cheaper than dealing with disconnection and reconnection fees.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

If you are facing a hardship and cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources before the due date passes. The county may offer a payment plan that lets you split the bill into smaller amounts over several months. Payment plans are not may provide, but asking early gives you the best chance of working something out before late fees and disconnection happen.

Some counties and cities in Georgia also have emergency assistance programs for households struggling with utility bills, though these vary by location. The 211 Georgia helpline (dial 211 or visit 211georgia.org) can tell you whether your area has such a program and how to contact it. These programs are separate from the county billing system and require a separate request.

Checking your account and bill history

Log into eServices to see your current balance, past bills, and payment history. This is useful if you want to confirm a payment posted or check how much you owe before paying. You can also download past bills from the portal if you need them for records or to dispute a charge.

If you notice an error on your bill — such as an unusually high water usage or a charge you do not recognize — contact the county's customer service line at 770-904-7880. They can review your account and explain the charge. Do not ignore a bill you think is wrong; call and ask about it before the due date so you have time to resolve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I live in a city within Gwinnett County?

Cities like Alpharetta, Marietta, and Dunwoody operate their own water utilities separate from the county. Your bill will show which entity issued it. You must pay through that city's system, not through Gwinnett County. Check your bill for the city's payment website or phone number.

Can I pay my bill with a credit card without a fee?

No. Credit and debit card payments through the county system include a processing fee of around 2.5 percent. Bank transfers (ACH) have no fee but take one to two business days. Paying in person with cash or check at a payment center also avoids the fee.

What happens if my water service is disconnected?

You must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection typically takes one to three business days. Contact the county immediately if your service is shut off to find out the exact amount owed and the timeline for restoration.

Can I set up automatic payments so I do not miss the due date?

Yes. Through eServices, you can set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account. The payment will be deducted on the same day each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through the portal.

Where do I find my account number?

Your account number is printed on your water bill, usually near the top or in a box labeled "Account Number" or "Service Address." You will need this number to pay online, by phone, or to check your balance.