CCMUA bill pay basics

The Middlesex County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA) serves water and wastewater customers across central New Jersey. You can pay your CCMUA bill through their official website, by mail, in person, or by phone — each method has different timing and fees.

CCMUA does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through their website. If you use a third-party payment processor or pay by phone with a credit card, you will pay a convenience fee that varies by processor. Mail and in-person payments have no fees.

Your bill shows the amount due, the due date, and all the payment methods available to you. The due date is typically 20 days from the bill date. If you pay after the due date, CCMUA adds a late charge to your next bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payments through CCMUA's website cost nothing and post within one to two business days.
  • Mail payments should be sent at least one week before the due date to arrive on time, and checks are the safest method.
  • Phone payments and third-party processors charge convenience fees ranging from 1 to 3 percent of your bill amount.
  • If you miss a payment, CCMUA will add a late charge and may eventually shut off service, so contact them immediately if you cannot pay on time.

Paying online through CCMUA's website

Go to the CCMUA website and look for the "Pay Your Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" link on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill in the upper right corner. Create a login if you do not already have one, or sign in with your existing account.

Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment date. CCMUA processes online payments submitted before 5 p.m. on business days the same day; payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. The funds typically reach CCMUA within one to two business days after you submit.

Keep the confirmation number CCMUA gives you after you pay. Write it down or take a screenshot. If there is ever a question about whether your payment arrived, you will need this number to prove you sent it.

Paying by mail or in person

If you pay by mail, write your account number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. CCMUA's mailing address changes depending on which service area you are in, so always use the address printed on your bill, not a general office address.

Mail your payment at least one week before the due date. The postal service can take three to five days, and CCMUA may take another day or two to process the check once it arrives. If you mail a payment too close to the due date, it may not post in time, and you will be charged a late fee even though you sent it on time.

Some CCMUA service areas have drop boxes or payment windows at local offices. Call CCMUA customer service at 732-638-6500 to learn about there is a location near you where you can pay in person. In-person payments post immediately and cost nothing.

Paying by phone or automatic bank draft

You can pay by phone by calling CCMUA at 732-638-6500 and speaking to a representative. Phone payments require a credit or debit card and carry a convenience fee. The fee amount depends on which payment processor CCMUA uses that day, but it is typically 1 to 3 percent of your bill.

Set up automatic payments through your own bank's bill pay system instead of calling CCMUA. Most banks offer free bill pay to any address, including CCMUA. You control the amount and the date each month, and there are no fees. Log into your bank's website, select "Add a Payee," and enter CCMUA's mailing address from your bill.

Automatic bank draft directly from your CCMUA account is also available. Contact CCMUA to set this up. The authority withdraws the full bill amount on a date you choose, usually around the due date. This method is free and guarantees your payment arrives on time.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

Contact CCMUA as soon as you know you cannot pay by the due date. Call 732-638-6500 and ask about payment arrangements or hardship programs. CCMUA may allow you to split your bill into smaller payments over several months, though this varies by situation.

If your bill goes unpaid for 30 days past the due date, CCMUA will send a notice of intent to shut off service. You have a short window — usually 10 days — to pay or contact them to work out a plan. If service is shut off, you will owe a reconnection fee in addition to the unpaid bill.

Some New Jersey counties and municipalities offer water bill assistance programs for households with low income or facing hardship. Contact your local municipal office or call 211 New Jersey to learn whether your area has a program and what the requirements are.

Reading your CCMUA bill

Your CCMUA bill shows your account number, service address, the billing period, and the amount of water and wastewater you used. The bill breaks down the charge into a base service charge (which you pay whether you use water or not) and a usage charge (based on the gallons you consumed).

The due date is clearly marked. Any balance you owe from a previous bill appears as "Previous Balance." If you paid late in the past, a late charge may appear on your current bill. The "Amount Due" line is the total you need to pay to bring your account current.

If your bill seems unusually high, check whether you have a leak. A sudden spike in usage often means water is escaping somewhere in your home — under the sink, in the toilet tank, or in an underground line. Fix leaks quickly; they can add hundreds of dollars to your bill in a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my CCMUA account number?

Your account number is printed on your bill in the upper right corner, usually near your name and address. It is also called your "Service Account Number" or "Account ID." If you cannot find your bill, call CCMUA at 732-638-6500 with your service address and they will give you the number.

Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to remember to pay each month?

Yes. Use your bank's bill pay system to send a payment to CCMUA's mailing address each month, or contact CCMUA directly to set up automatic bank draft from your checking account. Both methods are free and ensure your payment arrives on time every month.

What happens if I pay my bill late?

CCMUA adds a late charge to your next bill. If your account stays unpaid for 30 days past the due date, CCMUA sends a notice of intent to shut off service. You have about 10 days to pay or arrange a payment plan before service is disconnected. Reconnection requires an additional fee.

Is there a fee for paying online through CCMUA's website?

No. Payments made directly through CCMUA's official website are free. If you use a third-party payment processor or pay by phone with a credit card, you will pay a convenience fee of 1 to 3 percent of your bill amount.

How long does it take for my online payment to show up on my account?

Payments submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. The funds typically reach CCMUA's account within one to two business days after you submit your payment online.