Where to pay your Asheville water bill

The City of Asheville's Water Resources Department handles residential water billing. You can pay your bill in three ways: online through the city's website, by mail, or in person at the payment office.

The online payment portal is the fastest option. Visit the City of Asheville's website, locate the Water Resources Department section, and look for the online bill payment link. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. Online payments typically process within one business day.

If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address listed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take longer to process — usually five to seven business days — so plan ahead if your bill is due soon.

For in-person payment, visit the Water Resources Department office during business hours. The office is located in downtown Asheville. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as they may change seasonally or due to city holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the City of Asheville's website is the fastest method and processes within one business day.
  • Your account number, printed on your bill, is required for all payment methods.
  • Mailed checks should include your account number and take five to seven business days to process.
  • In-person payments at the Water Resources Department office are available during regular business hours.
  • Late payments may result in a penalty fee and, if unpaid long enough, service disconnection.

Understanding your Asheville water bill

Your water bill shows the amount of water you used, measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF). One HCF equals 748 gallons. The bill lists your meter reading from the current month and the previous month; the difference is what you're charged for.

Asheville's water rates include a base charge (a fixed monthly fee) plus a usage charge that varies with how much water you consume. The more water you use, the higher your per-unit rate becomes — this is called an increasing block rate. The first tier of usage costs less per unit than the second tier, which costs less than the third tier. This structure encourages conservation.

Your bill also lists any taxes, stormwater fees, or other city charges. Stormwater fees are separate from water usage and are based on the amount of impervious surface (roof, driveway, patio) on your property. These fees help fund the city's stormwater management system.

What to do if you can't pay on time

Contact the Water Resources Department as soon as you know you'll miss a payment. The city may offer a payment arrangement that lets you spread the cost over several months instead of paying the full amount at once. Call the department directly to discuss your situation — waiting until after the bill is late makes negotiating harder.

If your account falls 30 days past due, the city may add a late fee. If it remains unpaid for 60 days or longer, the Water Resources Department can shut off your service. Reconnection requires paying the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee.

Some residents may be may be able to access for bill assistance through local nonprofits or community action agencies. These programs are separate from the city and have their own income limits and application processes. The city's website or a call to the Water Resources Department can point you toward current assistance programs in the Asheville area.

How to lower your water bill

The easiest way to lower your bill is to reduce water use, which moves you into a lower rate tier. Fix leaks promptly — a slow drip from a toilet or faucet wastes hundreds of gallons per month. Check your meter reading on your bill each month; if usage spikes without explanation, you may have a hidden leak.

Outdoor watering accounts for much of residential water use. Water your lawn and garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Use a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler, and water less frequently but more deeply to encourage deep root growth.

Indoors, install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, which cost little and reduce water flow without noticeably affecting pressure. Older toilets use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush; newer models use 1.28 gallons. If you have an older toilet, replacing it can cut water use significantly over time.

Reading your bill step by step

Start at the top of your bill, where your account number and service address appear. Below that, you'll see the billing period — the dates covered by this bill. Next is your current meter reading and your previous meter reading. Subtract the previous reading from the current reading to find how many units (HCF) you used.

The charges section breaks down your costs. You'll see a base or customer charge (fixed each month), then usage charges listed by tier. If you used water in the first tier only, you'll see one line item. If you used enough to enter the second or third tier, you'll see separate line items for each. Multiply the units in each tier by the rate for that tier to understand where your cost comes from.

Below usage charges, look for stormwater fees, taxes, and any other city charges. At the bottom, you'll see the total amount due and the due date. Some bills also show a payment history or account balance from the previous month.

Setting up automatic payments

The City of Asheville's online payment portal allows you to set up automatic monthly payments. This prevents missed payments and late fees. You can choose to pay the full bill amount automatically each month, or you can pay a fixed amount if you prefer to manage the balance yourself.

To set up automatic payments, log into the online portal with your account number and follow the prompts to enroll. You'll need a checking account or debit card. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal.

Automatic payments are deducted a few days before your due date, giving you time to stop the payment if needed. If you move or close your account, remember to cancel automatic payments so you don't get charged after you've left.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I think my water bill is too high?

Check your meter reading against the one on your bill. If the reading seems wrong, contact the Water Resources Department to request a meter check. If you used significantly more water than usual, look for leaks — check your toilet for running water and inspect pipes under sinks and in the basement. A sudden spike often points to a leak rather than a billing error.

Can I get a copy of my bill if I lost it?

Yes. Call the Water Resources Department or visit their office to request a copy. You can also view your billing history online if you've set up an account on the city's payment portal. Most recent bills are available immediately; older bills may take a few business days to retrieve.

What happens if I move out of Asheville?

Contact the Water Resources Department at least two weeks before you move to request a final meter reading. You'll receive a final bill for the water you used up to your move-out date. If you've overpaid, the city will refund the difference; if you owe more, you'll receive an invoice.

Is there a discount for seniors or low-income residents?

The City of Asheville does not offer a rate discount based on age or income, but local nonprofits and community action agencies sometimes run bill assistance programs. Contact the Water Resources Department or search for "utility assistance Asheville NC" to find current programs in your area.

What if my water service is shut off?

You must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Contact the Water Resources Department immediately to arrange payment. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment. If you're unable to pay the full amount, ask about payment arrangements before service is shut off — it's easier to negotiate before disconnection than after.