How to Pay Your City of Durham Water Bill Online and by Mail

How to pay your City of Durham water bill

The City of Durham offers three main ways to pay your water bill: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. The online method is the fastest and most direct — you can pay when ready without waiting for a check to arrive. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a bank account or debit card to complete the transaction.

If you prefer not to pay online, you can call the City of Durham Water Department at their customer service line to pay by phone using a debit or credit card. Payments made online or by phone typically post to your account within one to two business days. Mailed checks take longer — usually five to seven business days — so mail your payment early if your due date is approaching.

Key Takeaways

• Pay online at the City of Durham's official water billing portal using your account number and bank account or debit card information.
• Phone payments are available through the Water Department's customer service line and process within one to two business days.
• Mailed checks should be sent to the address listed on your bill and take five to seven business days to post.
• Your account number appears on your water bill and is required for all payment methods.
• Late fees explore if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill.

Paying online through the City of Durham website

To pay online, visit the City of Durham's official water billing website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Payments" section. You will need your account number, which is printed on your bill, and either a checking account or debit card. Enter your account information and the amount you want to pay, then follow the prompts to complete the transaction.

Online payments are processed when ready, though the payment may take one to two business days to show as posted on your account. There is no fee to pay online through the city's official portal. If you are paying from a checking account, you may see a small processing fee depending on your bank, but the city itself does not charge one.

If you cannot remember your account number, check your most recent bill or contact the Water Department directly. They can look up your account by your address or phone number and provide your account number over the phone.

Paying by phone

Call the City of Durham Water Department's customer service line to pay by phone. Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready when you call. A representative will walk you through the payment process and confirm the amount and payment date before the transaction is completed.

Phone payments are processed the same day you call, though they may take one to two business days to appear as posted on your account. Some payment methods over the phone may include a small convenience fee, so ask the representative about any charges before you confirm the payment.

Mailing a check or money order

If you prefer to mail your payment, write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address listed on your bill. The City of Durham Water Department's mailing address is typically printed at the bottom of your bill statement. Include your account number on the payment itself so the payment can be matched to your account correctly.

Mailed payments take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed. If your due date is within a week, mailing a check is risky — the payment may not arrive in time to avoid a late fee. For payments close to the due date, online or phone payment is a safer choice.

Keep a copy of your check or the receipt from your money order for your records. If your payment does not appear on your account after ten business days, contact the Water Department with your check number or money order receipt number so they can track it down.

Setting up automatic payments

The City of Durham may offer automatic payment options that deduct your water bill from your bank account each month on a set date. To set up automatic payments, log into your account on the city's water billing website or call the Water Department to ask about enrollment. You will need to provide your bank account information and choose the date each month when the payment should be withdrawn.

Automatic payments may support you never miss a due date and reduce the chance of late fees. You can usually pause or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account or by calling customer service. Review your bank statement each month to confirm the correct amount was withdrawn.

What to do if your payment is late

If your payment is not received by the due date on your bill, the City of Durham will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies and is listed in your city's water billing policies. Late fees are added to your next bill, so your balance will be higher than just your regular water charges.

If you have missed a payment, contact the Water Department as soon as possible to make the payment and ask about the late fee. Some cities offer payment plans or fee waivers in hardship situations, so it is worth asking. Continued non-payment can result in service disconnection, so prioritize getting current on your account.

Finding your account number and due date

Your account number and due date are both printed on your water bill. The account number is usually at the top of the bill or in a highlighted box. The due date appears near the amount owed and tells you the last day the payment must be received to avoid a late fee.

If you have lost your bill, you can find your account number by logging into your online account on the City of Durham's water billing website or by calling the Water Department. Have your address and phone number ready when you call so they can look up your account quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online payments are processed when ready, but they typically take one to two business days to appear as posted on your account. If you are paying close to your due date, pay at least two business days early to be safe.

Is there a fee to pay my water bill online?

The City of Durham does not charge a fee to pay through their official online portal. Your bank may charge a small fee if you are paying from a checking account, but this is between you and your bank, not the city.

Can I pay someone else's water bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's water bill if you have their account number. When you pay online or by phone, enter their account number instead of your own. The payment will be applied to their account.

What happens if I pay more than I owe?

If you overpay your water bill, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account and will be applied to your next bill. You can also request a refund of the overpayment by contacting the Water Department.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?

Contact the City of Durham Water Department directly to discuss payment plan options. They may be able to work with you on a schedule, especially if you are experiencing financial hardship. Call their customer service line to speak with a representative about your situation.