Where to pay your American Water bill in West Virginia
American Water operates in West Virginia under the name Mountaineer Water Company in some service areas and American Water in others, depending on where you live in the state. You can pay your bill through three main routes: online at the American Water website, by phone, or by mail.
The online payment portal is the fastest option. Log in to your account at americanwater.com using your account number (found on your bill) and set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic payments. Phone payments go through American Water's customer service line at 1-800-428-4257. If you prefer mail, write a check to American Water and send it to the address printed on your bill—never send cash through the mail.
Some West Virginia customers can also pay in person at local payment centers or authorized retailers, though this varies by service area. Call the number on your bill to confirm whether your location has a walk-in payment option nearby.
Key Takeaways
- American Water bills in West Virginia can be paid online, by phone at 1-800-428-4257, or by mail using the address on your bill.
- Online payment through americanwater.com is the fastest method and lets you set up automatic monthly payments to avoid late fees.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required to log in or pay by phone.
- Late payments typically trigger a reconnection fee if service is shut off, so paying on time saves you money even if you cannot pay the full amount.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Log into your American Water account online, select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments," and choose the day of the month you want the payment to leave your bank account. Most people pick the day after they get paid or a few days before the due date shown on the bill.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If your bill amount varies significantly month to month (which is common in winter when heating water costs more), you can set a fixed amount that covers your average bill, or you can adjust it manually each month before the payment processes.
Understanding your bill due date and late payment consequences
Your due date appears near the top of your American Water bill, usually 15 to 20 days after the bill is mailed. If you pay after that date, American Water may charge a late fee—the amount depends on your service area and your bill total, so check your bill or call customer service to learn the exact fee.
If your bill stays unpaid for 30 to 45 days (the exact timeline varies), American Water can shut off your water service. Once service is disconnected, you will owe both the unpaid balance and a reconnection fee to restore water. The reconnection fee is separate from your bill and can range from $50 to $150 or more depending on your location. Paying on time, even if you cannot pay the full amount, keeps your service active while you work out a payment plan.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
Contact American Water before your due date if you know you cannot pay the full amount. Call 1-800-428-4257 and ask about a payment arrangement or extended payment plan. American Water may allow you to split your bill into two or three payments spread across a month or two, depending on the amount owed and your payment history.
West Virginia also has utility assistance programs that may help cover water bills if your household income falls below a certain threshold. The Community Action Partnership of West Virginia runs programs funded by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which sometimes includes water assistance. Contact your local Community Action Agency or call 211 to learn whether you meet the income limits and what documents you will need to provide.
Reading your American Water bill and understanding charges
Your bill shows three main sections: your account information at the top, a breakdown of charges in the middle, and payment instructions at the bottom. The account information includes your service address, account number, and due date. The charge section lists your water usage (measured in gallons or cubic feet), the rate per unit, and any fixed fees for meter reading or service.
Most American Water bills in West Virginia include a base service charge (a fixed monthly fee) plus a usage charge that changes based on how much water you used that month. Some bills also show a separate sewer charge if your area uses a municipal sewer system. If a charge looks wrong or unfamiliar, call customer service with your bill in front of you—they can explain each line item and tell you whether the charge is standard for your service area.
Checking your account online and reviewing past payments
Log into your American Water account at americanwater.com to see your current balance, due date, and payment history. The online portal shows which payments have been processed and when, which is useful if you paid recently and want to confirm the payment went through. You can also download or print past bills from the portal, which is helpful if you need to review your usage over several months or if you lost a paper bill.
If a payment shows as pending rather than processed, it typically takes one to two business days to clear. If more than two business days have passed and the payment still shows pending, call customer service to confirm it was received. Payments made through the website usually process faster than mailed checks, which can take 7 to 10 days to arrive and be recorded.
Reporting a billing problem or disputing a charge
If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact American Water in writing within 30 days of receiving the bill. Send a letter to the address on your bill that explains what you think is wrong—for example, "My usage jumped from 5,000 gallons last month to 15,000 gallons this month with no change in my household." Include your account number, the bill date, and the specific charge you are questioning.
American Water will investigate your dispute and respond within 30 to 45 days. During the investigation period, you are not required to pay the disputed amount, though you should still pay any undisputed charges to keep your account in good standing. If the investigation finds an error in your favor, American Water will issue a credit to your account. If the investigation confirms the charge is correct, they will explain why and you will owe the full amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I move and need to close my American Water account?
Call 1-800-428-4257 at least two weeks before your move date and provide your forwarding address. American Water will read your meter on or near your move date, calculate your final bill, and mail it to your new address. Make sure to pay that final bill on time to avoid late fees being sent to collections.
Can I pay my American Water bill with a credit card?
Yes, through the online portal at americanwater.com. Some payment centers may also accept credit cards, but this varies by location. Paying by phone with a credit card is possible but may include a processing fee—ask the customer service representative before confirming the payment.
What happens if my check bounces?
American Water will charge a returned check fee (typically $25 to $35) on top of your unpaid bill. They will also send you a notice asking you to pay both the bill and the fee within a set number of days. If you do not pay, your service can be disconnected. If your check bounced by mistake, call immediately to arrange a new payment by phone or online.
How do I know if there is a water leak on my property?
Compare your usage from month to month on your bills. A sudden jump in usage without a change in your household size or habits often signals a leak. You can also check your meter yourself—turn off all water inside and outside your home, then look at the meter dial. If it moves while everything is off, water is leaking somewhere. Call American Water to report a suspected leak; they can help you locate it or confirm whether it is on your side of the meter.
What if I receive a shutoff notice?
Contact American Water immediately at 1-800-428-4257. Explain your situation and ask about a payment plan or extension. If you are facing hardship, mention that you may be may be able to access for utility assistance through the Community Action Partnership of West Virginia or another local program—customer service can sometimes delay shutoff while you gather documents for assistance. Do not ignore the notice; acting quickly gives you more options.