Where to send your DeKalb County water payment
DeKalb County water bills are handled by the City of DeKalb Water Department, not by the county itself. You pay the city directly, whether you live in DeKalb proper or in one of the surrounding areas the city serves. The city accepts payments by mail, online, phone, and in person.
Mail payments to the address printed on your bill — usually the City of DeKalb Water Department, with a specific P.O. Box or street address listed. Check your bill before mailing because the address can change, and sending a check to an old address delays posting to your account.
Online payment through the city's website is the fastest way to avoid late fees. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly billing so you never miss a due date. The city's website also shows your account balance and payment history in real time.
Key Takeaways
- DeKalb water bills are paid to the City of DeKalb Water Department, not the county, and the due date is printed on your bill.
- You can pay online through the city's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at the city office — online is fastest and shows your balance immediately.
- Late fees begin after the due date, so set up automatic payments if you often forget or miss mail delivery.
- Your bill shows your meter number, usage in gallons, and the rate per gallon — understanding these three numbers helps you spot billing errors.
- If your bill is unusually high, check for a leak first, then contact the water department to request a meter test or adjustment.
How to pay online or by phone
The City of DeKalb Water Department website has a payment portal where you enter your account number (found on your bill) and the amount you want to pay. You can use a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Online payments usually post within one business day.
To pay by phone, call the City of DeKalb Water Department directly. The phone number is on your bill. Have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed the same day if you call before the cutoff time, which the department will tell you when you call.
Both methods charge a small processing fee — usually $2 to $3 — unless you pay from a bank account instead of a card. Paying from your checking or savings account costs less and is just as fast.
Understanding your bill and usage charges
Your DeKalb water bill shows three key pieces of information: your meter number, how many gallons you used during the billing period, and the rate per gallon. The rate varies depending on whether you are inside or outside the city limits and whether you have a residential or commercial meter.
Most residential bills also include a base charge (a fixed monthly fee) plus the usage charge. The base charge covers meter reading and system maintenance; the usage charge is what you pay for the water you actually used. If your bill jumps suddenly, the usage number is the first place to look.
Billing cycles run monthly, and your due date is usually 15 to 20 days after the bill is mailed. If you pay after the due date, a late fee is added to your next bill. The amount of the late fee is shown on your bill or in the city's rate schedule.
What to do if your bill is much higher than usual
A sudden spike in your water bill usually means either a leak in your home or a meter error. Check your toilets first — a running toilet can waste thousands of gallons in a month and is the most common cause of high bills. Listen for a hissing sound in the tank, or put food coloring in the bowl and see if it drains into the water without flushing.
If you do not find a leak, check your meter. Your meter number is on your bill. Write down the reading, wait an hour without using water, and read it again. If the number changed, you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing. If the number stayed the same, the meter may be faulty.
Contact the City of DeKalb Water Department and describe what you found. Ask for a meter test or a bill adjustment if the meter is reading incorrectly. The city can also send someone to your home to look for leaks if you cannot find one yourself. Some cities offer this service free; others charge a small fee.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payment is the easiest way to ensure your bill is paid on time every month. You authorize the city to withdraw the amount due from your bank account on a set date — usually a few days before the due date. Once you set it up, you do not have to think about it again.
To enroll, log into your account on the city's website or call the water department. You will need your account number and bank routing and account numbers. The city will ask which day of the month you want the payment to come out — choose a date after you know your bill amount but before the due date.
If your bill amount changes month to month (which it will, because usage varies), the city will deduct whatever amount is due that month. You can cancel automatic payments anytime by calling the water department or logging into your account online.
Disputing a bill or requesting a meter adjustment
If you believe your bill is wrong, contact the City of DeKalb Water Department in writing or by phone. Explain what you think is incorrect — for example, "My usage jumped from 50 gallons per day to 200 gallons per day with no change in my household." Include your account number and the billing period in question.
The city will review your account history and meter readings. If they find an error, they will issue a corrected bill. If they find no error but you still believe the meter is faulty, you can request a meter test. Some cities perform the test free; others charge a fee that is credited back to your account if the meter is found to be defective.
While a dispute is being investigated, you are still responsible for paying the undisputed portion of your bill on time to avoid late fees. Pay what you know is correct, and note in your payment that you are disputing the remainder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss a payment?
A late fee is added to your next bill. If you miss multiple payments, the city may shut off your water service. Contact the water department as soon as you know you will be late — they may offer a payment plan or short extension to avoid disconnection.
Can I pay my bill in person at a city office?
Yes. The City of DeKalb Water Department office accepts in-person payments during business hours. Bring your bill or account number and your payment method. In-person payments are posted immediately, so you get a receipt on the spot.
How do I read my water meter?
Your meter is usually in the basement or outside your home in a small box. Open the cover and look at the dial or digital display. Write down all the numbers you see, left to right. The city's website or your bill often includes a diagram showing how to read your specific meter type.
Is there a way to reduce my water bill?
Fix leaks as soon as you find them — a dripping faucet wastes hundreds of gallons per month. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, which cost under $20 and cut water use by 25 to 50 percent. Run full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher instead of partial loads.
What if I cannot afford my water bill?
Contact the City of DeKalb Water Department and ask about payment plans or hardship programs. Some cities offer reduced rates for low-income households or allow you to spread a large bill across several months. The department can tell you what options are available in your area.