Blue Connect NC is the online portal where you log in to view and pay your water bill
Blue Connect NC is the billing and account portal run by the City of Durham, North Carolina for water and sewer services. You create a login, access your account, and pay your bill directly through this website. The portal shows your current balance, payment history, and usage details.
To get your free guide, you need an account number (found on your paper bill) and an email address. The login process takes a few minutes the first time, and after that you can check your balance or make a payment whenever you need to.
Key Takeaways
- You create your Blue Connect NC account using your water account number and email address on the city's website.
- Once logged in, you can view your current balance, payment history, and water usage for the past 12 months.
- The portal accepts online payments by bank transfer (ACH) or credit and debit card, though card payments may include a processing fee.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.
- You can set up automatic recurring payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month without logging in.
How to create your Blue Connect NC account
Go to the City of Durham's Blue Connect NC website. Look for the "Create Account" or "Register" button on the login page. You will need your water account number, which appears on your paper bill in the upper left corner or on any recent bill notice.
Enter your account number, email address, and a password you choose. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Click the link in that email to verify your account. After verification, you can log in with your email and password.
If you do not have your account number, call the City of Durham Water Department at the phone number on your bill. They can look it up by your service address and email it to you.
Logging in and viewing your account
Once your account is set up, go to the Blue Connect NC login page and enter your email address and password. You will see your account dashboard, which displays your current balance due, the due date, and your last payment amount and date.
The dashboard also shows your usage history in gallons for the past 12 months, which helps you spot unusual spikes that might indicate a leak. You can view detailed billing statements for each billing period and download them as PDF files if you need them for records.
Making a one-time payment through Blue Connect NC
After logging in, look for a "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment" button on your account page. Click it and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay your full balance or a partial amount.
Blue Connect NC accepts two payment methods: bank account transfer (ACH) and credit or debit card. ACH transfers are free and typically process within one to two business days. Card payments may include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, depending on the card type. Choose your payment method, enter the details, and confirm the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number and receipt by email.
Setting up automatic recurring payments
If you prefer not to log in each month, you can set up automatic payments. From your account dashboard, find the "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment" option. Choose the amount (usually your full bill) and the day of the month you want it paid.
Automatic payments use ACH transfer, so there is no processing fee. You can change or cancel the recurring payment at any time by logging back in. The system will send you a reminder email before each automatic payment is processed.
Troubleshooting login and payment problems
If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Enter your email address, and Blue Connect NC will send you a reset link. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.
If your payment is rejected, the most common reasons are an incorrect bank account number, an expired card, or insufficient funds. Review the error message on the screen — it usually tells you what went wrong. Correct the information and try again. If the problem persists, contact the City of Durham Water Department by phone or through the "Contact Us" link on the Blue Connect NC website.
If you cannot log in at all, make sure you are using the email address you registered with, not your account number. If you still cannot access your account after resetting your password, call the water department to confirm your account is active and your email address is correct in their system.
What to do if you do not want to use Blue Connect NC
You are not required to use the online portal. You can pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the address shown on your paper bill. Payment by mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to post to your account, so mail your payment early if your due date is approaching.
You can also pay in person at the City of Durham Water Department office during business hours. Call the number on your bill to confirm the office location and hours. Some utility payment centers and grocery stores in Durham may also accept water bill payments, though this varies by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to use Blue Connect NC?
There is no fee to create an account or use the portal itself. ACH bank transfers are free. Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee of roughly 2 to 3 percent, which the payment processor charges, not the city.
Can I pay someone else's water bill through Blue Connect NC?
No. Blue Connect NC only allows you to pay an account you are registered for. If you want to pay someone else's bill, contact the City of Durham Water Department directly to ask about third-party payment options.
How long does it take for my payment to show up in my account?
ACH payments usually post within one to two business days. Card payments may take one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation email immediately after you submit the payment, even if it has not posted yet.
What if I see a charge on my account I do not recognize?
Log in to Blue Connect NC and review your billing history and usage. If the charge is for water usage, an unusually high bill often means a leak. If you believe the charge is an error, contact the City of Durham Water Department with your account number and the billing period in question.
Can I change my email address or password after I create my account?
Yes. Log in to Blue Connect NC and look for "Account Settings" or "Profile" options. You can update your email address and password from there. If you change your email, the system will send a confirmation to the new address before the change takes effect.