Where to pay your Greensboro water bill
The City of Greensboro's Department of Water Resources handles all residential water accounts. You can pay your bill in three ways: online through the city's website, by phone, or by mail to the address printed on your bill.
The online payment portal is the fastest option. Visit the City of Greensboro's official website, find the utilities section, and log in with your account number (printed on your bill). You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments. There is no fee for online payments.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the Department of Water Resources directly. The phone number appears on your bill. Have your account number ready. Payments by phone may carry a small processing fee depending on the payment method you use.
Mailing a check or money order is also an option, though it takes longer. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address on your bill. Allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach and post to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's website is free and the fastest way to pay, with no processing fees.
- Your bill shows your account number, the due date, and the mailing address — all the information you need to pay by any method.
- Automatic monthly payments prevent late fees and are set up through the same online portal where you make one-time payments.
- If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Department of Water Resources before your bill becomes overdue to discuss your options.
Reading your Greensboro water bill
Your bill shows several pieces of information that affect what you owe. At the top, you will see your account number, service address, and billing period. The billing period is usually one month, and the due date is typically 20 days after the bill is issued.
The charges section breaks down what you are paying for. Most residential bills include a base service charge (a fixed monthly fee) and a usage charge based on how much water you consumed. The usage charge is measured in units called CCF, which stands for 100 cubic feet. One CCF equals roughly 750 gallons.
Some bills also show a stormwater fee, which covers the city's stormwater management system. This is a separate line item from your water charge. If you have a sewer connection, there will be a sewer charge as well. All of these add up to your total amount due.
At the bottom of the bill, you will find the due date and payment instructions. Late fees apply if payment is not received by this date. Your bill also shows your current meter reading and the previous month's reading — the difference between these two numbers determines your usage charge.
What affects your water charges
The amount you pay depends on two main factors: the base service charge and how much water you use. The base service charge is the same every month and covers the cost of maintaining your connection to the water system. This charge does not change based on your usage.
Your usage charge is where most variation happens. The city measures water consumption in CCF units. If you use more water one month than the previous month, your bill will be higher. Common reasons for higher usage include seasonal changes (summer watering), leaks in your home, or changes in household size.
The city's rate structure may include tiered pricing, meaning the cost per unit increases as you use more water. This encourages conservation. Check your bill to see if different usage levels are charged at different rates. If your bill seems unusually high, a leak in your home or yard is often the cause.
How to check for leaks
A sudden spike in your water bill often signals a leak somewhere in your plumbing. The easiest way to check is to read your meter when no water is running in your home, wait an hour, and read it again. If the meter has moved, water is leaking.
Common leak locations are under sinks, around toilets, in the basement or crawlspace, and in outdoor irrigation lines. A running toilet is one of the most common culprits and can waste hundreds of gallons per month. Listen for water running when no one is using fixtures, or look for wet spots in your yard or foundation.
If you find a leak inside your home, repair it as soon as possible. If the leak is on the city's side of the meter (between the main line and your meter), contact the Department of Water Resources to report it. The city is responsible for that section and will repair it at no cost to you.
Late payments and what happens next
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, a late fee is added to your account. The amount of this fee varies, so check your bill or contact the city for the current late fee amount. The late fee is separate from your water charges and adds to what you owe.
If your account remains unpaid for 30 days or more past the due date, the city may issue a notice of intent to disconnect your water service. This notice gives you a window to pay or contact the city to arrange a payment plan. Disconnection can happen if the account stays unpaid beyond this notice period.
Before your account reaches disconnection status, reach out to the Department of Water Resources. The city sometimes offers payment arrangements for customers who are having difficulty paying. Explaining your situation early gives you more options than waiting until a disconnect notice arrives.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic monthly payments are the simplest way to avoid late fees. Once you set them up, your bill is paid on the same day each month without you having to remember. You can enroll through the city's online payment portal using your bank account information.
When you enroll in automatic payments, you choose the payment date. Many people choose a date shortly after they receive their paycheck or a few days before the bill's due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal.
Automatic payments are deducted directly from your bank account, so make sure you have sufficient funds on the payment date. If a payment fails due to insufficient funds, contact the city immediately to reschedule it and avoid late fees.
Contacting Greensboro Water Resources
The Department of Water Resources handles all questions about your bill, payment options, and service. Their contact information is printed on your bill. You can reach them by phone during business hours, or you can visit their office in person if you prefer to handle matters face-to-face.
When you call or visit, have your account number ready. This allows the staff to pull up your account quickly and answer questions about your specific charges or balance. If you are disputing a charge or believe there is an error on your bill, the city can review your meter reading and usage history with you.
The city's website also has a FAQ section and information about water conservation programs that may lower your usage and future bills. Some programs offer rebates for upgrading to water-efficient fixtures, so it is worth checking what is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CCF mean on my water bill?
CCF stands for 100 cubic feet of water. One CCF equals about 750 gallons. Your usage charge is based on how many CCF units you consumed during the billing period. The city calculates this by subtracting your previous meter reading from your current meter reading.
Why did my water bill jump up suddenly?
A sudden increase usually means either higher usage (seasonal watering, more people in the home) or a leak. Check your meter reading on the bill — if it jumped much higher than normal, a leak is likely. Read your meter twice with no water running to confirm whether water is leaking.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?
Contact the Department of Water Resources before your account becomes overdue. The city may work with you on a payment arrangement depending on your situation. Calling early gives you more options than waiting until a disconnect notice is issued.
Is there a fee for paying online?
No. Paying through the city's online portal is free. Paying by phone may include a processing fee depending on your payment method, so ask about this when you call. Mailing a check has no fee but takes longer to process.
How do I report a water leak on the street or in the meter box?
Call the Department of Water Resources and report the location. If the leak is between the main water line and your meter, the city is responsible for the repair and will fix it at no cost. Provide as much detail as you can about where you see the water.