Where to pay your Robeson County water bill
Robeson County Public Utilities handles water billing for most of the county. You can pay your bill in three main ways: online through their website, by phone, or in person at their office.
The online payment portal is at the Robeson County Public Utilities website. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. Phone payments go through their customer service line — have your bill and a payment method ready when you call. In-person payments are accepted at their main office during business hours, and you can pay by check, money order, or card.
Some areas of Robeson County are served by municipal water systems instead — the towns of Lumbee River, Fairmont, and St. Pauls each run their own utilities. If you live in one of these towns, contact that town's utility office directly rather than the county system.
Key Takeaways
- Robeson County Public Utilities serves most of the county, while Lumbee River, Fairmont, and St. Pauls operate their own water systems.
- You can pay online using your account number, by phone with customer service, or in person at the county office.
- Your bill shows your account number, usage charges, and any fees or adjustments — understanding these sections helps you spot errors.
- If you're behind on payments, contact the utility office to ask about payment plans before service is disconnected.
- Water shutoff for non-payment usually happens after 30 to 60 days of missed payments, depending on the utility's policy.
Reading your Robeson County water bill
Your bill breaks down into several parts. At the top is your account number and service address. The middle section shows your water usage in gallons, the rate per gallon or per unit, and the total charge. Below that are any additional fees — such as sewer charges, stormwater fees, or late fees if you've missed a payment.
The usage section is where most people have questions. Robeson County charges based on how many gallons you use in a billing period, usually one month. If your usage seems high, check for leaks — a running toilet or dripping faucet can add hundreds of gallons to your bill. The bill also shows your previous balance and the amount due by the due date listed near the top.
Keep your bill in a safe place. You'll need the account number if you call with questions, and you'll need proof of payment if there's ever a dispute.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Through the Robeson County Public Utilities website, you can set up a recurring payment that deducts from your bank account on a date you choose — usually a few days before the bill is due.
To enroll, log into the online portal with your account number and look for the autopay or recurring payment option. You'll provide your bank account or card information once, and the system will charge you each billing cycle. You can change the payment date or cancel autopay at any time through the same portal.
Automatic payment doesn't mean you stop reading your bill. Check each statement to make sure the amount charged matches what you expect and that your usage looks normal.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is late, Robeson County Public Utilities will add a late fee to your next bill. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of the unpaid balance. You'll receive a notice in the mail warning you that payment is overdue.
If you continue to miss payments, the utility can disconnect your water service. Most utilities wait 30 to 60 days after the due date before shutting off service, but this varies. Once service is disconnected, you'll have to pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water.
If you're struggling to pay, contact Robeson County Public Utilities before you fall behind. Some utilities offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months, or they may know about local assistance programs. The sooner you reach out, the more options you'll have.
Assistance programs for water bills
Robeson County has a significant low-income population, and several organizations help residents pay water bills. The Community Action Agency of Robeson County administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which can cover water bills for households that meet income limits. You can reach them through their main office or through 211, a free referral service.
may be able to access depends on your household size and income. LIHEAP typically covers households at or below 60% of the state median income, though the exact threshold changes yearly. The program pays the utility directly, so you won't handle the money yourself.
If you don't meet LIHEAP income limits, ask the utility office whether they have their own hardship program or know of other local resources. Some utilities offer reduced rates for seniors or people with disabilities.
Disputing charges on your bill
If you believe your bill is wrong — because of a meter error, a leak you've already fixed, or a charge that shouldn't be there — contact Robeson County Public Utilities in writing. Include your account number, the bill date, and a clear explanation of what you think is incorrect.
The utility will investigate and respond within a set timeframe, usually 30 days. If they find an error, they'll issue a credit. If they don't find an error, they'll explain why the charge stands. You can request a meter test if you believe the meter itself is faulty, though the utility may charge a fee if the meter tests normal.
While a dispute is being investigated, you should still pay the undisputed portion of your bill to avoid late fees and disconnection.
Transferring service or closing your account
If you're moving out of Robeson County or within the county to a new address, contact the utility at least a few days before your move-out date. Provide your account number and the date you want service to end. The utility will schedule a final meter reading and send you a final bill.
Make sure you pay any remaining balance on your final bill. If you don't, the utility may report it to a credit agency or pursue collection. If you're moving to a new address within Robeson County, you can ask to transfer service rather than close and reopen an account — this is faster and simpler.
When you move, ask for a final reading confirmation in writing. This protects you if there's a dispute about what you owed on the old account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my account number if I don't have my bill?
Call Robeson County Public Utilities customer service with your name and service address. They can look up your account number and email or mail it to you. You'll need this number to pay online or check your balance.
Why is my water bill so high this month?
Check for leaks first — a running toilet or dripping pipe can double your usage. If you see no obvious leak, the bill may reflect a meter reading error or a change in your usage pattern. Call the utility to report the spike and ask whether they can investigate.
Can I get a payment plan if I owe several months of bills?
Contact Robeson County Public Utilities directly and explain your situation. Some utilities offer payment arrangements that let you pay arrears over time while staying current on new bills. The sooner you call, the more likely they are to work with you before disconnection.
What should I do if my water is shut off for non-payment?
Pay the full overdue balance plus the reconnection fee, then call the utility to schedule reconnection. Reconnection usually happens within one to two business days. If you cannot pay in full, ask whether a payment plan is possible before service is restored.
Does Robeson County offer discounts for seniors or people with disabilities?
Some utilities do, but policies vary. Contact Robeson County Public Utilities directly to ask whether you may have access to for a reduced rate. You may need to provide proof of age or disability status.