Where to pay your Greensboro water bill
Greensboro's water service is run by the City of Greensboro Department of Water Resources. You can pay your bill in three main ways: online through the city's website, by phone, or in person at a payment location.
The easiest route for most people is the online payment portal at the city's utilities website. You'll need your account number (found on your bill) and can pay with a debit or credit card. There is no fee for online payments made directly through the city's system.
If you prefer to call, you can reach the Department of Water Resources customer service line during business hours. They can take a payment over the phone, though some payment methods may carry a processing fee. In-person payments are accepted at City Hall and at certain authorized payment centers around Greensboro.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's official website is free and available 24/7 if you have your account number and a debit or credit card.
- Phone payments are available during business hours, but confirm whether a fee applies before you provide your card information.
- Your bill shows your account number, current charges, and any past-due balance — keep it handy when you pay.
- If you fall behind on payments, the city may place a lien on your property or shut off service, so contact them early if you're having trouble.
Reading your Greensboro water bill
Your bill shows several pieces of information that affect what you owe. At the top is your account number and service address. Below that you'll see your meter reading (the amount of water you used, measured in gallons or hundred-cubic-foot units) and the rate applied to that usage.
Greensboro's water rates are tiered, meaning you pay one rate for your first block of usage and a higher rate if you use more. This encourages conservation and means your bill goes up faster once you cross a certain threshold. The bill will show which tier your usage fell into and what you owe for each.
You'll also see any fees — such as a base service charge, stormwater fee, or sewer charge — listed separately. These are fixed costs that appear on every bill regardless of how much water you use. If you have a past-due balance from a previous month, it will appear as a separate line item.
Payment deadlines and late fees
Water bills in Greensboro are typically due within 15 to 20 days of the bill date, though you should check your specific bill for the exact due date. Paying on time keeps you in good standing and avoids late fees.
If your payment arrives after the due date, the city will add a late fee to your next bill. The amount varies depending on how far past due you are. More importantly, if you fall significantly behind — usually after 30 to 60 days without payment — the city may issue a notice of intent to shut off service.
Service shutoff is a real consequence in Greensboro, and reconnection requires paying the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee. If you receive a shutoff notice, contact the Department of Water Resources immediately to discuss a payment plan or other options.
Setting up automatic payments
Many people avoid late payments by setting up automatic bill pay through their bank or through the city's online portal. Automatic payments deduct your bill amount on a date you choose, usually a few days before the due date.
If you use your bank's bill pay feature, the payment may take several days to reach the city, so schedule it early enough to arrive before the due date. If you set up autopay directly through the city's website, the payment typically processes faster.
Automatic payments work best if your bill amount is roughly the same each month. If your usage varies widely (for example, if you have a seasonal property or your household size changes), you may want to review each bill before it's automatically paid to make sure the amount looks right.
What to do if you can't pay on time
If you're facing a hardship and can't pay your full bill by the due date, contact the Department of Water Resources before your account falls behind. The city may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, which keeps your service active while you catch up.
Greensboro also has programs to help low-income households with utility costs. The Community Development Department administers assistance programs that may cover water bills for people who meet income requirements. These programs are separate from the water department itself, so you'll need to contact the city's main line or visit the city website to find the current program and how to reach it.
If you're already in a shutoff situation, paying even a partial amount or setting up a payment plan can sometimes stop the shutoff process. Call the water department immediately — waiting until service is cut off makes reconnection more expensive and more complicated.
Understanding your meter and usage
Your water meter measures how much water flows through your pipes. The meter reading on your bill is the number shown on your meter at the time the city read it. If you want to check your usage between bills, you can read your own meter — it's usually located in your basement, crawlspace, or outside near the street.
High water usage can spike your bill quickly, especially if you're on a tiered rate structure. Common causes include a leak (running toilet, dripping faucet, or underground pipe break), seasonal changes (watering a lawn in summer), or a change in household size. If your bill suddenly jumps without an obvious reason, check for leaks before you pay — a leak on your side of the meter is your responsibility to fix, but finding it early saves money.
If you believe your meter is reading incorrectly, the water department can investigate. Contact them with your account number and a description of why you think the reading is wrong. They may send someone to check the meter or review your usage history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Greensboro water bill with a check?
Yes. You can mail a check to the address shown on your bill or drop it off in person at City Hall or an authorized payment location. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take longer to process, so send them at least a week before the due date to avoid a late fee.
What happens if my water service is shut off?
Once service is shut off, water stops flowing to your home. To restore it, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee. The reconnection process can take one to three business days. Avoid shutoff by contacting the water department as soon as you know you'll be late.
Is there a discount for seniors or low-income households?
Greensboro offers assistance programs for low-income residents, but these are administered through the Community Development Department, not the water department directly. Contact the city to learn about current programs and income thresholds. may be able to access and program details change, so you'll need to check with the city for current information.
How do I report a water leak or main break?
Call the Department of Water Resources immediately if you see water flowing from the street, hear water running when nothing is on, or suspect a leak. For emergencies after hours, the city has an emergency line. A leak on the city's side of the meter is the city's responsibility; a leak on your property is yours, but reporting it quickly prevents water waste and a huge bill.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe a large past-due balance?
Yes. Contact the water department's customer service line and explain your situation. They can work with you to create a plan that lets you pay over time while keeping your service active. The sooner you call, the more options you'll have — waiting until a shutoff notice arrives limits your choices.