Where to pay your Winston-Salem water bill
Winston-Salem residents can pay their water bill through the City of Winston-Salem's online portal, by mail, in person, or by phone. The easiest route for most people is the online payment system on the city's website, which lets you pay immediately without waiting in line or writing a check. You can also set up automatic payments so the bill comes out of your bank account on a date you choose.
If you prefer to pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill. In-person payments are accepted at the Winston-Salem Customer Service Center during business hours. Phone payments are also available, though you will need your account number and a valid payment method ready when you call.
The payment method you choose does not affect your bill amount or due date — only how and when the city receives your payment. Choose whichever method fits your routine.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's website is the fastest option and shows as received immediately, with no processing delay.
- Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month and can be set up or cancelled anytime through your account.
- Mail payments should be sent at least one week before the due date to arrive on time, since postal delays can cause late fees.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for phone and online payments.
- Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of when you mailed or submitted it.
Setting up online payment through the city portal
Go to the City of Winston-Salem's website and look for the utilities payment section or customer portal. You will need your account number, which is printed on your water bill. Create a login if you do not already have one, then enter your account information.
Once logged in, you can view your current balance, payment history, and due date. Select the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. The system will confirm the payment immediately and send you a receipt by email if you provide one.
Payments made online typically post to your account within one business day. If you are paying close to the due date, submit your payment at least two business days early to be safe, since the city's system may take time to process and record it.
Automatic payments and how to set them up
Automatic payments mean the city withdraws your bill amount from your bank account on the same date each month, usually around the due date. This removes the risk of forgetting to pay and incurring a late fee. You set it up once through the online portal and it continues until you cancel it.
To enroll, log into your account on the city's website, find the automatic payment or recurring payment option, and select your bank account or card as the payment source. You can choose the date the payment should be withdrawn each month. The city will send you a confirmation email.
If your bill amount changes month to month — which is normal for water usage — the automatic payment will deduct whatever your current balance is on the date you selected. You can pause or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account without penalty.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order so the city knows which account to credit. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible, as it contains your account number in a format the city's system can read quickly. Mail your payment to the address printed on your bill.
The postal service typically takes three to five business days to deliver mail in the Winston-Salem area. If your due date is fewer than seven days away, mailing is risky — the payment may not arrive on time even if you send it immediately. Use online payment or call the city instead if you are close to the deadline.
Keep a copy of your cancelled check or a photo of the money order receipt as proof of payment. If a late fee appears on your next bill and you believe you paid on time, you will need this proof to dispute it.
Paying in person at the customer service center
The Winston-Salem Customer Service Center accepts water bill payments in cash, check, or card during regular business hours. Bring your bill or account number so staff can process the payment correctly. Payment is recorded immediately, so you will receive a receipt before you leave.
In-person payment is useful if you want to ask questions about your bill, dispute a charge, or discuss a payment plan. Staff can also help you enroll in automatic payments or update your account information on the spot.
Check the city's website for the customer service center's hours and location before you go, as hours may vary by season or holiday.
Paying by phone
Call the Winston-Salem water billing department and provide your account number and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account information. A representative will process your payment over the phone and give you a confirmation number. Write down this number for your records.
Phone payments are convenient if you are unable to access the internet or prefer speaking to a person. The payment posts to your account within one business day. Phone lines may have longer wait times during peak hours, usually early in the month or just before the due date.
What to do if you receive a late fee or disconnect notice
Late fees are added to your bill if payment is not received by the due date. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or the city's website for the exact amount. If you paid on time but a late fee still appears, contact the city with proof of your payment to request a reversal.
If your bill remains unpaid past the late fee date, the city may send a disconnect notice warning that service will be shut off on a specific date. This is your signal to pay immediately or contact the city to discuss a payment plan. Once water service is disconnected, the city charges a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance.
If you are struggling to pay your bill, call the city's water department to ask about payment plans or hardship programs. Some utilities offer extended payment schedules or temporary rate reductions for customers facing financial difficulty.
Understanding your water bill and due date
Your water bill shows your account number, current charges, previous balance if any, and the due date. The due date is the last day the city will accept payment without charging a late fee. This date is typically 15 to 20 days after the bill is mailed, though it varies.
Water charges are based on the amount of water you used during the billing period, measured in gallons or hundred-cubic-foot units. Your bill may also include sewer charges, stormwater fees, or other city utilities on the same invoice. Read the itemized section to see what each charge covers.
If your bill seems unusually high, check for a water leak in your home or yard — a running toilet or dripping outdoor faucet can add hundreds of gallons to your usage. Contact the city if you believe the meter reading is wrong or if you have other questions about the charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the city's online portal accepts credit and debit cards. Some card companies may charge a cash advance fee for utility payments, so check with your bank first if you want to avoid that charge. Bank account transfers typically do not incur additional fees.
What happens if I pay after the due date?
A late fee is added to your account. If you continue to miss payments, the city may issue a disconnect notice and eventually shut off your water service. Contact the city immediately if you cannot pay by the due date to discuss options.
How do I find my account number?
Your account number is printed on your water bill, usually near the top or in a box labeled "Account Number" or "Service Address." You need this number to pay online, by phone, or to set up automatic payments.
Can I change my automatic payment date?
Yes, log into your account on the city's website and update the payment date in your automatic payment settings. Changes typically take effect on your next billing cycle. Contact the city if you have trouble making the change online.
What should I do if my water service is disconnected?
Pay your full outstanding balance plus any reconnection fee the city charges. Once payment is received and processed, the city will restore your service, usually within one business day. Call the water department to confirm your payment was received before service is restored.