Along just about everything else, the cost of water has risen. In the December billing statement, the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department announced slight increases in base and usage rates for water and sewer services. The 2023 rate increase is part of a multi-year plan to ensure the department maintains cost recovery and sufficient operating revenue while keeping up with increased demand for water and sewer services. Through the planned process, water rates will increase by 3.5 percent each year through 2027.
More concerning than the cost of water is its scarcity. Georgia’s annually increasing population also increases the demand for water, a limited natural resource. Forsyth County employs a tier pricing structure to encourage water conservation and efficiency. At Tier 1 consumption of up to 6,000 gallons of water per month, residential customers pay $4.02 per 1,000-gallon unit. When water consumption rises to Tier 2 (6,000-12,000 gallons per month), the cost per unit for the additional amount increases to $5.43.
“As costs get higher,” Forsyth County Water Resources Manager Steve Dorsch said, “the idea is that [customers] will use less water.”
According to the 2018 Forsyth County Water and Wastewater Rate Study, approximately 80 percent of residential customers consume water at the Tier 1 level, with a typical monthly water bill that’s less than $30. When we look at our actual water bills, however, we find seasonal cycles. Outdoor irrigation during the summer months can account for 30-60 percent of annual household water consumption.
We have many opportunities to reduce household and landscape water usage. Small changes, like turning off the water while brushing your teeth, saves eight gallons of water per day. Turning it off while shaving or hand-washing dishes saves 10 gallons per day. Fixing a dripping or leaky faucet can save 3,000 gallons of water per year. And waiting to run the dishwasher until it’s full can reduce your usage by one load of dishes each week and around 320 gallons of water annually.
As much as half of the water we use for landscape irrigation is wasted due to inefficient application practices. Fortunately, again, we can take numerous small actions – and a few moderate ones – to reduce outdoor water usage and still have healthy, attractive landscape plants. Using a rain gauge to measure rainfall and a timer for irrigation systems reduces water waste from overwatering. Installing a rain barrel to collect and store rainfall for later use saves money, helps alleviate water supply strain during dry spells, and reduces stormwater runoff.
To help encourage efficient water usage and conservation, Forsyth County Extension and the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department are partnering to offer classes in February and March covering water conservation in the landscape, water harvesting, and rain barrel installation and use. County residents who participate in a class will receive a high-quality, ready-to-install rain barrel, courtesy of the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department.
The Water Smart Landscapes, Rain Harvesting and Rain Barrel classes will be offered at the Forsyth County Extension Office on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon; and on Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. There is a $25 registration fee, and each class is limited to 15 paid participants. There is also a limit of one rain barrel per household. For registration information, please visit the UGA Extension Forsyth County website at https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/forsyth.html and click on the “Now Registering” tile. Please check out our Food Gardening Large and Small classes, too.
Paying your water bill is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner or renter in Forsyth County. While it may seem like a hassle, paying your water bill ensures that you continue to have access to clean safe drinking water and wastewater services. This article will walk you through the different ways you can pay your Forsyth County water bill as well as provide tips for understanding and managing your water usage and bill amount.
Online Payments
The easiest and most convenient way to pay your Forsyth County water bill is online You have two options for online payment
Directly Through the County Website
The Forsyth County website allows you to pay your water bill directly using either a credit/debit card or electronic check. To pay online, go to www.forsythco.com and click on “Pay My Water Bill.” You will need your 7-digit account number and 4-digit PIN which can be found on your monthly bill.
Paying directly through the county website is quick, easy, and allows you to see your balance and payment history. It also saves you the time and cost of mailing in a payment.
Through Your Bank’s Online Bill Pay
Many banks and credit unions offer online bill pay services you can use to pay your Forsyth County water bill. Log into your bank’s website and set up the county as a payee, using your account number as the account number.
Paying through your bank gives you more control, allowing you to schedule payments in advance or set up automatic recurring payments. Just remember that the county will not receive payment for a few days after you initiate it through your bank.
Automatic Bank Draft
For the most hassle-free way to pay, you can enroll in automatic bank drafts from your checking or savings account. To set up automatic drafts:
- Print and complete the Automatic Draft Authorization form from the county website.
- Include a voided check.
- Mail the form and voided check to the address on the form.
Once enrolled, your bill will automatically be drafted from your bank account each month. You’ll continue receiving paper bills for your records. Automatic draft is a great set-it-and-forget-it way to ensure your water bill is always paid on time.
Pay by Mail
If you prefer to pay your water bill through the mail, it’s simple to do so:
- Use the windowed return envelope included with your monthly paper bill.
- Place a check or money order made payable to Forsyth County along with the payment stub in the envelope. Cash cannot be accepted.
- Drop the envelope in a USPS mailbox – no postage is needed.
Mailed payments are received and processed efficiently. Just make sure your payment reaches the county before the due date to avoid late fees.
If you misplace the return envelope, you can mail your payment to:
Forsyth County
PO Box 2756
Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2756
Pay by Phone
For fast payment by credit/debit card over the phone, call the county’s CityLink line at 336-727-8000 (or 311 within Winston-Salem). You’ll need to provide your account number and 4-digit PIN from your bill when paying by phone.
Phone payment allows you to quickly pay your bill without leaving home. Just be aware that CityLink may charge a small fee for processing credit/debit card payments over the phone.
In-Person Payments
You can also pay your Forsyth County water bill in-person at two locations:
Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building
100 E 1st Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
This location has a convenient drive-through window on the south side of the building where you can pay without leaving your vehicle. A 24-hour drop box is also available near the Church Street entrance.
Black-Phillips-Smith Government Center
2301 N Patterson Ave
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Both locations accept cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. Payments made after 8am or on weekends/holidays will be processed the next business day.
Tips for Managing Your Water Bill
Now that you know the various ways to pay your water bill in Forsyth County, here are some tips for understanding and reducing your monthly charges:
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Carefully review your bill. Make sure you understand each of the charges and fees. Contact the county at 336-727-8000 if you have any questions.
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Check for leaks. Dripping faucets and running toilets can waste massive amounts of water and make your bill spike. Conduct regular leak checks and repairs.
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Monitor your usage. Your bill shows current and previous meter readings so you can track your household’s water consumption from month to month.
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Compare to efficient usage. The EPA says the average American uses 80-100 gallons of water per day. See how your usage compares.
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Upgrade fixtures/appliances. Installing water-efficient toilets, faucets, showerheads, and washing machines can significantly reduce your water usage.
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Change behaviors. Simple habit changes like taking shorter showers, running full loads of laundry, and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth add up to big savings.
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Check for billing errors. If your water usage seems unusually high, contact the county to check if the meter was misread or if you were double-billed.
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Enroll in budget billing. This program averages your costs over the year so you pay a consistent amount each month. Call 336-727-8000 to sign up.
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Seek assistance. If you’re struggling to pay your bill, the county offers payment plans and assistance programs. Don’t hesitate to call for help.
Avoid Late Fees and Service Disruption
It’s essential to pay your water bill by the due date each month to avoid penalties. Here’s what happens if your payment is late:
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A 10% late fee will be added if payment is not received by the due date.
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A disconnection notice will be sent within 7 days of the due date if the bill remains unpaid.
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If the past due balance is still outstanding on the disconnection date, a $20 late fee is added and your water service will be interrupted.
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Even if actual disconnection doesn’t occur, the $20 late fee will still apply once the disconnection date passes.
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To restore service, you’ll have to pay the past due amount IN FULL, plus any late fees.
Disconnection and reconnection fees can make a late water bill much more expensive. Don’t let it happen – pay on time, every time. Contact the county immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying your bill. Payment plans and assistance programs are available.
Payment Plans for Past Due Balances
If you cannot pay your past due water bill balance in full by the due date, you can set up a payment plan with the county to avoid service interruption. Here’s how it works:
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You must pay at least half of the overdue amount immediately to qualify for a payment plan.
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Remaining balances can be paid over 3-6 months in interest-free installments.
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As long as you make the agreed-upon installment payments AND pay any new charges by the monthly due dates, your service will stay connected.
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Payment plans cover ONLY past due balances. Current monthly bills must still be paid on time.
To set up a payment plan, contact the county at 336-727-8000 or visit the Utilities Customer Service department in person (see locations above). Avoid extra fees and keep the water flowing by promptly arranging extended repayment of overdue balances.
Special Programs for Financial Hardship
If you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford your water bill, special assistance programs may be available:
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The Forsyth County Department of Social Services offers the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) to help pay essential bills, including water service.
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Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency utility bill assistance for households facing shutoff.
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Senior Services has programs to aid low-income seniors with water bills.
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Additional local charities and churches may offer water bill grants. Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to resources.
If you need help paying your water bill, be proactive about seeking assistance before service is disrupted. There are programs available for those struggling financially in our community.
Special Payment Considerations for Renters
Renters who pay for
On the Move | How New Water Meters and Online Portal Can Save Residents Money
How do I pay my Forsyth County water bill online?
The feature is accessible via the county Web site, www.forsythco.com. From the Quick Links drop-down menu on the home page, select ‘Pay Water Bill Online.’ Customers should have their current mailed water and sewer bill handy when paying online, as information from the bill such as account number and service address number will need to be inputted.
Does Forsyth County offer online bill paying?
SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS! FORSYTH COUNTY – The Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department now offers online bill paying for customer convenience. “This is a service we are very excited to offer our customers,” Director of Commercial Services Jamie Payne said.
How do I access my Forsyth County water & sewer account?
The Forsyth County Department of Water and Sewer is pleased to announce the availability of our online account access site. Here customers can sign up for web access to their water and sewer account. Click on the “View or Pay Your Bill Online” link below to access your account. E-Billing option is available!
Does Forsyth County have a water rate structure?
The Forsyth County Department of Water and Sewer has implemented the 5 tiered rate structure shown below for residential meters in an effort to promote water efficiency. Residential water consumption monthly rate schedule (per 1,000 gallons) effective January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Paying water bills information.
What is Forsyth County water?
This page provides information about Forsyth County Water. The Forsyth County Water, under the Department of Water & Sewer, provides water for about 138,368 residents living in the Cumming area. Established in 1831, the vast majority of Forsyth County water comes from Lake Lanier and is treated by either Forsyth County or the City of Cumming.
Does Forsyth County water & sewer have a water quality report?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA requires Forsyth County Water & Sewer to assess local water quality each year and distribute a Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report. At WaterZen, we review these reports and make the information available, in a concise, straightforward, and easy-to-understand way.