BILLING FAQS

How much water is included in the base charge of my water bill?

None, all customers of the District pay a monthly base fee for the meter that is billed every other month.  When there is water use the water is billed in 100 cubic foot increments (100cubic foot = 748 gallons). The billing for water use is stepped or tiered, the more water the customer uses the more he pays for water. The stepped rate encourages water conservation and allows the customer some control over how high the water bill becomes. The District bills at 4 tiers or steps starting at 0-800 cubic feet to 6000+ the more water you use the more expensive the water becomes.

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I am not using water why am I receiving a bill?

There are two answers to this question. The first is that every public water utility has a finite amount of water to sell.  The amount of water is dependent on the water rights that have been granted to the utility by the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA.  Once that amount of water is spoken for this is no more for growth and new customers.

The second reason is so that the District can continue to maintain water mains, service lines, meters, valves, pressure reducing valves, tanks, wells, and water quality monitoring.  The base charge ensures that the District has enough revenue to meet the needs of our customers.

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When is my bill due, and why am I being charged a late fee when the billing date is not "past due"?

Your water bill is due on the 15th of the month in which you receive the bill.  For example you get a bill at the beginning of October, that bill covers consumption and base charges from August 1st through September 30th. As a courtesy the District has a 15 day grace  period which means you do not get a late fee until October 31st, but the payment is due on October 15th. 

When you receive your regular bill and you have not paid your last regular water bill the due date of the 15th on this bill refers only to the current billing, not the current bill and the past due amount.  The past due amount on any Manchester Water District billing is due immediately and is subject to a 10% penalty and the possibility of having your water turned off with or without notice.

Communication is key in your relationship with Manchester Water, just as it is key to your relationship with anyone else, if we do not know we can not help you.  Please call and let us know if you are having difficulty paying your water bill.  Our Customer Service Specialist Kristin will be glad to make arrnagements with you to get your bill paid and direct you to resources that may help you in your time of need.

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