Athens Water Bill & Service Help
Need to pay an Athens water bill, call the Water Business Office, start or stop service, use bank draft, understand a high bill, request a leak adjustment, check 2026–2027 rates, read your meter, or report a water/sewer emergency? This guide puts the official Athens-Clarke County details into quick task-based answers.
Choose the Right Athens Water Task
How To Pay an Athens-Clarke County Water Bill Online
Start from the official ACCGov payment page
Open the official Paying Your Bill Options page or the online water bill portal.
Create an online account if needed
ACCGov says customers can create a new user account, verify email, log in and add the water account. Have the account number from your bill or WaterSmart ready.
Wait until you have received one bill
ACCGov notes that customers must have received one bill before being eligible to create an account to pay online.
Use online payment tools
Online payment lets you pay by credit/debit card, see payments in real time, set bill reminders and enroll in autopay.
Save confirmation
Save the confirmation number, payment date, amount, service address and payment method until the account history updates correctly.
Athens Water Bill Payment Options Compared
| Payment route | Official detail | Best for | Smart warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online credit/debit card | ACCGov lists online credit-card payment as no fee. | Fast payment, reminders, autopay and real-time payment visibility. | Use the official ACCGov link first; avoid unrelated bill-pay websites. |
| E-check | Listed as a water bill payment option. | Customers who prefer bank-account payment instead of card. | Confirm bank routing/account details before submitting. |
| Phone payment | Call 706-613-3500 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to pay by credit card over the phone. | Customers who want staff-assisted card payment. | Do not use the after-hours emergency number for billing questions. |
| Bank draft | Print the bank draft application, complete it and bring it with a voided check to 124 E. Hancock Ave. | Automatic monthly payment by due date. | Confirm when the first draft begins; it may not cover an already-due bill. |
| In person | Pay cash, credit/debit card, check or money order made out to ACC WBO at the Water Business Office. | Customers who need account help or a receipt. | Use the correct office hours and bring account details. |
| Drop boxes | Two drop boxes are located at the front and back of the Water Business Office at 124 E. Hancock Ave. | After-hours payment drop-off. | Not ideal for urgent same-day account protection unless you follow up. |
| Mail checks or money orders made out to ACC WBO to ACC Public Utilities Water Business Office, PO Box 106058, Atlanta, GA 30348-6058. | Non-urgent payment by mail. | Use the payment stub/envelope and allow mailing time. |
Athens Water Business Office Phone, Address and Hours
| Need | Official detail | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Water Business Office phone | 706-613-3500 | Billing questions, phone payments, start/stop/transfer service help, payment concerns and customer service. |
| Water Business Office address | 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601 | In-person payment, bank draft setup, customer service, forms and drop-box payments. |
| Lobby hours | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. | In-person account help and payments. |
| Mail payment address | ACC Public Utilities Water Business Office, PO Box 106058, Atlanta, GA 30348-6058 | Mailed check or money order payments. |
| Water/sewer during business hours | 706-613-3495 | Water main breaks, sewer overflows, outdoor sewer odors or uncertain public/private water-sewer problems. |
| Emergency meter shutoff | 706-613-3479 during regular business hours | Emergency meter shutoff needs. |
| After-hours/weekend emergency | 706-613-3481 | Water main break, sewer overflow or water quality concern after hours/weekends. |
Start Water/Sewer Service in Athens-Clarke County
Ways to start
Service may be started online, in person or by mail. Use the official start-service form if you are setting up water service for the first time, becoming the account holder or transferring service.
Residential start cost
ACCGov lists a $75 security deposit and $20 service fee to start new residential water/sewer service, added to the first bill.
Trash deposit may apply
If the address is in a covered ACC Solid Waste area, a trash service deposit based on household size can also be added.
| Start-service requirement | Official detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Submit a valid government-issued photo ID matching the person requesting service. | Examples include driver’s license, non-driver photo ID, U.S. passport, passport card or U.S. military ID. |
| Personal details | Form asks for phone, email, date of birth and last four digits of Social Security Number. | Have this ready before starting the online form. |
| Renter document | Renters submit a complete signed lease showing utility responsibility and move-in date. | Incomplete lease details can delay setup. |
| Owner document | Owners submit closing documents as proof of ownership. | Bring or upload proof before requesting service. |
| Short-notice start date | If the requested start date is today, tomorrow or within 48 hours, the form says you need to come to the Water Business Office in person at 124 E. Hancock Ave. | Do not rely on online-only submission for urgent move-ins. |
| Processing time | The start-service form says to allow up to 2 business days for setup completion. | Submit early and wait for confirmation email. |
| Same-day start | The form references a $25 convenience charge for same-day starting of service and says service may not be started on a weekend or holiday. | Call 706-613-3500 before depending on same-day activation. |
Stop or Transfer Athens Water Service
Stop service
You can cancel service online, by phone or in person. ACCGov says a 48-hour notice and forwarding address are required. Disconnections can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance and are not processed on standard holidays, weekends or after normal business hours.
Transfer service
To transfer service, you must already have an account in your name, have good payment history and be moving within Athens-Clarke County. The current balance must be paid in full before the transfer is completed.
| Transfer detail | Official rule | Action to take |
|---|---|---|
| Notice timing | Notify the Water Business Office within one working day of when you want new service to start. | Call early if move timing is tight. |
| Good payment history | No disconnects for non-payment, no more than two late payments in 24 months and no returned checks. | Ask whether you qualify before assuming transfer approval. |
| Identity verification | Phone transfer requires verifying current account information such as last four SSN, DOB and/or driver’s license number. | Have identity details ready before calling. |
| Transfer fee | A $10 service fee is added to the first bill at the new location. | Expect it on the new-location bill. |
| Same-day transfer/start | Service can be started same day for an additional $15 charge if WBO receives notification before 4 p.m. | Call directly for same-day timing. |
Athens-Clarke County 2026–2027 Water and Sewer Rates
ACCGov’s rate page lists the July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 schedule. Residential water is billed on a four-tier structure based on annual average use, while sewer is calculated from water consumption.
| Rate item | 2026–2027 amount | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Residential water Tier 1 | $7.02 per 1,000 gallons at annual average use. | Base residential tier tied to the account’s annual average. |
| Residential water Tier 2 | $8.79 per 1,000 gallons up to 50% over annual average. | Moderate extra use above normal pattern. |
| Residential water Tier 3 | $10.54 per 1,000 gallons between 51% and 99% over annual average. | High usage, often caused by irrigation, leaks or changed household use. |
| Residential sewer | 100% of water consumption at $8.63 per 1,000 gallons. | Leaks can affect sewer charges because sewer is based on water consumption. |
| Water customer service fee | $4.95 monthly. | Meter reading, billing operations and fixed service costs. |
| Sewer customer service fee | $4.95 monthly. | Fixed sewer billing/customer service charge. |
| Residential meter fee | 5/8 or 3/4 inch meter: $0.54 monthly. | Residential homes typically have a 3/4-inch water meter. |
| Non-residential water | Uniform Tier 1 rate of $7.02 per 1,000 gallons. | Annual average does not apply to many non-residential accounts. |
High Athens Water Bill: Check These First
Leaking toilets
ACCGov says leaking toilets are the #1 cause of high water bills. Free leak detection kits are available from the Water Conservation Office upstairs from the Water Business Office during regular business hours.
WaterSmart / AMI use
WaterSmart uses consumption data from new AMI meters. Use it to review usage, look for spikes and spot unusual continuous water use.
Outdoor and seasonal use
Faucets, irrigation systems, underground lines, outdoor watering and seasonal changes can increase usage and push a bill into higher tiers.
| What you notice | Likely explanation | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Usage remains high when nobody is home | Toilet, irrigation, faucet, appliance or underground leak. | Check toilets first, then outdoor fixtures and WaterSmart usage. |
| Meter usage changed from last bill | Normal use, leak, seasonal watering or household change. | Subtract the last bill reading from current meter reading to estimate usage. |
| Water visible outside property | Private-side service line leak, irrigation leak or public-side issue. | If unsure whether public or private, call Water & Sewer Division at 706-613-3495 during business hours. |
| Sewer bill also rose | Sewer use is based on water consumption. | Do not check only the water line item; review full bill and usage. |
| Repair already completed | Possible leak-adjustment request if eligible. | Submit documentation within 60 days of repair. |
Athens Leak Adjustment: Eligibility, Documents and Deadline
Official rule summary: The Water Business Office offers leak adjustments in certain circumstances. The leak must be repaired before submitting a request, the request must be submitted within 60 days of the repair, and supporting documentation is required.
| Leak-adjustment item | Official detail | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| May qualify | Underground pipe leaks, broken or cracked service lines, leaking toilets with replacement parts, and leaks repaired by a licensed plumber. | Repair proof, photos, receipts, plumber statement or maintenance record. |
| Self-repair | Homeowner or tenant repairs need detailed explanation and receipts for parts/materials used. | Write exactly what failed, what was replaced and when. |
| Does not qualify | Garden hoses left running, irrigation/sprinkler overuse, normal seasonal increases, unrepaired leaks, incomplete repairs or undocumented repairs. | Do not submit without repair documentation. |
| How adjustment is reviewed | Each request is reviewed individually based on historical usage, leak extent/duration and affected billing periods. | Include meter alerts, dates and usage notes. |
| Submit by | Email wbo.c2g@accgov.com, fax 706-613-3761, or mail/in person at 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601. | Keep a copy of everything sent. |
| Pending request | Accounts with pending adjustments are noted. If the current balance is paid on time, penalties incurred during review are credited. | Pay the current balance on time to avoid disconnection risk. |
Read Your Athens Water Meter and Use WaterSmart
Calculate usage
ACCGov explains that usage can be estimated by subtracting the reading on the last bill from the current meter reading.
WaterSmart
Athens-Clarke County water customers can sign up for WaterSmart, a free online tool using consumption data gathered by new AMI meters.
Need meter help?
For non-residential meters or meter-reading help, call the Water Business Office at 706-613-3500.
- Find the current meter reading.
- Find the last bill reading.
- Subtract last bill reading from current reading.
- Compare the usage with WaterSmart and the bill.
- If usage is moving when no water should be used, check toilets, faucets, hose bibs and irrigation.
Water/Sewer Emergency and Public vs Private Responsibility
Emergency numbers
During regular business hours, call Water & Sewer at 706-613-3495 for water main breaks, sewer overflows or unusual outdoor sewer odors. For emergency meter shutoff, call 706-613-3479. After hours or weekends, call 706-613-3481.
Private-side responsibility
ACCGov says property owners are responsible for the water service line from the water meter to the building, including interior plumbing, outside irrigation and the connection to the meter. PUD is responsible for the street side of the meter and the meter itself.
| Problem | Call | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Water main break, sewer overflow, outdoor sewer odor during business hours | 706-613-3495 | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Emergency meter shutoff during business hours | 706-613-3479 | Use for urgent meter shutoff needs. |
| After-hours/weekend water or sewer emergency | 706-613-3481 | Representatives do not have billing/service account access. |
| Suspended water due to non-payment | 706-613-3500 | Call Water Business Office, not emergency dispatch. |
| Non-water emergency | 911 | Use for immediate life-safety emergencies. |
Bill Pay Assistance and Project SHARE
Project SHARE
Customers needing help request a referral from a Water Business Office Customer Support Representative, then contact The Salvation Army to apply. The Salvation Army determines eligibility.
Salvation Army contact
ACCGov’s assistance page lists The Salvation Army phone number as 706-543-5350. Bring proof of identity, residence, income and documentation showing the crisis causing financial hardship.
Local Athens Tips That Save Time
Use 124 E. Hancock for customer-service tasks
In-person payment, drop boxes, bank draft setup, account help and many forms point back to the Water Business Office at 124 E. Hancock Ave.
Mail payments go to Atlanta
The official mail-payment address is a PO Box in Atlanta, not the local Athens office address. Use the payment stub and envelope when mailing.
High bill? Start with toilets
ACCGov identifies leaking toilets as the #1 cause of high water bills. Free leak detection kits are available from the Water Conservation Office upstairs from WBO.
Urgent move-in may need in-person action
If the start date is today, tomorrow or within 48 hours, the official form says you need to come to the Water Business Office in person.
Athens Water Business Office Map and Visit Planning
Use this map for the Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Water Business Office / Customer Service Center at 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601. Bring account number, service address, ID, lease/closing documents, payment receipt, repair documents or forwarding address depending on your task.
Office address
ACC PUD Water Business Office, 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601.
Lobby hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Drop boxes
Drop boxes are located at the front and back of the building for after-hours payments.
Official Athens-Clarke County Water Links
Athens Water Department FAQs
Where do I pay my Athens water bill online?
Use the official ACCGov Paying Your Bill Options page or the official Click2Gov online water bill portal linked by Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities.
Is there a fee for online card payment?
ACCGov lists online credit-card water bill payment as no fee.
What is the Athens Water Business Office phone number?
Call 706-613-3500 for billing, account service, phone payment, start/stop/transfer service and customer service questions.
Where is the Athens Water Business Office?
The ACC Public Utilities Water Business Office / Customer Service Center is at 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601.
What are the Water Business Office hours?
Lobby hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where do I mail an Athens water bill payment?
Mail checks or money orders made out to ACC WBO to ACC Public Utilities Water Business Office, PO Box 106058, Atlanta, GA 30348-6058.
How much does it cost to start residential water/sewer service?
ACCGov lists a $75 security deposit and a $20 service fee to start new residential water/sewer service. The amount appears on the first bill. A trash service deposit may also apply if the address is in a covered service area.
How do I stop Athens water service?
You can cancel service online, by phone or in person. A 48-hour notice and forwarding address are required, and disconnections are not processed on standard holidays, weekends or after normal business hours.
What causes high Athens water bills?
ACCGov lists leaking toilets as the number one cause of high water bills. Other causes include faucet leaks, irrigation systems, underground leaks, increased household or outdoor water use and seasonal changes.
Can I request a leak adjustment?
Yes, if the leak qualifies. The leak must be repaired before the request, the request must be submitted within 60 days of repair, and documentation such as photos, invoices, receipts or a plumber statement is required.
What number do I call for water or sewer emergencies?
During business hours, call Water & Sewer at 706-613-3495. For emergency meter shutoff during business hours, call 706-613-3479. For after-hours or weekend water/sewer emergencies, call 706-613-3481.
Does this page collect Athens water bill payments?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use official Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities links for live payments, account status, service forms, rates, emergency reporting and official help.
Pay Your Water Bill Safely, Fix High Bills, Avoid Shutoff, Start Service and Find Official Utility Links
Use this free USA water bill assistant before paying online, calling utility billing, setting up AutoPay, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, starting or stopping service, handling a past due account, or searching for the official city utility portal.
What water bill problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest route, what to prepare, and which official page or office to check first.
Open the official city, county, water authority or utility website first. Do not enter account details into a random sponsored payment page.
If the bill is unusually high, compare usage, billing days, meter read type, toilet leaks, irrigation, late fees and leak adjustment rules before paying blindly.
Safe Water Bill Payment Route
Choose how you want to pay. This helps users avoid wrong portals, posting delays and urgent shutoff mistakes.
AutoPay / Bank Draft Setup Helper
Use this before enrolling in recurring payments so the first draft, current balance and payment date do not surprise you.
High Water Bill Review
Compare your normal bill and usage with the current bill. This gives a practical path before requesting a high bill review.
Leak Adjustment Proof Checklist
Use this before asking for a leak adjustment, high bill review, sewer adjustment or payment plan.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Reconnect Helper
Use this if your bill is late, you received a shutoff notice, service is off, or you need a payment plan.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service
Use this before moving, closing an account, starting service, transferring service or requesting a final bill.
Water Bill Cost Estimate
Estimate a simple monthly bill from base charge, water usage, sewer, stormwater, trash, service fees and late charges. Official tiered rates may be different.
Bill Dispute and Meter Reading Checklist
Use this before calling billing support about a meter reading, duplicate payment, wrong address, missing payment, estimated bill, or incorrect charge.
Official Water Bill Portal and Phone Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for official water bill pay, phone payment, guest pay, AutoPay, start service, leak adjustment, reconnect, assistance and this site’s guide.
Official portal safety
- Use official city, county, authority or utility websites first.
- Check service address before paying.
- Save confirmation number and screenshot.
- Call the utility for shutoff or reconnect situations.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first payment section or before FAQs. It turns every water bill article into a practical help page, not only a list of links.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, fees, shutoff rules, assistance programs, account balance and reconnection steps with the official utility.