How to Pay Your Lower Rio Grande Water Bill: A Simple Guide

Paying your water bill to the Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority (LRGPWWA) is an important part of being a customer and community member. Having access to clean, reliable water in your home or business is a necessity, and the LRGPWWA works hard to provide this critical resource. As a customer, it’s your responsibility to pay your water bill on time each month. This article will provide a simple guide on how to pay your Lower Rio Grande water bill using the various convenient options available.

Understanding Your Water Bill

The first step is to review and understand your monthly water bill. Bills are mailed on the 1st of each month and are due by the 25th of the month to avoid late fees. The due date is clearly printed on your bill. Take time to look over the billing date, account number, service address, usage amount, current charges, previous balance, and total amount due. Make sure all the information is accurate. Your bill will also note any important notices from the LRGPWWA regarding office hours, closures, or payment reminders.

Know Your Payment Options

The LRGPWWA offers several ways to pay your water bill conveniently. Here are the main options:

• In Person Visit any LRGPWWA office during business hours to pay by cash check or money order. The main office is located at 215 Bryant St Mesquite, NM. Drop boxes are also available if paying after hours.

• By Mail: Send a check or money order (no cash) to the PO Box printed on your bill. Allow several days for delivery.

• Online Payments can be made securely on the LRGPWWA website A small $125 fee applies, You can also set up auto-pay,

• By Phone: Call the automated phone payment line anytime and follow prompts. A $1.25 fee per transaction applies.

• Text Pay: Enroll for this option after making one phone payment. A convenience fee applies.

• Credit Card: Cards are accepted at the Mesquite office or by phone. A $2 transaction fee applies.

Pay Early to Avoid Late Fees

To avoid late payment penalties, be sure to pay your water bill by the due date printed on your monthly statement. Late fees are 15% of any overdue balance, assessed after 3pm on the due date If still delinquent after the next billing cycle, an additional $50 fee is charged Avoid these extra costs by paying early or setting up automatic payments.

Communication is Key

If you are unable to pay your bill in full by the due date, communicate with the LRGPWWA right away. They may be able to set up a payment plan or help connect you with bill assistance programs. Reach out to them at 575-233-5742 or [email protected]. Don’t let an unpaid bill go to collections unnecessarily when options may be available.

Take Advantage of Payment Accounts

Setting up an online account with the LRGPWWA allows you to easily monitor your water usage and billing. You’ll have 24/7 access to your statement and payment history. It also enables you to set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account on your due date, ensuring your bill is always paid on time.

Strategies for Paying High Bills

If you get a bill that seems unusually high, don’t panic. Here are some tips for handling a larger than normal water statement:

• Check for leaks – Inside and outside your home that could be wasting water and driving up your usage.

• Compare to last year – Look at the same billing period last year to see if usage was lower. Could explain seasonal increase.

• Contact LRGPWWA – Notify them of the high bill to check if meter readings are correct.

• Request an extension – Ask for a few extra days to pay if you’ll need time to gather the funds.

• Payment plan – Set up a payment plan with the LRGPWWA to divide the balance into installments.

• Payment assistance – See if you qualify for a bill assistance program to get help.

Avoid Third Party Payment Sites

When paying your water bill online, be sure to use the official LRGPWWA website. Some third party payment sites may try to appear affiliated, but they are not. Using them can result in extra fees, delayed payments, and penalties on your account. Only use lrgauthority.org to pay online.

Payment Locations Overview

For quick reference, here are the payment locations maintained by the LRGPWWA:

• Mesquite Office – 215 Bryant St, Mesquite, NM. Accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Main office.

• East Mesa Office – 9774 Butterfield Blvd, Butterfield Park, NM. Open Wednesdays 10am-3pm. Drop box available.

• Berino Office – 1150 Berino Rd, Berino, NM. Drop box available.

• La Mesa Office – 521 St. Valentine, La Mesa, NM. Drop box available.

• Vado Office – 325 Holguin Rd, Vado, NM. Drop box available.

Follow the tips in this guide to easily pay your Lower Rio Grande water bill on time each month. Take advantage of the convenient payment options available, communicate with LRGPWWA if needed, and avoid third party payment sites. Paying your water bill is an important responsibility – make sure you do it right.