Athens-Clarke Water Bill Help Center for Payments, High Bills, Leaks and Service Changes
This guide is for Athens-Clarke County water, sewer and refuse customers who need to pay online, call the Water Business Office, use the drop boxes, start service, request a payment plan, apply for Project SHARE help, submit a leak adjustment, or understand 2026 rates.
Every section below includes the official ACC link, phone number, address, form path or rate detail directly beside the step, so the user can finish the task instead of reading a generic water-bill article.
Fast answer: Athens-Clarke County customers can pay water, sewer and refuse bills online through the official Click2Gov/WaterSmart payment center, by phone at 706-613-3500, in person at the Water Business Office, by bank draft, by mail, or through the front/back drop boxes at 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601. The official payment page says online credit-card payment has no fee.
Important: online account setup requires that you have already received one bill. If your bill is high, ACC says high water bills are most often caused by leaks or changes in water use, and leak-adjustment requests must be submitted within 60 days of the repair with documentation.
Athens Water Bill Quick Facts
Athens Water Bill Action Board: Use the Right Official Step
Start here. Each card gives the exact next action and puts the official link or phone number inside the step.
I need to pay online
Use the official Athens-Clarke Click2Gov payment center for water, sewer and refuse accounts. Have your water account number ready.
Open payment centerI want to pay by phone
Call the Water Business Office at 706-613-3500 during business hours to pay by credit card over the phone.
Call 706-613-3500I cannot afford the bill
Ask the Water Business Office about payment plans and Project SHARE referral before service is at risk.
Bill assistance pageMy bill is high
Check for leaks first. If repaired, submit a leak-adjustment request within 60 days with receipts or plumber documentation.
Leak adjustment formI need to start service
Submit the water service request online, in person, or by mail. Same-day service must be requested in person.
Start serviceI have a water/sewer emergency
Call 706-613-3495 during regular hours or 706-613-3481 after hours/weekends for water main breaks, sewer overflow or water quality emergencies.
Emergency contactsHow to Pay an Athens-Clarke Water Bill
| Payment method | Official detail | Best use | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online payment | Pay online by credit/debit card with no fee. The payment center provides up-to-date account views and several payment options. | Best for fast payment, account view, reminders and autopay. | Pay online |
| Phone payment | ACC accepts credit card payments over the phone at 706-613-3500. | Best when you need staff help or cannot use the website. | Call 706-613-3500 |
| Bank draft | Print the Bank Draft Application, bring the form and a voided check to 124 E. Hancock Ave. Payments are automatically deducted by the due date. | Best for avoiding missed due dates. | Bank draft form |
| Mail checks or money orders payable to ACC WBO with payment stub to Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Public Utilities Water Business Office, PO Box 106058, Atlanta, GA 30348-6058. | Best when the bill is not urgent. | Mail details | |
| In person | Pay at ACC PUD Water Business Office, 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601. | Best for cash, account help, payment plans or start/stop service questions. | See map |
| Drop boxes | Two drop-off boxes are located at the front and back of the Water Business Office building at 124 E. Hancock Ave. | Best for after-hours check or money order payments. | Drop box info |
WaterSmart / Click2Gov Login Tips
MFA login update
ACC says Multi-Factor Authentication is required for online account login. You receive a verification code by email each time you sign in, so keep your email address updated.
Water Business Office pageFirst bill required
ACC says customers must have received one bill before being eligible to create an online account to pay online.
Payment instructionsMobile view tip
The Click2Gov page says mobile users may need to rotate the phone to landscape or tap the upper-left menu for the best experience.
Open Click2GovWater Business Office, Hours, Parking and Drop Boxes
Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Wednesday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Payment pageParking pattern
The parking lot has a one-way traffic pattern: enter from the Lumpkin Street side and exit onto E. Hancock Avenue.
Parking noteDrop boxes
Drop boxes are at the front and back of the building for after-hours payments.
See map belowProject SHARE, Payment Plans and Water Bill Help
ACC’s bill-assistance page says Public Utilities offers options to help customers avoid going without water when financial hardship makes paying difficult.
Call Water Business Office first
Ask about payment plans, account status and a Project SHARE referral.
Call 706-613-3500Get Project SHARE referral
ACC says customers in need request a referral from a Water Business Office Customer Support Representative.
Project SHARE detailsCall Salvation Army
After referral, set up an interview with The Salvation Army at 706-543-5350.
Call 706-543-5350Bring proof
Bring proof of identity, residence, income and documentation showing the crisis causing financial hardship.
Assistance checklistHigh Athens Water Bill? Leak Adjustment Rules
ACC says high water bills are most often caused by leaks or changes in water use, not billing errors. Start with leak checks and document repairs before requesting an adjustment.
| Leak issue | Official rule | What to prepare | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | The leak must be repaired before submitting a request, and the request must be submitted within 60 days of repair. | Repair date, account number, service address and proof of repair. | Leak adjustment page |
| Repairs that may qualify | Examples include underground pipe leaks, broken/cracked service lines, leaking toilets with replacement parts and leaks repaired by a licensed plumber. | Plumber statement, invoice, photos, part receipts. | Qualifying examples |
| Self-repair | Provide a detailed explanation plus receipts for parts or materials used. | Written explanation and receipts. | Self-repair rule |
| Does not qualify | Garden hoses left running, irrigation or sprinkler overuse, normal seasonal increase, unrepaired leaks and incomplete/undocumented repairs do not qualify. | Do not submit without repair proof. | Exclusions |
| Submit request | Email, fax, mail or submit in person. Forms without supporting documentation are denied. | Email wbo.c2g@accgov.com, fax 706-613-3761, or mail/bring to 124 E. Hancock Ave. | Email documents |
Leak-adjustment call script
Water Main Break, Sewer Overflow, Water Quality or Meter Shutoff Emergency
Water/sewer emergency
For water main breaks, sewer overflow or unusual outdoor sewer odors, call Water & Sewer at 706-613-3495 during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Call 706-613-3495After-hours / weekend
For after-hours or weekend water/sewer emergencies, call 706-613-3481.
Call 706-613-3481Emergency meter shutoff
If you need a meter shut off due to an emergency during regular hours, call Meter Management at 706-613-3479.
Call 706-613-3479Start Athens-Clarke Water and Sewer Service
| Start-service item | Official detail | Practical step | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing time | ACC says to allow up to 48 business hours for processing. | Apply before your move-in date. | Start service page |
| Same-day service | Same-day requests must be made in person, cannot be submitted online, have a $25 convenience charge and are subject to availability. | Go to the Water Business Office with documents and payment. | Same-day rules |
| Residential deposit / fee | New residential water/sewer service includes a $75 security deposit and $20 service fee, total $95, appearing on the first bill. | Budget for the first bill and any trash deposit if applicable. | Deposit details |
| Documents | Photo ID is required. Renters submit complete signed lease; owners submit closing documents. | Upload or bring clear copies. | Forms page |
| Mail start request | Mail completed Water Service Request Form, ID copy, lease/closing docs and $95 payment to ACC PUD Water Business Office, 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601. | Use only if you have time before move-in. | Mail instructions |
Stop, Transfer or Update Water Service
Stop service
Use the Service Termination option on the Water Business Office Forms page or call customer service for stop/transfer questions.
Service termination formLandlord / agent
The forms page includes Landlord Continuous Service Agreement, cancellation form, Property Manager/Authorized Agent form and third-party billing/account request.
Landlord and agent formsName or account update
Use the Name Change/Account Update Form if the customer name or account information needs correction.
Account update formJuly 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 Athens Water and Sewer Rates
ACC uses a four-tier residential water rate structure based on annual average water use. New residential customers start with a two-person household calculation of 50 gallons per day per person; larger households can request an adjustment using the water service request and affidavit form.
| Rate item | Official 2026–2027 detail | What it means | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Tier 1 | Annual Average water use: $7.02 per 1,000 gallons. | Base tier tied to annual average usage. | Rates page |
| Tier 2 | Additional use up to 50% over AA: $8.79 per 1,000 gallons. | Moderate usage above your annual average. | Tier rates |
| Tier 3 | More than 51% up to 99% over AA: $10.54 per 1,000 gallons. | High use can move into a higher cost tier. | Tier 3 |
| Tier 4 | More than 100% over AA: $17.58 per 1,000 gallons. | Leaks or irrigation can become expensive quickly. | Tier 4 |
| Residential sewer | Residential sewer use equals 100% of water consumption at $8.63 per 1,000 gallons. | The sewer line can rise with water usage. | Sewer rates |
| Customer service fee | Water customer service fee $4.95; sewer customer service fee $4.95. | Monthly fixed fees can appear even when usage is low. | Service fees |
| Meter replacement fee | 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch meter fee: $0.54 per month. | Most residential homes have a 3/4-inch water meter. | Meter fee table |
Stormwater Billing Is Separate from Water Business Office Billing
Stormwater questions
ACC directs stormwater billing questions to the Stormwater Division, not the Water Business Office.
Call 706-613-3440Stormwater payment
The Click2Gov water payment center says stormwater accounts should use the Athens-Clarke County StormWater Utility Payments link instead.
Online payments pageAthens Water Business Office Map and Visit Plan
Use this map for the Water Business Office at 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601. Bring your bill, account number, ID, payment method, lease/closing documents if starting service, and any shutoff, leak or assistance documents.
Parking tip
Enter from the Lumpkin Street side of the building and exit onto E. Hancock Avenue. Parking is limited and for water customer business only.
Ask before leaving
“Is my payment posted, is my account safe from service interruption, and is any payment plan, leak adjustment or Project SHARE referral still pending?”
After-hours issue
For water/sewer emergencies after hours or weekends, call 706-613-3481. Billing questions wait for Water Business Office hours.
Official Athens-Clarke County Utility Links
Athens Water Bill FAQ
How do I pay my Athens-Clarke County water bill online?
Use the official Click2Gov payment center for Athens-Clarke County water, sewer and refuse accounts. Have your water account number ready. The official payment page says online credit-card payment has no fee.
What is the Athens water bill phone number?
Call the Athens-Clarke County Water Business Office at 706-613-3500 for billing, payment, payment plan, start/stop/transfer service and account questions.
Where is the Athens Water Business Office?
The Water Business Office is at 124 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Wednesday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Can I pay an Athens water bill by phone?
Yes. ACC says credit card payments are accepted over the phone at 706-613-3500 during Water Business Office hours.
Where do I mail an Athens water bill payment?
Mail checks or money orders payable to ACC WBO with the payment stub to Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Public Utilities Water Business Office, PO Box 106058, Atlanta, GA 30348-6058.
How do I get help if I cannot pay my Athens water bill?
Call the Water Business Office at 706-613-3500 and ask about payment plans and Project SHARE referral. After referral, call The Salvation Army at 706-543-5350 and bring proof of identity, residence, income and the crisis causing hardship.
Can I get a leak adjustment on my Athens water bill?
Possibly. ACC says the leak must be repaired first, the request must be submitted within 60 days of the repair, and documentation such as receipts, photos or plumber statements must be included.
What leaks do not qualify for Athens-Clarke leak adjustment?
ACC says garden hoses left running, irrigation or sprinkler overuse, normal seasonal increases, unrepaired leaks and incomplete or undocumented repairs do not qualify.
How much does it cost to start Athens water service?
ACC lists a $75 security deposit and a $20 service fee for new residential water/sewer service, totaling $95 on the first bill. Same-day service requests must be made in person and have a $25 convenience charge.
Who do I call for an Athens water or sewer emergency?
For water main breaks, sewer overflow or unusual outdoor sewer odors during regular business hours, call 706-613-3495. For after-hours or weekend water/sewer emergencies, call 706-613-3481.