Greensboro Water Bill Help Center: Pay, Track Usage, Avoid Cutoff & Fix High Bills
This guide is for City of Greensboro water, sewer and stormwater customers who need to pay a bill, register for GSO WaterWise, avoid card fees, start or stop service, request a payment arrangement, investigate a high bill, or report a water/sewer emergency.
Start with the action cards below. Every important step includes the official City link, phone number, office address or form path beside the instruction, so the page works like a practical utility dashboard instead of a generic article.
Fast answer: Greensboro water, sewer and stormwater bills can be paid online through GSO WaterWise, by phone at 336-373-IPAY (4729), by mail to City of Greensboro, PO Box 1170, Greensboro, NC 27402-1170, in person at 300 W. Washington St. or 2602 S. Elm-Eugene St., or by drop box at the J. Edward Kitchen Operations Center.
Best fee-saving move: use secure electronic bank draft inside GSO WaterWise. Beginning July 1, 2026, Greensboro applies a 2.95% card transaction fee with a $1.95 minimum on card payments made online and by phone.
Greensboro Water Bill Quick Facts
Greensboro Water Bill Action Board: Click the Right Official Step
Use this first. Each card matches a real customer situation and puts the official action link or phone number directly inside the step.
I want to pay now
Use GSO WaterWise for one-time or recurring online payments, paperless billing, bank draft and usage tracking.
Open GSO WaterWiseI want all payment choices
Review the official Greensboro payment page before using any third-party business that claims it can take water bill payments.
Payment optionsI need a payment plan
Ask for a promise-to-pay or installment plan. Installment plans can spread past-due balances up to six months.
Call 336-373-CITYMy bill is high
Check GSO WaterWise usage, test for toilet/outdoor leaks, then request a leak adjustment only after the leak is repaired.
Leak detection tipsI see water or sewer trouble
For water main breaks, hydrant leaks, sewer overflows, sewer backups, or taste/odor/color changes, call dispatch.
Call 336-373-2033I am moving
Use the official new service application or disconnect request. Final bills and possible refunds need a forwarding address.
Start / stop serviceHow to Pay a Greensboro Water, Sewer or Stormwater Bill
| Payment method | Use when | What to prepare | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSO WaterWise | You want online payment, AutoPay, paperless billing, usage history and leak alerts. | Account number from top of bill, ZIP code, payment method. | Open WaterWise |
| Phone payment | You prefer automated card payment and account information by phone. | Account details and card. Prepaid cards/checking accounts are not accepted by phone. | Call 336-373-IPAY |
| Fee-free bank draft | You want to avoid the card processing fee. | Checking/savings information inside GSO WaterWise. | Set bank draft |
| You are not close to a deadline or service interruption. | Check or money order payable to City of Greensboro plus payment stub/account number. | City of Greensboro, PO Box 1170, Greensboro, NC 27402-1170 | |
| Drop box | You want 24/7 drop-off at the Kitchen Operations Center. | Check or money order only; no cash; include payment stub. | 2602 S. Elm-Eugene St., left of front entrance |
| In person | You need same-day help, water has been turned off, or you need receipt/account help. | Bill, account number, payment method and ID if needed. | 300 W. Washington St. or 2602 S. Elm-Eugene St., 8am–5pm Mon–Fri |
GSO WaterWise: Register, Pay, Track Usage and Catch Leaks Early
Register after first bill
After receiving your first bill, sign up with the account number at the top of the bill and your ZIP code.
Register / loginTrack usage
WaterWise provides water usage data and alerts, which helps identify continuous use or leaks before the next bill grows.
How it worksPaperless and recurring payments
Use the portal to enroll in paperless billing and make one-time or recurring payments online.
Manage accountGreensboro Water Bill Fees: Which Payment Method Costs Less?
Bank draft
Fee-free secure electronic bank drafts are available inside GSO WaterWise and can be used for one-time payments or AutoPay.
Use bank draftOnline card
Card payments online have a 2.95% processing fee with a $1.95 minimum, effective July 1, 2026.
Fee detailsPhone card
Phone card payments also have the 2.95% processing fee with a $1.95 minimum.
Call 336-373-4729Drop box / mail
Use check or money order, but avoid slow methods if service has been turned off or the due date is urgent.
See locationsPast-Due Greensboro Water Bill: Promise-to-Pay and Installment Plans
Call before cutoff
Payment plans can be arranged by calling 336-373-CITY on weekdays. Ask whether the account is eligible before the balance gets worse.
Call 336-373-CITYAsk for the right plan
A promise-to-pay is for a short-term extension for one bill. Installment plans can spread a past-due account over up to six months.
Payment arrangement detailsPay what you can
Water Resources urges customers to pay any amount possible toward the bill while working on payment arrangements.
Pay partial amountSave proof
Keep the confirmation number, date, amount, staff name, and any promise-to-pay or installment-plan terms.
Call billing questionsPast-due call script
2026 Greensboro Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rates: What Matters on the Bill
Greensboro bills water/sewer usage in units. One unit equals 748 gallons. For 2026, in-city and outside-city customers have different rates, and stormwater is based on impervious surface area rather than faucet usage.
| Charge type | 2026 official detail | What it means | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-city water base, 5/8” meter | $6.57 monthly billing and availability fee. | Base charge applies even at low usage. | Water rates |
| In-city residential water volume | $3.56 up to 3 units; $5.13 for 4–10; $6.46 for 11–20; $8.92 for 21+. | Higher use moves into higher blocks. | Rate table |
| In-city sewer base and volume | $5.88 monthly sewer base; $5.70 per unit for all sewer units. | Sewer often rises when water usage rises. | Sewer rates |
| Outside-city rates | Outside-city customers pay higher base and volume rates. | Do not compare outside-city bill to in-city rates. | Outside-city rates |
| Stormwater single-family | Tier A $1.80/month; Tier B $3.24/month; Tier C $4.68/month; no charge below 600 sq. ft. impervious area. | Based on rooftops, driveways and built-upon area, not water use. | Stormwater rates |
| Stormwater non-single-family | $3.24 per ERU, with 1 ERU equal to 2,543 sq. ft. | Commercial/multifamily bills depend on impervious area. | Stormwater FAQ |
Simple Greensboro In-City Water/Sewer Bill Estimator
Use this only as a planning tool for a common in-city residential 5/8-inch meter. It does not include trash, stormwater, past-due balances, deposits, leak adjustments, different meter sizes, outside-city rates or account-specific fees.
One Greensboro water unit equals 748 gallons. This calculator uses 2026 in-city residential 5/8-inch rates.
High Greensboro Water Bill: Check Usage Before You Dispute or Pay Blindly
Inside leak check
- Running toilet or worn flapper.
- Dripping faucet, shower or tub.
- Water heater leak or relief valve.
- Dishwasher, washing machine, ice-maker or crawlspace line.
Outdoor leak check
- Irrigation or sprinkler schedule changed.
- Hose left on overnight.
- Wet ground between house and meter.
- Pool filling, pressure washing or seasonal use.
Use WaterWise first
Greensboro says the most effective way to check for a leak is the GSO WaterWise customer portal. Look for continuous overnight use or unusual daily spikes.
Check WaterWise usageGreensboro Leak Adjustment Request: Use It Only After Repair
Find and repair the leak
Leak adjustment is for a high bill caused by a leak that has been repaired. Keep repair invoices, photos and dates.
Leak detection helpReview adjustment rule
Greensboro points customers to the “Adjustment of Overages” section in the Water and Wastewater System Rules and Regulations before submitting.
Customer service pageSubmit the form
Use the official Water Bill Leak Adjustment Request after the leak is fixed and documentation is ready.
Leak adjustment formCall if unsure
If you cannot locate a leak or want a site-visit review, call 336-373-2489 during business hours.
Call 336-373-2489High-bill call script
Start, Transfer or Stop Greensboro Water/Sewer Service
| Situation | Official requirement | Practical next step | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start water/sewer service | Submit a Request for Water/Sewer Service Application for each service address. | Prepare two forms of identification: government-issued ID and proof of address. | Start service instructions |
| Residential tenant deposit/service fee | City page lists the residential tenant total as $165 and says service will not connect until deposit/service charge are received. | Pay by mail or in person at the J. Edward Kitchen Operations Center if required. | See Kitchen Operations map |
| Landlord CIS form | A completed CIS form is required to waive the $15 service fee. | Use the City’s landlord instructions and submit as directed. | Landlord CIS details |
| Stop service | Provide service address, requested turn-off/final-read date and forwarding address. | Call 336-373-CITY or request disconnection through GSO WaterWise. | Stop through WaterWise |
| Move inside Greensboro area | If disconnecting and starting new service, include the previous address and desired disconnection date on the application. | Do both steps together so the final bill/refund reaches the new address. | Call 336-373-CITY |
Water Main Break, Sewer Backup, Overflow or Water Quality Problem
| Problem | What Greensboro says | What to do now | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water leak or main break in street | Call Water Resources 24-hour Dispatch. | Give closest address, cross street, visible flow, road hazard and timing. | Call 336-373-2033 |
| Hydrant leaking | Call Water Resources 24-hour Dispatch. | Report hydrant location and whether water is flowing into road/storm drain. | Call dispatch |
| Sanitary sewer overflow | Report the overflow immediately to Water Resources 24-hour Dispatch. | Keep people and pets away; document location if safe. | Overflow guidance |
| Sewer backed up in home | Call Water Resources 24-hour Dispatch and review the Sanitary Sewer Backup Policy. | Stop using water, protect photos/receipts and call quickly. | Backup policy |
| Taste, odor or color change | Department contacts direct customers to 24-hour Dispatch for drinking-water taste, odor or color changes. | Report location, fixture affected, time started and whether neighbors are affected. | Call 336-373-2033 |
| Water quality testing | Contact the Water Quality Laboratory for drinking-water testing questions. | Call the lab if you need testing guidance instead of bill help. | Call 336-373-7527 |
New Connections to Greensboro Water or Sewer
Connection application
Water Resources requires a Water/Sewer Connection and Irrigation Meter Application for meter/development fee estimates.
New connection pageMeter and development fees
Meter fees depend on meter size. A system development fee may apply when connecting to water and/or sewer for the first time.
Fee explanationUtility Services contact
For water/sewer connection questions, call Water Resources Utility Services at 336-373-2055.
Call 336-373-2055Greensboro Water Payment Locations Map and Visit Plan
For in-person payments, Greensboro lists the Melvin Municipal Office Building at 300 W. Washington St. and the J. Edward Kitchen Operations Center at 2602 S. Elm-Eugene St. Both are listed as open 8am–5pm Monday–Friday, closed holidays. The drop box is at the Kitchen Operations Center exterior wall to the left of the front entrance.
Bring
Bill, account number, ID if needed, payment method, shutoff/delinquent notice, proof of payment, leak photos or repair invoices.
Use drop box carefully
Checks or money orders only. No cash. Include the stub so payment credits the correct account.
Call first if urgent
For disconnection risk, payment arrangement, or water already turned off, call 336-373-CITY before mailing or using the drop box.
Official Greensboro Water Bill Links Used in This Guide
Greensboro Water Bill FAQ
How do I pay my Greensboro water bill online?
Use the official GSO WaterWise portal at greensboronc.watersmart.com. You can make one-time or recurring payments, use bank draft, enroll in paperless billing and track water usage.
What is the Greensboro water bill phone payment number?
Call 336-373-IPAY, which is 336-373-4729, to pay by phone and access account information.
Is there a fee to pay a Greensboro water bill by card?
Yes. Effective July 1, 2026, Greensboro lists a 2.95% card transaction fee with a $1.95 minimum for card payments made online and by phone.
How can I avoid the Greensboro water bill card fee?
Use secure electronic bank draft inside GSO WaterWise. Greensboro lists this as a fee-free online payment option and it can be used for one-time payments or AutoPay.
Where can I pay a Greensboro water bill in person?
Greensboro lists in-person payment at Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St., and J. Edward Kitchen Operations Center, 2602 S. Elm-Eugene St., from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, closed holidays.
What should I do if my Greensboro water bill is past due?
Call 336-373-CITY (2489) and ask about a promise-to-pay or installment plan. A promise-to-pay is for a short-term extension, while installment plans can spread past-due balances up to six months.
Who do I call for a Greensboro water main break or sewer backup?
Call Water Resources 24-hour Dispatch at 336-373-2033 for water main breaks, sewer stoppages, sewer backups, sanitary sewer overflows, hydrant leaks and water taste, odor or color changes.
How many gallons are in one Greensboro water unit?
One Greensboro water/sewer billing unit equals 748 gallons, also described as 100 cubic feet or one ccf.
Can I request a leak adjustment for a high Greensboro water bill?
Yes, if the high bill resulted from a leak that has been repaired. Use the official Water Bill Leak Adjustment Request and keep repair documentation, photos and dates.
How do I start or stop Greensboro water service?
To start service, submit a Request for Water/Sewer Service Application and provide required identification. To stop service, call 336-373-CITY or request disconnection through GSO WaterWise with the service address, turn-off/final-read date and forwarding address.