Direct Debit & Automatic Payment FAQ’s

How do I apply for Direct Debit payments?

Click here to enroll in the Direct Debit Payment Plan.

Do I have to set up a special account?

No. Just indicate on the application whether you are using your checking or savings account.

How long is the application process?

It may take up to 60 days to process your request.

How will I know when I am enrolled in Direct Debit payments?

When you receive a paper bill that states “Direct Debit Plan – Do Not Pay”- payment will be automatically debited from your specified account before the due date.

Will I have a record of the transaction?

Yes. For customers enrolled in the Direct Debit Payment Plan, a notification will be sent to the email address on file the date in which the direct debit payment is processed. For customers enrolled in the Automatic Payment Plan, a notification will be sent to the email address on file several days in advance of the date in which the payment will be processed.

Will I still get a bill in the mail?

Yes, all customers will receive quarterly invoices both via postal mail as well as via email. Should you wish to terminate one of these options, please contact customer service directly at 516-931-6469.

When will the funds be withdrawn?

Ten (10) days before the due date. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the funds will be withdrawn the next business day.

General FAQ’s

Do you accept payments over the telephone?

No. Payments can only be made online, in-person or by mail.

• Pay your bill online and/or Enroll in automatic bill pay
• To pay in-person or by mail:

Plainview Water District
10 Manetto Hill Road
Plainview, New York 11803
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What is the service fee if I pay my bill online?

We offer our consumers the ability to pay their water bills online 24/7. If customers enroll in the Direct Debit Payment Plan, there is no charge or convenience fees. For one-time debit and credit card transactions there is a 2.95 percent service fee. For electronic/ACH transactions there is a $1.95 convenience fee. The Automatic Payment Plan is the option to pay your water bill automatically with a credit card. This has the same convenience as a one-time credit card payment, 2.95 percent of the total bill.

Note that New York State law mandates that Plainview Water District receives no portion of the service fee. The fee is retained by the payment processing vendor that enables the transaction. The fee schedule is in accordance with the credit card companies and transaction clearing house established rates.

What if there isn’t enough money in my account?

Only the exact amount of your bill will be deducted from your account. If you do not have sufficient funds on your account to cover your bill, you will be charged an insufficient funds fee. You may also be subject to termination from the direct debit or automatic payment programs.

When is my next bill/payment due?

Plainview Water District bills customers quarterly. Find the schedule here.

What is the average bill?

Each consumer’s usage is determined by different variables, such as the number of people living in the home, size of the lawn, size of house, etc. For this reason, we are unable to give an accurate average.

Why is this bill higher than the last bill I received?

Many factors contribute to fluctuations in your water bill:

• Weather fluctuations. Water consumption changes from one season to the next. For an accurate comparison, examine bills from corresponding periods (June 2019 vs. June 2018).
• Have living arrangements changed? Water consumption will increase if there are more people living in the residence. Has there been an apartment added on to the residence?
• Check for leaks. Dripping faucets are obvious sources, but look for other less visible signs as well.

I’m selling my house, what do I need to do to close my account?

You will need to complete and submit a final reading request form.  There is a service charge of $50.00 for all final readings. Click here to obtain our final reading request form.

How do I turn on service (residential/commercial)?

Call the office at (516) 931-6469. A minimal charge may apply. However, if a house is being sold, water is usually not turned off.

Is there a deposit?

Fees are associated with new, non-existing service. For more information, you may call our office at (516) 931-6469.

When will service be activated?

Service is turned on as soon as all requirements are met.

I am a property owner with a rental property, can I add my tenant to the account?

Click here to learn more about the responsibilities of property owners with rental properties.