Winston-Salem Water Bill Pay Help for Online, Phone and In-Person Payments
Use this guide to pay a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities water, sewer or stormwater bill, log in with your 7-digit account number and 4-digit PIN, make a one-time Paymentus payment, call CityLink, mail a check, use auto draft, visit the drive-through, set up a past-due payment plan, start or stop service, understand 2026-27 rates, handle high bills, report leaks or sewer backups, and find water-quality and lead-pipe resources without guessing which office to use.
Quick Answer: Best Way to Pay a Winston-Salem Utilities Bill
User need |
Official route |
Prepare first |
Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay online now |
7-digit account number and 4-digit PIN, which is the last four digits of the customer number. |
Verify the service address before submitting payment. |
|
View bill / account details |
7-digit account number and PIN from the bill. |
After login, you can view the bill, pay, update account info, request meter investigation and manage additional service locations. |
|
Pay by phone |
Call CityLink at 336-727-8000 or dial 311 within Winston-Salem city limits. |
Account number, PIN, balance and Visa, Mastercard or Discover. |
Ask whether web/telephone payment receives immediate credit for your account status. |
Mail payment |
City of Winston-Salem Revenue Collections, PO Box 2756, Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2756. |
Bottom portion of bill, check or money order, account number. |
No cash by mail. Mail is risky near late fees or disconnection timing. |
Walk in / drive-through |
Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Suite 121, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. |
Bill, account number, ID if requested and accepted payment method. |
Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The drive-through is on the south side of the building. |
Night drop box |
24-hour drop box at the Church Street door of the Stuart Building. |
Check or money order with account number. |
Payments placed after 8 a.m., on weekends or holidays post next business day. |
Past-due payment plan |
Call CityLink 311 or 336-727-8000, or visit Utilities Customer Service. |
Full bill, delinquent balance, payment you can make today and plan length you can keep. |
At least half of the delinquent balance must be paid before a plan can be established. |
Emergency leak, rupture or sewer backup |
Call CityLink 311 or 336-727-8000. |
Exact address, cross street, type of issue and whether water/sewage is entering a structure. |
Do not submit an online 311 form for water emergencies or sewer backups. |
Provider check: this page is for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities. If your statement is from a landlord, apartment portal, HOA, private water company, Town of Kernersville, Town of Lewisville, Town of Clemmons, City of Greensboro, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Spectrum or a separate solid-waste hauler, use the provider printed on that statement.
Official Winston-Salem Utilities Contact Box
CityLink for Billing and Service
Call: 336-727-8000 or 311 inside Winston-Salem city limits.
Text: 855-481-LINK / 855-481-5465
Email: citylink@cityofws.org
Use CityLink for payment questions, start/stop service, leaks, sewer backups, payment plans, deposits and general utilities help.
Revenue Collections / Utilities Customer Service
Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building
100 East First Street, Suite 121
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Use for: walk-in payment, drive-through payment, deposits, service setup and urgent account questions.
Payment Mailing Address
City of Winston-Salem
Revenue Collections
PO Box 2756
Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2756
Include the bottom portion of your bill and never mail cash.
Emergency Water or Sewer
Call CityLink 311 or 336-727-8000 for an overflow, rupture, leak, sewer backup, emergency water shutoff, broken main, or urgent utility field issue.
The City says online 311 requests should not be used for this sort of emergency.
City Hall Reference
City Hall:
101 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
City Hall is the general municipal address. For bill payment and Revenue Collections, use the Stuart Building address above.
Discontinued Payment Location
The City’s payment-options page notes that Revenue Collections services at the Black-Phillips-Smith Government Office were discontinued July 1, 2026.
Use the Stuart Building, online, phone, mail, auto draft or approved bank bill-pay route instead.
Official Winston-Salem utility links:
How to Pay a Winston-Salem Water, Sewer or Stormwater Bill
Payment method |
Official detail |
Best for |
Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
Paymentus one-time payment |
Make a one-time payment with Visa, Mastercard, Discover or electronic check from a bank or credit-union account. |
Quick online payment when you have the bill in front of you. |
Paymentus asks for account number and PIN / last four digits of customer number. |
City water/stormwater account login |
Login with water bill account number and PIN to view account information, view bill, make payment and use account service tools. |
Viewing a bill, checking account status, requesting meter reading investigation and managing multiple service locations. |
Use the exact 7-digit account number and 4-digit PIN from the bill. |
Paymentus registered account |
Paymentus registration can support AutoPay, multiple accounts and past payment viewing after first payment has processed. |
Customers who want recurring payments or repeated access. |
Keep a separate record of confirmation numbers until payment history appears. |
Bank draft / automatic draft |
Bank draft automatically deducts the bill amount from your bank account each billing cycle after setup. |
Customers who want automated checking-account payment. |
Include completed authorization form and voided check if using paper form; continue watching bills until draft begins. |
Your bank or credit-union bill pay |
Set up the City as a payee inside your bank’s bill-pay service. |
Customers who manage all bills from a bank account. |
Use current payment address and account number; bank bill pay can take mailing/processing time. |
Phone payment |
Call 336-727-8000 or 311 within city limits for payment by Visa, Mastercard or Discover. |
Payment help when online login is not convenient. |
Have account number and PIN before calling. |
Mail |
Place check or money order and bottom bill portion in the windowed envelope, or mail to Revenue Collections PO Box 2756. |
Routine payments with enough time before due date. |
No cash. Do not rely on mail near termination or payment-plan deadlines. |
Walk-in / drive-through |
Visit or use the drive-through at 100 E. First St., Suite 121, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Receipt, urgent account review, deposits, service setup or payment arrangement. |
The drive-through is on the south side of the Stuart Building across from the Fairfield hotel lobby. |
24-hour drop box |
Drop box at the Church Street door of the Stuart Building. |
After-hours check or money-order payment. |
Payments after 8 a.m., weekends or holidays are processed next business day. |
Fastest account-credit tip: the City’s automatic draft form says web and telephone payments receive immediate credit. If your account is already past due, still call CityLink after payment and confirm whether termination, late fees, deposits or payment-plan terms remain.
Online Login, Paymentus Account and Account/PIN Help
Login credentials
- Use the 7-digit water bill account number.
- Use the 4-digit PIN.
- The PIN is the last four digits of the customer number.
- Check the top or payment stub of the bill.
- Call CityLink if the bill is missing or account lookup fails.
What you can do after login
- Sign up for paperless billing.
- See account information.
- View your bill.
- Make a payment.
- Request a service disconnect.
- Request meter reading investigation for high consumption.
- Correct account information.
- Add additional service locations.
- Start or stop irrigation service.
When not to guess
If the portal cannot find the account, the address is wrong, your PIN does not work, or a prior tenant/landlord paid the account before, stop and call CityLink. Incorrect payments can delay posting, refunds, start-service timing or disconnection protection.
Start from the City payment page
Use the official Water Bill Payment Options page, then choose the payment route you need. This avoids search ads and wrong-provider pages.
Enter the exact account number and PIN
The online bill login and Paymentus payment screen use the account number and the last four digits of the customer number. Keep the printed or downloaded bill open while typing.
Choose one-time pay or full account tools
Use one-time payment if you only need to pay. Use the login page when you also need to view a bill, request investigation, update account information or manage multiple service locations.
Save proof immediately
Save payment confirmation, amount, date/time, payment method and account number. This matters if you are close to Day 28 late penalty, Day 35 termination notice or Day 49 disconnect order timing.
Past-Due Bills, Late Charges, Termination Notices and Payment Plans
Day 28
A 10% late penalty is added when the unpaid balance remains 28 days after bill date.
Day 35
The bill definitions page lists termination notice timing around Day 35.
Day 49
Disconnect order timing adds a $20 penalty on the bill schedule.
Payment plan
Pay at least half of the delinquent balance first, then request 3-6 months of interest-free installments.
Past-due stage |
What the City says |
Best customer action |
|---|---|---|
Missed due date |
If bill payment is not received by the due date, a 10% late charge is added to the amount due. |
Pay immediately or call CityLink before the account reaches termination timing. |
Termination notice |
The City says a termination notice will be sent within seven days after late charge timing and customers get at least 14 days from the notice date to pay. |
Read the notice date and the 5 p.m. deadline closely. |
5 p.m. termination date |
If a past-due account is not paid by 5 p.m. on the termination date, a $20 late fee is applied and service is scheduled for disconnection. |
Use online, phone or in-person payment that posts quickly; avoid mail/drop box at the last minute. |
$20 penalty |
The $20 late fee is added whether water is physically terminated or not. |
Ask for the exact full amount due before assuming paying old balance fixes the account. |
Payment plan requirement |
Customers unable to pay the total amount by the due date must call CityLink or visit Utilities Customer Service. |
Pay at least half the delinquent balance first, then request the plan. |
Plan length |
Payment-plan terms are three to six months of interest-free installments. |
Budget for both the installment and every new bill; plans do not cover future charges. |
Plan protection |
If monthly installments and all new bills are paid on time, the account will not accrue additional late fees and service will not be disconnected. |
Put installment due dates and new bill due dates on the same calendar. |
Deposit after nonpayment termination |
A deposit may be required if service has been terminated for nonpayment; residential minimum is $50 if average bill is under $50, otherwise deposit may equal 1.5 times average bill. |
Ask whether a penalty deposit will be added to the next bill before assuming service restoration cost is only the past-due balance. |
Assistance note: the City payment page points customers with past-due bills to LIHWAP / ePASS and Forsyth County Department of Social Services. Assistance does not automatically stop City utility termination unless CityLink confirms your account arrangement, accepted pledge or required payment.
Start, Stop or Transfer Winston-Salem Water and Wastewater Service
Start service
Call CityLink at 336-727-8000 or visit the Stuart Building. The City asks for account name, start date, service address, mailing address if different, lease or proof of occupancy for renters, and TIN/SSN for credit evaluation.
Fees and deposit
The 2026-27 fee manual lists a $30 service initiation fee and deposits up to $150 based on credit. If no TIN or SSN is provided, the City’s start-service page says a $150 deposit is automatically required.
Turn-on timing
If the complete request reaches CityLink before 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, the City says water can typically be turned on the same day. After-hours, weekend and holiday requests move to the next business day.
Service task |
What to prepare |
Important detail |
|---|---|---|
Start residential service |
Name for account, date to start, service address, mailing address, SSN/TIN if provided. |
$30 service initiation fee appears on the first bill. |
Renter start service |
Copy of rental agreement or Proof of Occupancy form if lease is not available. |
Deposit may be required before service starts. |
No SSN/TIN provided |
Account details and $150 deposit. |
City says service is still provided, but deposit is required. |
Deposit payment |
Account number once available and payment method. |
Deposit can be paid in person or online via Paymentus after account number is available. |
Voluntarily stop service |
Call CityLink and provide forwarding address for final bill. |
Service will be disconnected within 24 hours except weekends and holidays. |
Transfer service |
Old address, new address, transfer date, account details and forwarding/mailing information. |
Current residential and business customers can usually have service at a new address within 24 hours; larger businesses and most industrial customers may require more notice. |
Final billing |
Forwarding address and confirmation that account is closed. |
Bill definitions warn that customers must notify the City to close the account; otherwise they are responsible for subsequent bills. |
2026-27 Winston-Salem Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Basics
Effective July 2026
FY 2026-27 rates are listed for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
1 cubic foot
The rate manual states 1 CF equals 7.48052 gallons.
Standard 5/8 or 3/4 water
Readiness-to-serve water charge is $16.28 bimonthly or $8.14 monthly.
Standard 5/8 or 3/4 sewer
Readiness-to-serve sewer charge is $21.18 bimonthly or $10.59 monthly.
2026-27 bill item |
Standard rate detail |
Customer check |
|---|---|---|
Water readiness-to-serve, 5/8 or 3/4 inch meter |
$16.28 bimonthly or $8.14 monthly for the standard water rate. |
Meter size changes fixed fee. Unincorporated service area and Lewisville rates differ. |
Monthly water usage Tier 1 |
0-401 CF / 0-3,000 gallons at $0.0279 per CF or $0.00373 per gallon standard rate. |
Lower basic usage tier for monthly bills. |
Monthly water usage Tier 2 |
402-936 CF / 3,001-7,000 gallons at $0.0432 per CF or $0.00578 per gallon standard rate. |
Check extra occupants, leaks or irrigation if you move up tiers. |
Monthly water usage Tier 3 |
937-20,052 CF / 7,001-150,000 gallons at $0.0478 per CF or $0.00639 per gallon standard rate. |
High residential usage usually deserves a leak check. |
Monthly water usage Tier 4 |
20,053+ CF / 150,001+ gallons returns to $0.0279 per CF or $0.00373 per gallon standard rate. |
Large commercial/industrial patterns may not resemble residential bills. |
Irrigation water |
Standard irrigation rate listed at $0.0498 per CF or $0.00666 per gallon. |
Separate irrigation meters and seasonal shutdowns can affect bills. |
Sewer readiness-to-serve, 5/8 or 3/4 inch meter |
$21.18 bimonthly or $10.59 monthly for the standard sewer rate. |
Unincorporated, Clemmons/Kernersville and Lewisville categories can differ. |
Sewer consumption |
Standard sewer rate listed at $0.0507 per water CF or $0.00678 per water gallon. |
Sewer charges are generally based on water consumption unless a sewer flume meter/account is set up. |
Service initiation |
$30 per request in the FY 2026-27 rate manual. |
Expect this on start service or applicable service request. |
Late penalties |
Unpaid balance 28 days after bill date: unpaid plus 10%; unpaid balance 49 days after bill date: unpaid plus 10% plus $20 fee. |
Use due date, notice date and 5 p.m. termination deadline instead of guessing. |
Rate-study note: Winston-Salem announced water and sewer rate increases starting July 1, 2026. The City stated the comprehensive rate study recommended a 5% revenue increase, equal to about $2.93 per month for the average residential customer, and that WSFC Utilities services are funded by user fees rather than tax revenue.
Unusually High Water Bill, Meter Investigation and Leak Adjustment
Usage portal
Log in and click the Consumption box to view water usage at the address.
Meter investigation
The account login page lets customers request investigation of higher-than-normal water consumption.
Do not open smart meter box
The City warns that WaterSavvy smart meter boxes are restricted to staff, licensed plumbers and utility contractors.
Repair proof
Leak-review rules require repair details and plumber bill or materials statement after repair.
High-bill clue |
Likely issue |
Customer check |
What to ask CityLink |
|---|---|---|---|
Usage spike on current bill |
Toilet leak, fixture leak, irrigation leak, outdoor hose, water heater, private line leak or estimated/corrected read. |
Log in, click Consumption, compare recent payment/bill history and check every fixture. |
“Can you review the meter reading and help me request a high-consumption investigation?” |
Water visible near meter or street |
Possible utility main issue, meter-box issue or private service-line leak. |
Do not open restricted smart-meter components; note location and photos from a safe distance. |
“Can Field Operations determine whether this is city side or private property?” |
Sewer backup or overflow |
Private lateral blockage, city sewer issue, grease/wipes blockage or main problem. |
Stop using water if sewage is backing up and keep people away from contaminated areas. |
“Can Utilities Field Operations be dispatched and give me a service request number?” |
Concealed leak repaired |
Leak not readily visible, such as underground or hidden plumbing. |
Document when discovered, what action stopped water loss, repair arrangements and proof of completed repair. |
“Does the concealed leak adjustment apply to up to three highest billing periods?” |
Leaking fixture repaired |
Toilet, faucet, water heater, appliance or other fixture leak. |
Keep plumber invoice or material receipts if repaired yourself. |
“Will the bill be calculated as average plus 50% of excess water/sewer above normal for the affected periods?” |
Irrigation leak |
Sprinkler head, irrigation line or irrigation system failure. |
Repair immediately, but do not assume bill adjustment. |
“Does my leak type qualify? The policy excludes leaking irrigation systems or lines/sprinkler heads.” |
Meter test requested |
Customer suspects meter accuracy issue. |
Ask about current meter testing fee and appointment requirements. |
“Is there a $60 meter testing fee and a missed appointment fee if I am not available?” |
Private-property reminder: WSFC Utilities is responsible for breaks in water and wastewater mains in the street, while business or property owners are responsible for breaks on private property. When in doubt, call CityLink and ask for field determination before digging or repairing city-side infrastructure.
Stormwater Charges on a Winston-Salem Utility Bill
Why the fee exists
The City designates stormwater management as a utility supported by user fees on developed parcels that discharge stormwater to or are served by drainage facilities.
Residential billing
Residential customers are billed bimonthly and the stormwater fee appears on the normal utility bill. If no water or sewer service exists, a separate stormwater bill may be sent.
Non-residential billing
Non-residential customers are typically billed monthly. Landlord/tenant situations may require special arrangements with Stormwater Collections.
Stormwater topic |
Official detail |
Customer action |
|---|---|---|
Impervious surface |
Bill definitions say impervious surface area includes structure, sidewalk, driveway and similar surfaces. |
Review property square footage and stormwater tier if charge seems wrong. |
Residential tiers |
Tier 1: 1-2,000 sq. ft.; Tier 2: 2,001-4,000; Tier 3: 4,001-6,000; Tier 4: more than 6,000 sq. ft. of impervious surface. |
Compare additions, patios, driveways and roof changes with tier. |
Where money goes |
Stormwater fee revenue supports flood-risk reduction, water-quality improvements, stream restoration, NPDES compliance, administration and billing. |
Use Stormwater Collections if the charge or tier is the problem, not just water billing. |
Stormwater contact |
Stormwater Collections staff can be reached at 336-748-3221 for stormwater bill questions. |
Have bill, parcel/service address and impervious-area concern ready. |
Stormwater division |
The Stormwater Division of Traffic Field Operations administers and executes stormwater plans. |
Report drainage/street flooding separately from water-bill payment. |
Water Quality, Lead Service Lines, Water Conservation and Emergencies
Water quality report
The 2025 Water Quality Report lists substances detected in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities public water supply during the 2025 calendar year and identifies the system as PWSID 0234010.
Lead compliance
The Lead Compliance Program lets customers view the service-line inventory dashboard and self-report private service line material with a smartphone photo when the classification is lead, galvanized requiring replacement, predicted or unknown.
Conservation alerts
The City implemented Stage 1 voluntary water conservation measures effective July 7, 2026 due to increasingly dry conditions in Forsyth and surrounding counties. Check live alerts before watering heavily.
Issue |
Use this route |
What to say or check |
|---|---|---|
Water main break / sewer backup |
Call CityLink 311 or 336-727-8000. |
Address, cross street, whether water/sewage is entering property and callback number. |
Private pipe break |
Call plumber and CityLink if emergency meter shutoff is needed. |
Know main home shutoff location before frozen pipes or leaks happen. |
Smart meter issue |
Call CityLink or use online meter investigation tools. |
Do not open restricted smart meter boxes or damage the communication device. |
Water-quality report |
Read the annual Water Quality Report. |
Check testing year, detected substances, source-water information and Consumer Confidence Report sections. |
Source Water Assessment report |
Use the SWAP report request process listed in the Water Quality Report. |
Provide system name “Winston-Salem, City of,” PWSID 0234010, name, mailing address and phone number. |
Lead service line concern |
Use the Lead Compliance Program and service-line inventory. |
Self-report your private service line material if the classification is unknown or you disagree with it. |
Watering during dry conditions |
Review City alerts and Water Shortage Response Plan guidance. |
Follow voluntary or mandatory stages, reduce outdoor water use and fix irrigation leaks quickly. |
Grease or wipes causing sewer problems |
Use Can the Grease / No Wipes in Pipes guidance. |
Do not pour grease down drains or flush wipes, even “flushable” wipes. |
Winston-Salem Utilities vs Landlord, HOA, Suburban Provider or Energy Bill
If your bill says… |
Likely route |
Verify before paying |
|---|---|---|
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities, water, sewer or stormwater |
Use City water/stormwater bill login, Paymentus, CityLink 311/336-727-8000, Revenue Collections PO Box 2756 or Stuart Building. |
7-digit account number, 4-digit PIN and service address. |
Stormwater-only bill |
Use the City stormwater billing/payment route or Stormwater Collections if the charge is disputed. |
Impervious surface tier, parcel address and whether water/sewer service also exists. |
Town of Lewisville, Clemmons, Kernersville or unincorporated service category |
Some rate classes differ even when WSFC Utilities provides service. Use the exact bill and rate class. |
Rate class, service area and whether the account is standard, unincorporated, Lewisville or wholesale-type. |
Apartment, landlord, HOA or third-party utility biller |
Use lease, resident portal or property manager unless the City account is directly in your name. |
Whether charges are direct-billed, submetered, allocated or included in rent. |
Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Spectrum or other utility |
Use that provider’s own payment route. |
Do not pay energy, gas or internet bills through the water/stormwater portal. |
Private well, septic or hauled water |
Use private contractor, county environmental health or property records. |
You may not have a WSFC Utilities water/sewer account even with a Winston-Salem mailing address. |
Portal safety rule: if the City portal or Paymentus page cannot verify the account, or the address does not match your bill, stop and call CityLink at 336-727-8000 before paying.
Winston-Salem Revenue Collections Map
Use this map for in-person water, sewer and stormwater bill payment at the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Suite 121. The payment page says customers may walk in or use the drive-through to avoid parking fees. The night depository is at the Church Street door.
Route |
Address / phone |
Use for |
Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
Revenue Collections / Utilities Customer Service |
100 East First Street, Suite 121, Winston-Salem, NC 27101; 336-727-8000 |
Walk-in payment, drive-through, deposits, start service and payment arrangements. |
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. |
Drive-through |
South side of Stuart Building, across from Fairfield hotel lobby. |
Payment without parking fee. |
Best for payment, not long account disputes. |
Night drop box |
Church Street door of Stuart Building. |
After-hours check or money-order drop-off. |
After 8 a.m., weekends and holidays post next business day. |
Mail payment |
City of Winston-Salem Revenue Collections, PO Box 2756, Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2756 |
Routine check or money-order payment. |
No cash; include bottom bill portion. |
CityLink |
311 inside city limits; 336-727-8000; 855-481-LINK; citylink@cityofws.org |
Billing, service, emergency water/sewer dispatch, high bills, payment plans and general utility help. |
Call for emergencies; do not submit online request for water emergency or sewer backup. |
Stormwater Collections |
336-748-3221 |
Stormwater fee, impervious surface, landlord/tenant stormwater billing questions. |
Separate stormwater tier questions from water-usage questions. |
Winston-Salem Utilities Pay Water Bill FAQ
How do I pay my Winston-Salem water bill online?
Use the official City of Winston-Salem Water/Stormwater Bill Pay login or the Paymentus one-time payment page. You need the 7-digit account number and 4-digit PIN, which is the last four digits of the customer number from your bill.
What is the Winston-Salem Utilities payment phone number?
Call CityLink at 336-727-8000, or dial 311 if you are inside Winston-Salem city limits. Have the 7-digit account number and 4-digit PIN ready before calling.
Where do I mail a Winston-Salem water bill payment?
Mail the bottom portion of your bill with a check or money order to City of Winston-Salem, Revenue Collections, PO Box 2756, Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2756. Do not mail cash.
Where can I pay a Winston-Salem utility bill in person?
Pay in person or use the drive-through at the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Suite 121, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. A 24-hour drop box is available at the Church Street door.
What happens if my Winston-Salem utility bill is late?
If payment is not received by the due date, a 10% late charge is added. The City’s bill schedule lists the late penalty at Day 28, termination notice at Day 35 and disconnect order with a $20 penalty at Day 49. If a termination notice has a 5 p.m. deadline, pay before that deadline and confirm posting with CityLink.
Can I get a payment plan for a past-due Winston-Salem water bill?
Yes, if eligible. Call CityLink 311 or 336-727-8000 or visit Utilities Customer Service. You must first pay at least half of the delinquent balance, and payment-plan terms are three to six months of interest-free installments. New bills and installments must be paid on time.
How do I start water service in Winston-Salem?
Call CityLink at 336-727-8000 or visit the Stuart Building. Be ready with account name, start date, service address, mailing address, renter lease or proof of occupancy, and SSN/TIN for credit evaluation. A $30 service initiation fee applies, and a deposit may be required.
What deposit is required for Winston-Salem water service?
Deposits are based on credit evaluation and can be up to $150. If you do not provide a TIN or SSN, the City says you will automatically be required to pay a $150 deposit. A separate penalty deposit may be required after nonpayment termination.
What should I do for a water leak, rupture or sewer backup?
Call CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000. Do not use an online 311 form for a water emergency or sewer backup. WSFC Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater mains in the street; property owners are responsible for breaks on private property.
Where can I find Winston-Salem water quality and lead service line information?
Use the City’s annual Water Quality Reports and Lead Compliance Program pages. The 2025 Water Quality Report covers substances detected during the 2025 calendar year, and the Lead Compliance Program lets customers view or self-report private service line material.
30-Second Winston-Salem Water Bill Checklist
Pay online: use the official Water/Stormwater Bill Pay login or Paymentus one-time pay.
Login details: use your 7-digit account number and 4-digit PIN, the last four digits of your customer number.
Phone: CityLink 311 or 336-727-8000; text 855-481-LINK; email citylink@cityofws.org.
Mail: City of Winston-Salem Revenue Collections, PO Box 2756, Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2756.
In person: Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Suite 121, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Drop box: Church Street door of the Stuart Building; after 8 a.m., weekend and holiday payments post next business day.
Past due: call before disconnection; pay at least half the delinquent balance before a 3-6 month payment plan can be set.
Start service: $30 initiation fee; possible deposit up to $150; same-day turn-on usually possible if complete request arrives before 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Rates: FY 2026-27 rates apply July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027; standard 5/8 or 3/4 readiness charges are $16.28 bimonthly water and $21.18 bimonthly sewer.
Emergency: call CityLink immediately for leaks, ruptures, sewer backups and emergency water shutoff; do not submit online 311 for emergencies.
Editorial Team
WaterBillGuide.us
The content on WaterBillGuide.us is researched and prepared by our editorial team. Our writers and researchers review publicly available information from official utility websites and service portals to create clear, step-by-step informational guides.
Water Bill Payment, Leak & Utility Help Toolkit
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A high bill can be caused by leaks, irrigation, estimated readings, seasonal use, or account/meter issues. Choose the closest problem below.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Checklist
Moving in or out? Choose your situation and prepare the details most utilities commonly request.
Your preparation checklist
Payment Assistance & Arrangement Finder
If you cannot pay the full water bill, this guide helps you decide what to ask before disconnection or extra fees.
Water Department Call Script Generator
Generate a clear call or email script before contacting the utility billing office.