Billing FAQs

Billing Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of topics that generate Frequently Asked Questions.

New Customer
You must call or come into our office to set up service. An application for service is required. Contact our office to obtain a hard copy or for instructions on accessing an electronic application.  Fill it out completely and either mail it, bring it into our office, or email it to utilities@greatfallsmt.net. Electronic applications are automatically sent to us once submitted.  We require a photo ID for validation and a utility deposit may be required.

Renting Property
If you are renting a single family dwelling, you may be responsible for the payment of your monthly utility bill. The owner of the property will make these arrangements with you before you move in. We require owners to put the billing in the name of the renter.  Renters cannot establish service on their own.  All customers must protect their water meter from cold weather and vandalism.

Moving
Please call our office after you have closed at the title office to arrange for a final meter reading at your current address. We will close your utility account, process a final bill, and mail it to your new address. If you are moving to another address in our service area, please make arrangements for the water service at your new address. It is the responsibility of each owner to contact us by phone at (406) 727-7660 option 2 or in person in order to initiate service. Renters may terminate service with us when they move out.

Need to Have Water Services Turned Off
The Utilities Department must have a Water Authorization Form on file, signed by the owner of the property, in order to disconnect the water service.  There is a fee for termination. When you are ready to have service restored, an appointment must be made to meet you or your representative at the location.

Error in Name or Address Appears on your Statement
EITHER
Call our office at (406) 727-7660 option 2 with the desired correction;
OR
Make the correction on the return portion of your statement as you enclose it with your payment. Staff will note the correction.

Making Payments on more than One Account
Please write on both the check and return portion of your statement the amount you wish to be applied to each account so that our staff can apply the correct amounts accordingly. One check may be written for multiple accounts.

Direct Pay
Pay your City of Great Falls Utility bill by Direct Pay. It's convenient, saves time and money, and is safe and reliable. This allows you to pay your monthly bills automatically by having the payment electronically debited from your checking or savings account. All you need to do is fill out the authorization form. You can either stop by our office located in Room 104 of the Civic Center or call us at (406) 727-7660 option 2, and we will mail out the form. You will need to provide a either voided check or a letter from your bank on letterhead indicating the routing number and bank account number to be debited.

Budget Billing
Budget billing is currently disabled.

Utility Share Program
The City of Great Falls has an assistance program for those customers who find themselves faced with termination of services for non-payment and have no means to pay. This program is administered by Opportunities, Inc. If you would like to donate to this cause, you may make a contribution to Opportunities, Inc. P.O. Box 2288, Great Falls, MT 59403. Please specify this is for the Utility Share Program. If you should need assistance, you may contact Opportunities, Inc., Community Resource Center, at (406) 761-0310 to apply for this program.

Collections Processing

• If a former owner leaves an outstanding balance, these charges will follow him/her to the new property he/she owns, if it is in our jurisdiction.
• If the owner has moved away from the city, we will send a delinquent final notice. If left unpaid, this outstanding amount will be forwarded to a collection agency.
• If a renter moves out and leaves an outstanding balance, the City of Great Falls will not begin service for a new renter until the owner or former renter clears this account of all lienable items.  ALL charges must be settled before a new renter can assume the billing.
• Accounts where the water has been shut off that remain unpaid will be sent to a collection agency for immediate collection action. Service will not be restored until all charges and fees have been paid in full.

Delinquent Accounts
All bills are due and payable 15 days after the bill date. The property is subject to termination of service if the bill is left unpaid. If termination should occur, all outstanding fees, a reconnection fee, and a deposit must be paid before service is restored.

City's Utility Responsibility
The Water Department is responsible for supplying water that meets all state and federal standards. The Water Department owns and maintains the water meter and equipment that carries the water from our treatment plant to your tap on the water main. The tap connects your service line to the property.

Property Owner's Responsibility
The property owner is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the curb box, service line, and other attached equipment. We require that you protect your water meter from vandalism and cold weather. If your meter should freeze and break, you will be billed for the replacement water meter.

Meter Reading
Your water meter is read each month to determine your water consumption. Most residential and commercial meters are read by remote equipment. This means our meter readers do not need to enter your home or business to obtain a water meter reading. A black box is located on the exterior of the building and a reading is taken with a hand-held recorder.

Meter Tampering
It is against the law for customers to tamper with a meter or with related utility equipment. This is to assure that water use is properly recorded. Meter damage or tampering charges may be billed to a customer's account and may result in termination of utility services if not paid.

Consumption Concerns
If your monthly bill has a noticeable increase in consumption that can't be accounted for, please call Utilities Customer Service at (406) 727-7660 option 2. If needed, a service technician will visit your home to help you detemine the cause. When the problem is identified, we ask that you contact the plumber of your choice to have the repairs made.

Checking for Leaks
If you suspect a leaky toilet, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and let it sit for several hours. If the dye has colored the water in the bowl, there is a leak.

Check the reading on your water meter before retiring for the night. Then check the meter the first thing in the morning. If the reading has increased and no water was used during the night, you may have a leak. Remember to account for icemakers, humidifiers, or other appliances that operate during night hours.

Water and Sewage Related Emergencies
If you have broken water pipes that cannot be shut off at the entrance valve in the building, or sewer backing up in floor drains or toilets, call (406) 727-7660 option 2 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and (406) 727-1325 after hours, weekends or holidays.  Water will be terminated after hours for emergencies only. Water will not be restored after hours.