Paying a Water Bill

Can I get my bill electronically?

Go paperless. The Town of Fort Erie has launched a new online citizen portal called myFE. It is a way to provide our community with digital access to their tax and water bills. We encourage residents to change from paper mail to an easy-to-use online portal.

When is my water/wastewater bill mailed?

On approximately the 15th of each month, we mail out Water/wastewater bills.

When is my water/wastewater bill due?

All water/wastewater bills are due on the 3rd business day of each month. A monthly late payment penalty of 1.5% is added the day after the due date.

How can I pay my water/wastewater bill?

  We offer the following ways to make payment for your water/wastewater bill:

• Pre-authorized automatic withdrawals from your bank account on the due date;
• By phone (using your bank's telephone banking)
• By internet (using your bank's internet banking)
• By mail, to 1 Municipal Centre Drive, Fort Erie ON L2A 2S6  
• In-person, on the first floor of Town Hall
• At our 24-hour drop box, located in the parking lot of the main entrance of Town Hall
• At most financial institutions, in person or at the ATM
• Online through our citizen portal myFE
• Online credit card payment using our eServices page, follow the link and instructions to pay using Visa or  Mastercard. There is a 1.75% fee.

What should I do if I receive a final notice?

A final notice can be paid at Town Hall by cash, debit card, certified cheque, or money order. This payment must happen within fifteen (15) days of the notice date. Partial payment to avoid disconnection must include the following:

• a cash or credit card payment of half the outstanding amount
• a signed payment arrangement for the remaining balance at the Town Hall.

Why am I receiving a penalty charge when I didn't receive my water bill?

The responsibility to pay the water/wastewater bill rests with the property owner. Whether the bill is received, water/wastewater bills are mailed out on or about the 15th of each month. The due date is the 3rd business day of the month.

How often is my water meter read?

We read your water meters every month. If we cannot get an actual read, water consumption is estimated, and you may be over/underbilled. If your consumption history shows three (3) or more estimates in a row, please call 905-871-1600 ext 2466 to make an appointment with our meter technician. Consistent, actual readings can help identify plumbing leaks sooner and save you money.

How is my water/wastewater bill calculated?

Your water/wastewater bill has two (2) components:

• a base or fixed charge
• a consumption charge per cubic meter of usage

For 2023 the base charge for most households is $68.22, and the consumption charge is $4.022 per cubic meter.

How much is the water/wastewater bill for an average family of four (4) people?

The average monthly consumption for a family of four is about thirty (30) cubic meters, resulting in a bill of approximately $188.88.

My water/wastewater bill has always been consistent. But, now it is suddenly very high. Why?

  A sudden rise in your water bill may be due to many reasons, including:

• Plumbing leaks in toilets and taps;
• Consecutive estimated readings followed by an actual reading. Your water usage may have been underestimated in previous billings. The current bill may be ‘catching up' from statements that were underestimated;
• An increase in the number of people living in the house, resulting in higher water usage;
• A dry, hot summer, resulting in higher consumption (pools/lawn watering);
• An increase in the number of days in the reading period.

What is the most common cause of a water leak?

About ninety (90) percent of residential plumbing leaks are found in the toilet tank. A simple test can be done where food colouring or a dye test tablet is placed in the tank. The colouring will appear in the toilet bowl within ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes if a leak is present.

What services does my water/wastewater bill cover?

  Water/wastewater bills pay for three (3) essential services for Fort Erie residents:

• Delivery of safe drinking water;
• Wastewater treatment;
• The infrastructure and maintenance of the Town's water and wastewater systems.

What percentage of my water/wastewater bill is paid to the Region for treatment costs?

On average, the Niagara Region is paid 58% of each water/wastewater bill. The payment amount goes towards paying for water and wastewater treatment costs.

Why must I pay the monthly base charge if I'm not using water?

The monthly base or fixed charge is for the infrastructure and maintenance of the Town's water and wastewater systems.

I am selling my home; what should I do to finalize my water account?

If you are selling your property, please call the water billing department to order a final reading on your meter. Please call at least seven (7) working days before the closing date. Then, you can settle your final bill quickly by leaving your forwarding address.

Is there a charge to set up a new account?

Yes, a one-time set-up fee of $53.60 is added to your first bill.

Is the landlord or tenant responsible for paying the water/wastewater bill?

The property owner is responsible for paying all water/wastewater bills and can be mailed C/O “tenant name” on your request. A duplicate statement can be mailed to the property owner for a nominal monthly charge. Water/wastewater arrears may be added to the owner's property taxes per By-Law No. 67-2016, section 17 and Subsection 398(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001.

Application for Pre-Authorized Water Plan 

Fill out and print the Application for Pre-Authorized Water Plan.

Attach a cheque marked “VOID” to your completed application form and return to:

Town of Fort Erie, 1 Municipal Centre Dr, Fort Erie, On L2A 2S6, or

Email: waterbilling@forterie.ca