City of St. Clair Shores Water Bill: Pay Online, Phone Number, Rates, Final Read, Leak Check and Water Quality
St. Clair Shores water customers usually need a safe online payment link, the Tax & Water Billing phone number, the quarterly bill schedule, a final read before selling or moving, help with an estimated bill, or the latest water quality report. This guide keeps the official city payment, billing, rate, emergency and water-quality resources in one practical place.
Pay online
Use the official city Water Billing & Rates page or BS&A Online payment link for water bill payment.
Billing phone
Call Tax & Water Billing at 586-447-3317 for billing, final read, leak check and meter read help.
Quarterly bills
Water bills are mailed quarterly by ZIP code and are due three weeks after mailing.
Emergency
For after-hours water or sewer emergencies, call Police Dispatch at 586-777-6700.
Main Official St. Clair Shores Water Bill Links
How to Pay a City of St. Clair Shores Water Bill Online
The safest route is to start from the official Water Billing & Rates page and use the Pay Your Water Bill Online link. That link routes customers to BS&A Online for City of St. Clair Shores utility billing payments.
| Payment step | What to do | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Open official payment route | Use the Water Billing & Rates page or BS&A Online utility billing payment page. | Start from scsmi.net or bsaonline.com only. |
| Search the account | Search by utility billing account number, address or name. | Utility billing account number is usually the cleanest search option. |
| Confirm record | Verify customer name, property address and utility billing record before paying. | Do not pay a record unless the address and account match your bill. |
| Submit payment | Review amount due, due date and payment method before final submit. | Save the confirmation number or screenshot. |
| Call if account issue appears | Call Tax & Water Billing at 586-447-3317. | Call before paying if the balance or address seems wrong. |
When St. Clair Shores Water Bills Are Mailed and Due
St. Clair Shores water bills are mailed quarterly. The city schedule is based on ZIP code, and payments are due three weeks after the bills are mailed.
| ZIP code | Bill months | Due timing |
|---|---|---|
| 48080 | January, April, July, October | Due three weeks after bills are mailed. |
| 48082 | January, April, July, October | Due three weeks after bills are mailed. |
| 48081 | March, June, September, December | Due three weeks after bills are mailed. |
Final Read, Leak Check, Meter Read and Estimated Water Bill Help
The Water Billing Department handles final reads, leak checks and meter reads. These are important when selling a property, moving, getting an estimated bill or reviewing unusual usage.
| Need | Official route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Final read | Schedule with the Water Billing Department. | Property address, closing/move date, contact phone and account information. |
| Final bill | Final bill is available after 12 p.m. the business day following the appointment. | Plan closing/payment timing around the next business day rule. |
| Leak check | Call Water Billing at 586-447-3317. | Recent bill, usage concern, visible leak notes and meter information. |
| Estimated bill | Call the water department with the reading from your inside meter. | Inside meter reading and access information for MTU replacement appointment if needed. |
| Meter read | Call 586-447-3317 for assistance. | Service address and any meter access issue. |
Budget Billing, Automatic Payment and E-Billing in St. Clair Shores
St. Clair Shores offers budget billing and e-billing options to make water bills easier to manage. Budget billing can reduce quarterly bill swings by converting water charges into monthly payments.
Budget billing
The city calculates the last four quarterly bills at current rates and flat charges, then divides the amount by 12. Past-due balances may be added into the monthly payment.
After 12 months, the account is re-analyzed and the customer is notified of the new budget amount.
E-billing
Customers can complete the city’s e-bill form to receive quarterly water bills by email, change an existing e-bill email address or stop e-billing.
Budget billing requires the monthly payment to be directly debited from a bank account.
St. Clair Shores Water and Sewer Rates: FY 2026 Quick Guide
The official rate chart lists FY 2026 water, sewer, customer charge, retention basin, commercial wastewater flow charge, surcharge and opt-out charge information. Always verify current charges on the official city page before quoting exact amounts.
| Rate item | FY 2026 amount | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 6.721 | Shown in the city’s rate table for FY 2026. |
| Sewer | 7.626 | Shown in the city’s rate table for FY 2026. |
| Total water + sewer | 14.347 | Useful when estimating usage-based charges. |
| 5/8" or 3/4" customer charge | 21.68 | Residential meters larger than 3/4" are billed at $21.68 according to the city note. |
| Retention basin | 0.49 | Listed separately in the official rate chart. |
| Surcharge | 1.00 | Shown in the city’s rate table. |
| Opt-out charge | 10.00 | Shown in the city’s rate table. |
Water Residential Assistance Program and Reducing Your Water Bill
The city references the Great Lakes Water Authority Water Residential Assistance Program for qualifying low-income retail customers. The city also explains that reducing water bills comes down to reducing water consumption and water loss.
WRAP assistance
GLWA offers water assistance for qualifying low-income retail customers. The city lists GLWA contact at 313-386-9727.
Water loss
Check toilets, outdoor faucets, couplings, irrigation systems and hidden leaks if usage is higher than normal.
Irrigation rules
From May 15 to October 1, irrigation is restricted by odd/even address days under the city’s water restriction ordinance.
Water or Sewer Emergency, Public Works and Water Maintenance Contacts
Billing questions and emergency issues go to different contacts. Call the right number to avoid delays.
| Need | Official contact | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| After-hours water/sewer emergency | 586-777-6700 | After-hours emergency reporting through Police Dispatch. |
| Tax & Water Billing | 586-447-3317 | Bill questions, final reads, leak checks, meter reads and estimated bills. |
| Public Works & Water Department | 586-445-5363 | Public Works / Water Department routing during posted hours. |
| City Hall main contact | 586-445-5200 | General city contact and routing. |
St. Clair Shores Water Quality Report and Drinking Water Information
The 2025 Water Quality Report says the city’s source water comes from watersheds that include the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron and several small seasonal streams. It also states that the city’s water supply meets or surpasses federal and state water quality and safety standards.
2025 report
Use the official 2025 Water Quality Report PDF for drinking water quality, source water, lead/copper and stormwater education information.
GLWA source
The report explains the Great Lakes Water Authority’s role in regional water and wastewater services.
Lead and plumbing
The report explains lead exposure risks, service lines and orthophosphate corrosion-control information.
Stormwater Utility, Appeal Form and Credit Application
St. Clair Shores also has stormwater utility information. If your concern is about stormwater fees, appeal or credit, use the official Stormwater Utility page rather than the normal water bill payment page.
Stormwater appeal
The city lists a Stormwater Fee Appeal Form and Stormwater Credit Application.
Where to send forms
Stormwater forms can be mailed to the Office of the City Manager at 27600 Jefferson Avenue, emailed to Stormwaterutility@scsmi.net, or dropped off at City Hall.
St. Clair Shores Water Billing Phone Number, Office Address and Map
Use these official contact details for water bill payment, final read, leak check, meter read, estimated bill help, emergencies, Public Works and general city routing.
Tax & Water Billing
Phone: 586-447-3317
Fax: 586-445-5245
Address: City Hall, 27600 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Water Maintenance / Public Works
Public Works & Water Department: 586-445-5363
Address: 19700 Pleasant Drive, St. Clair Shores, MI
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
After-hours emergency: 586-777-6700
Map shows City Hall at 27600 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081. For online water bill payment, use the official BS&A Online payment link from the city website.
Common St. Clair Shores Water Bill Mistakes That Cause Delays
Most avoidable problems happen when customers use unofficial payment links, wait too long to schedule final reads, ignore estimated bills or call the wrong department for emergencies.
| Mistake | Why it creates trouble | Better action |
|---|---|---|
| Using unofficial payment sites | Payment may be delayed, misdirected or charged unnecessary third-party fees. | Use scsmi.net or the official BS&A Online payment link. |
| Waiting to schedule final read | Final bill is available after 12 p.m. the next business day after appointment. | Schedule early before closing or move-out. |
| Ignoring estimated bill | The MTU device may not be transmitting and may need replacement appointment. | Call 586-447-3317 with inside meter reading. |
| Emailing after-hours emergency | Water/sewer emergencies need fast dispatch. | Call 586-777-6700 after hours. |
| Missing ZIP-code billing cycle | Quarterly bill timing differs by ZIP code. | Know your ZIP-code billing months and due timing. |
| Not saving proof | It is harder to resolve payment posting disputes later. | Save receipt, confirmation number and screenshot. |
City of St. Clair Shores Water Bill FAQs
These answers cover common searches about St. Clair Shores water bill payment, BS&A online payment, Tax & Water Billing phone number, quarterly billing dates, final reads, estimated bills, leak checks, rates and water quality reports.
QHow do I pay my St. Clair Shores water bill online?
Use the official Water Billing & Rates page and click Pay Your Water Bill Online. The city payment link routes to BS&A Online for City of St. Clair Shores utility billing payments.
QWhat is the St. Clair Shores Tax & Water Billing phone number?
Call Tax & Water Billing at 586-447-3317.
QWhere is Tax & Water Billing located?
Tax & Water Billing is located at City Hall, 27600 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081.
QWhat are St. Clair Shores Tax & Water Billing hours?
The city lists Tax & Water Billing hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
QWhen will I get my St. Clair Shores water bill?
Residents receive water bills quarterly. ZIP codes 48080 and 48082 are billed in January, April, July and October. ZIP code 48081 is billed in March, June, September and December.
QWhen is my St. Clair Shores water bill due?
The city FAQ says payments are due three weeks after water bills are mailed.
QWhat should I do if my water bill is estimated?
Call the Water Department at 586-447-3317 with the reading from your inside meter. The city says estimated bills may happen because the MTU device is not transmitting and staff can give instructions for scheduling replacement.
QWho handles final reads in St. Clair Shores?
Final reads must be scheduled with the Water Billing Department. The final bill is available after 12 p.m. the business day following the appointment.
QWho handles leak checks and meter reads?
The Water Billing Department performs final reads, leak checks and meter reads. Call 586-447-3317 for assistance.
QWhat is the after-hours water or sewer emergency number?
For after-hours water or sewer emergencies, call Police Dispatch at 586-777-6700.
QDoes St. Clair Shores offer budget billing?
Yes. Budget billing allows monthly payments on your water bill. The city calculates the last four quarterly bills at current rates and flat charges, divides the amount by 12, and re-analyzes the account after 12 months.
QDoes budget billing require automatic bank payment?
Yes. The city says when you elect budget billing, your monthly payment must be directly debited from your bank account.
QCan I receive my St. Clair Shores water bill by email?
Yes. The city provides an e-bill form to receive quarterly water bills by email, change your email address or stop e-billing.
QDoes St. Clair Shores offer water bill assistance?
The city references the Great Lakes Water Authority Water Residential Assistance Program for qualifying low-income retail customers and lists GLWA contact at 313-386-9727.
QWhat are the FY 2026 St. Clair Shores water and sewer rates?
The city’s FY 2026 chart lists water at 6.721, sewer at 7.626 and combined water plus sewer at 14.347. Always verify current rates on the official Water Billing & Rates page before making decisions.
QWhere can I find the St. Clair Shores water quality report?
Use the official 2025 Water Quality Report PDF linked from the Water Maintenance Division and city resources.
QIs Water-Department.org the official City of St. Clair Shores website?
No. This is an independent guide. Official payments, account changes, final reads, leak checks, emergency reporting, assistance and water quality information must be handled through the City of St. Clair Shores and official resources.
Official Sources for St. Clair Shores Water Bill Customers
Use these official resources for final confirmation before paying, scheduling a final read, asking about an estimated bill, reviewing rates, requesting leak check support or checking water quality.
| Official source | Use it for | Open |
|---|---|---|
| Water Billing & Rates | Online water bill payment link, final reads, budget billing, e-billing, assistance, water rates and billing office contact. | Open billing page |
| BS&A Online Water Payment | Searching and paying City of St. Clair Shores utility billing records online. | Open payment portal |
| Tax & Water Payment Methods | Official tax and water payment method information and office payment guidance. | Open payment methods |
| Water Billing FAQ | Quarterly bill schedule, due timing, rates, radio read meter information and estimated bill instructions. | Open billing FAQ |
| Water Maintenance Division | After-hours water/sewer emergency number, Public Works contact, final read/leak check/meter read routing and water quality report link. | Open water maintenance |
| 2025 Water Quality Report | Official annual water quality information, source water, lead/copper education and water conservation tips. | Open report PDF |
| Stormwater Utility | Stormwater fee appeal, credit application and stormwater contact details. | Open stormwater page |
| Reduce Your Water Bill | Official city explanation of water consumption, water loss and irrigation restrictions. | Open water saving tips |
| Service Request | Online city service request routing where appropriate. | Open service request |
| City Homepage | Official city navigation, announcements and department routing. | Open city website |
Pay Smarter, Check High Bills, Start Service, Avoid Shutoff and Find Official Water Department Links
Use this free tool before paying a water bill, setting up autopay, starting or stopping service, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, or looking for the official water department portal. It gives practical next steps without collecting your account number or personal details.
What water bill or service problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check first.
Start from the official water department, city, county or utility website before entering account details. Avoid random payment ads and look-alike bill pay sites.
Before paying a very unusual bill, check meter reads, toilet leaks, irrigation use, estimated bills, late fees, and whether your utility offers a leak adjustment.
Water Bill Payment Route Helper
Choose how you want to pay. The tool will tell you what to prepare and the safest payment path.
High Water Bill Checker
Compare your normal bill with the new bill and get a practical investigation path before calling customer service.
Leak Check and Adjustment Checklist
Use this before requesting a leak adjustment, disputing a bill, or calling the water department about high usage.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Helper
Use this before moving, opening a new account, closing an old account, or transferring service to another address.
Past Due, Shutoff and Reconnection Helper
Use this if your account is late, disconnected, at risk of shutoff, or you need a payment plan or assistance program.
Simple Water Usage Cost Estimator
Estimate a rough bill from base charge, usage units, rate per unit, sewer charge, stormwater fee and service fees. Official tiered rates may be different.
Official Water Department Resource Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for the official water bill portal, phone number, outage page, assistance, start service, leak adjustment, and Water-Department.org guide.
Water Department vs Payment Processor
- Water department: account help, service start/stop, leaks, repairs, shutoff, assistance.
- Payment processor: card/eCheck payment screen, payment fee, confirmation number, posting time.
Best sitewide placement
Add this tool after the main payment section or before FAQs. It helps users solve the next problem after reading the article.
Important safety note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, phone numbers, account balance, assistance rules and reconnection steps with the official water department or utility.