Water bill payments, automatic plans and tenant mailing in St. Catharines, Ontario

St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

St. Catharines accepts water payments through banks, Paymentus, mail and City Hall. The five-digit water account number is needed for online banking. Allow processing time rather than paying at the last moment.

Key information

St. Catharines accepts water payments through banks, Paymentus, mail and City Hall. The five-digit water account number is needed for online banking. Allow processing time rather than paying at the last moment.

On this page

Set up or change automatic payments at a glance

Set up or change automatic payments
  1. Choose the Per Bill or Monthly plan and complete the online

    Choose the Per Bill or Monthly plan and complete the online Pre-Authorized Payment Form. A printable submission can be mailed or delivered with a void cheque.

  2. For a banking change

    For a banking change, plan change or cancellation, use the separate Modification or Cancellation form.

  3. For a property sale or purchase

    For a property sale or purchase, use the Water Account Transfer Form or phone 905-688-5600. Ask the lawyer to send the registered transfer to water@stcatharines.ca and taxes@stcatharines.ca.

Sources: Water bill payments

Ways to pay

Ways to pay
MethodImportant detail
PaymentusVisa or Mastercard; convenience fee; up to 2 business days
BankingUse correct payee and 5-digit water account
City Hall counterCash, cheque or debit
James Street after-hours boxCheque only; never cash
Automatic paymentPer Bill or Monthly Plan

Sources: Water bill payments

Set up or change automatic payments

  1. Choose the Per Bill or Monthly plan and complete the online Pre-Authorized Payment Form. A printable submission can be mailed or delivered with a void cheque.
  2. For a banking change, plan change or cancellation, use the separate Modification or Cancellation form.
  3. For a property sale or purchase, use the Water Account Transfer Form or phone 905-688-5600. Ask the lawyer to send the registered transfer to water@stcatharines.ca and taxes@stcatharines.ca.

Sources: Water bill payments

Tenant bills still remain the owner’s responsibility

A Tenant Mailing Contract sends a bill to the tenant of a single-family home or single commercial unit without changing the owner’s legal account responsibility. A new tenant needs a new contract and a recorded move-in meter reading.

The page lists a $45.15 owner-account fee for each new tenancy. At move-out, record the meter reading, date and forwarding address. If the tenant cannot be reached, the final bill goes to the owner.

Eligible ODSP recipients can apply with benefit proof for the Disability Payment Extension Program, allowing payment on the last working day of the due month without penalty. It is an application-based service, not an automatic extension for every account.

Sources: Water bill payments

Questions and answers

What number is needed for online banking?

The five-digit water account number.

Source: Water bill payments

Can a credit card be used at the water counter?

The counter list is cash, cheque and debit; Paymentus provides Visa and Mastercard online.

Source: Water bill payments

Does Paymentus add a charge?

Yes. A convenience fee applies.

Source: Water bill payments

Is an online card payment instant on the city account?

Allow up to two business days for processing.

Source: Water bill payments

Can I put cash in the after-hours box?

No. Deposit cheques only at the James Street entrance.

Source: Water bill payments

How do I cancel automatic payment?

Use the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Modification or Cancellation form.

Source: Water bill payments

Does tenant mailing transfer the debt to the tenant?

No. The account remains in the owner’s name and responsibility.

Source: Water bill payments

What is required when a new tenant arrives?

Notify the city, create a new contract and record the meter reading and date.

Source: Water bill payments

What if a departing tenant gives no reachable address?

The final bill is directed to the property owner if the tenant cannot be reached.

Source: Water bill payments

How can an eligible ODSP recipient request payment flexibility?

Apply for the Disability Payment Extension with benefit proof at Citizens First.

Source: Water bill payments

Sources: Water bill payments

Official services and applications