American Water Enhances Payment Flexibility with New Options for Customers Facing Hardships
American Water Makes Bill Payment Easier for Customers
American Water (NYSE: AWK), leading the charge as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, is stepping up its game by providing more adaptable payment options for its customers. With a recognition of the challenges faced by a segment of their customer base due to financial strains, the company has introduced enhanced mechanisms aimed at facilitating easier bill payments.
In a recent announcement, American Water unveiled the introduction of multiple payment methods through its online portal, MyWater. Customers can now utilize popular platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, PayPal, and PayPal Credit to manage their bills with ease. This added flexibility caters to modern payment preferences, allowing users to make either one-time or recurring payments without hassle. However, it’s worth noting there is a transaction fee of $1.95 for credit payments in certain states.
A Commitment to Community Support
Cheryl Norton, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of American Water, emphasized the company’s mission during the announcement: "We are dedicated to providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to the communities we serve. We understand that financial difficulties may arise, and we are encouraging customers to explore the range of assistance programs tailored for them."
For those navigating challenging times, American Water has established various customer assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burden associated with utility payments. Interested individuals can learn about eligibility criteria, enrollment processes, and other pertinent support details through the company's website.
The new payment options extend beyond online transactions. Customers can also opt to pay in person at authorized retailers by scanning the unique barcode on their bills. This feature is designed for those who prefer a physical transaction, enhancing convenience while ensuring that everyone, regardless of their tech-savviness, can access vital services.
In-Person Payment Locations
American Water has partnered with key retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Family Dollar to facilitate these in-person payments. Customers need only present their bill to make the payment at checkout. Additionally, traditional methods such as mailing a check or making payments via phone are still available, maintaining a broad spectrum of choices suitable for all customer preferences.
The Keep Communities Flowing® Fund
Beyond payment facilitation, American Water has embarked on a charitable initiative known as the Keep Communities Flowing® Fund. This program, which aims to provide utility assistance particularly for households in need, is one of the first of its kind. The American Water Charitable Foundation has allocated a significant $500,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations committed to managing this program.
This collaborative approach is designed to reduce barriers for families facing financial issues by offering them options to choose their utility provider and ensure they have access to the necessary resources.
Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation, articulated the vision behind this initiative: "Through the Keep Communities Flowing® Fund, we are devoted to helping families in need while working to develop scalable solutions for utility assistance going forward."
Conclusion
As American Water continues to innovate and adapt to the needs of its community, the introduction of these convenience-driven payment options and charitable assistance programs signifies a bright step towards ensuring that all residents have access to essential water services without undue financial stress. For further details or assistance, customers are encouraged to visit American Water's official site. By pursuing these avenues, American Water not only reaffirms its commitment to providing vital services but also its dedication to nurturing resilient and supportive community ties.