With the pre-authorized debit plan, customers can avoid writing cheques, buying stamps, late payment charges, line-ups at the bank, travelling or using the telephone to pay their water bills.

Water bills still arrive by mail and the message “Pre-Authorized Payment – Do Not Pay” appears on the bill. Payment is automatically withdrawn from the customer’s bank account on the bill due date.

It’s easy! Sign up today! It will help make your life a little easier and help us to serve you more efficiently.

2 Choices!

There are two options for the pre-authorized debit plan – Regular and Budget.

Regular – The net amount owing will be withdrawn from your bank account on the bill due date. You will receive your bill in the normal manner as you do now so you will know the amount of your bill before it is deducted from your bank account. The bill will have “PRE-AUTHORIZED PAYMENT – DO NOT PAY” printed on the bill.

Budget – A fixed amount is withdrawn each month. The amount is based on your estimated annual usage, and will be withdrawn each month on a selected date convenient to you. This method has the effect of spreading your costs more evenly over the year. You will receive a monthly bill that will reflect your budget amount and the budget payment(s) made. In the event that the fixed amount changes, we will send you a written notice identifying the new amount at least 10 days before the first pre-authorized debit amount. The minimum monthly payment under this plan is $20.00.

Budget plans are periodically reviewed to ensure the budget amount is sufficient to cover subsequent billings until the anniversary date. At the anniversary date the account will be reviewed and a new budget plan will start.

Your current water bill must be paid in full in order to be eligible for the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan.

Application Form

Simply complete, sign and return the application from with a blank cheque marked “VOID” and we will sign you up for whichever plan you choose.

It is important to note that if the funds are not in your account on the day the bill is due to be paid; there will be a “Non Sufficient Fund (NSF)” charge from your bank and also a NSF charge from Halifax Water. If this happens more than twice in one year, unfortunately your account will no longer be eligible for this payment plan.

Answers to some common (or often asked) questions related to the pre-authorized debit plan:

What if I have a question about my bill?

Contact our Customer Service department at 490-4820 (8am to 8pm, Monday thru Friday) to speak with a representative. You have thirty days in which to advise us if you have a question or if the bill is in dispute.

Can payments be withdrawn from a savings account?

Yes, however, some savings accounts can accept this type of transaction and some cannot. Contact your financial institution for information about your specific account.

Can I switch plans?

If you wish to switch from one plan to another, please advise our office in writing or by fax (490-4749). However, customers can switch only once per calendar year.

What if I need to make a change to my banking information?

If you change your chequing/savings account or decide to cancel your participation in the plan, just advise our office in writing or by fax and allow ten days for processing.

What if I cancel my water account?

Your pre-authorized debit plan will be deactivated after the extraction of the final bill amount.

Will pre-authorized debit be automatically activated at my new service location?

No. A new application must be completed.

Is there a charge for the service?

No. The pre-authorized debit plan is offered to customers free of charge. Most financial institutions do not charge for this service. Contact your own institution to be sure. Also, your water service account will not be charged late fees.

I am on the Budget plan; can I change the pre-authorized amount and/or date?

Please complete the appropriate form and return it to us by mail, e-mail, fax, or at our office.

(E-mail: Scanned copies of the signed form and cheque are acceptable)

Change Form - Date

Change Form - Amount

If you have any questions, please call out Customer Service line at 490-4820, 8am to 8pm, Monday thru Friday or e-mail us at Cust_Inq@halifaxwater.ca.