When you move to a new city, one of the first things you need to figure out is how to set up your utilities. In Ozark, Alabama, you’ll likely be dealing with the Ozark Utilities Board for your water and sewer services. Luckily, you have a few options for paying your utility bills.
Understanding your Ozark utilities is essential, whether you’re a resident or a business owner. This article offers a comprehensive overview of Ozark utilities, explaining your payment options and providing key information to help you manage your accounts.
Ozark Utilities Board: Services and Infrastructure
The Ozark Utilities Board provides water and sewer services to the city of Ozark, Alabama, serving its 15,000 residents. Each day, the OUB pumps around 2.38 million gallons of water and treats 1.46 million gallons of sewage.
The system serves 6,706 water users and 4,933 sewer users.
Capital Improvements and Investments
The OUB has a 30-year Capital Improvements Plan, which is currently ahead of schedule. As part of its investments in upgrading the water and sewer systems, the OUB is working to bring sewage availability to 391 homes, replace water mains, and rehabilitate sewer systems.
The OUB also operates a well that taps into the Tuscaloosa aquifer, which can supply more than half of the city’s daily water usage.
To improve efficiency, the OUB spent $165,000 to create a GIS map of the city’s water and sewer lines.
To prevent sewer overflows, the OUB has cleared more than 100 miles of sewer right-of-way, at a cost of more than $500,000.
Awards and Recognition
The Ozark Utilities Board has been recognized for its well-operated water and wastewater systems. The OUB has received the 10th Best Operated Water System award from the Alabama Water Pollution Control Association (AWPCA), as well as seven Best Operated Wastewater Plant awards.
The OUB has also been recognized for its risk management, receiving eight Gold Awards, two Silver Awards, and one Bronze Award from the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation (AMIC) Risk Management program.
Water and Sewer Rates and Payment Options
Here’s a look at how the City of Ozark structures its water and sewer rates, along with details on how you can pay your bill.
Water and Sewer Rate Structure
Even with recent rate increases, Ozark’s water and sewer rates remain slightly below the Alabama average for customers using 5,000 gallons per month. Ozark residents pay $57.63 versus the Alabama average of $60.15.
New rates went into effect on November 1, 2023, and include the following changes:
- Water usage rate increase from $2.31 to $2.38 per 1,000 gallons (first 2,000 gallons) and to $2.45 for each 1,000 gallons thereafter
- Water base charge increase from $16.40 to $16.89 for single users and to $16.48 for multiple users
- Sewer usage rate increase from $2.35 to $2.42 per 1,000 gallons
- Sewer base charge increase from $15.99 to $16.47 for single users and $15.58 to $16.05 for multiple users
Please note that there’s a 25% surcharge for water and sewer service outside the city limits.
Online Payment Options
Ozark water and sewer customers can pay their bills online using Pay N Seconds. To avoid late fees, online payments must be made by 5:30 p.m. on the due date.
You can also pay your bill via bank draft. If you choose to pay in person, the City of Ozark asks that you limit drive-thru transactions to no more than two accounts at a time.
Pay your Ozark Utilities bill with doxo
Doxo is an all-in-one bill payment service that lets you pay over 100,000 different billers. You can also use doxo to pay your Ozark Utilities bill.
Here’s why you might want to:
- It’s free to pay with a linked bank account. (Other payment methods may have fees.)
- You can manage due dates and track your payments.
- You can use their mobile app.
- Your payment information is secure. Doxo doesn’t share your card or bank details with billers.
More Information
The Ozark Utilities Board has pledged to offer equal employment opportunities to everyone. Contact the board or visit their website to learn more about the board’s equal opportunity employment policies.
The Ozark Utilities Board is proud to be part of the Alabama Clean Water Partnership. Alabama has abundant water resources, and the Ozark Utilities Board is committed to protecting them.
For more information about the quality of Ozark’s water, you can find a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report at the Ozark Utilities Board office.
To Conclude
We’ve covered the main utilities serving the city of Ozark, Alabama, including water, sewer, electricity, and natural gas.
It’s important to understand the services available, how to sign up for them, and what payment options you can use. Taking a little time to understand these details can help you avoid late fees and ensure you always have the utilities you need.
Ozark residents and businesses should use the information provided here and on the Ozark city website to manage their utility accounts effectively.