In an effort to spur Wichita residents into paying their water bills on time, the City of Wichita has implemented an outbound calling system to help customers.

It is the latest incentive to prevent customers from getting behind on bills, and having their services disconnected. The City of Wichita Water Utilities wants to ensure that all customers have access to water.

Customers will be notified by phone two business days prior to their water service being shut off. The previous method for handling late billing has been to notify a customer by sending a monthly bill and two postcards each month explaining that an account is past due and service disconnection is a possibility.

Wichita has taken note to what other cities have done to further progress. Outbound dialing estimates a 17% reduction in water service shut off for nonpayment.

These automated calls are available in both English and Spanish, and will advise the customer to make a payment or call 316-265-1300. If the call is answered by a customer, they are given the option to transfer to make a payment to avoid service being disconnected. If the call goes unanswered, a voicemail message is left.

Payments are accepted at wichita.gov, through the postal service, by drop box, or by calling 316-265-1300.

Residents who need assistance paying their water bill should contact the Center of Hope at 316-267-0222. The center accepts calls from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and from 1 – 4 p.m. on Mon.

If a customer prefers not to receive calls from the outbound system, they can notify the city at 316-265-1300, by e-mailing watercustomerservice@wichita.gov or online at wichita.gov.

The account will be designated a “non-call” account.