Brown County Water Utility Help Desk: Pay, Log In, Call or Report Water Trouble
Use this page like a rural water counter: pay the bill, register the portal, call the office, start service, check rates, handle low pressure, and know what to do during a boil advisory.
Quick Answer Board
| Need | Use this official route | Prepare first | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay online / log in | Online Bill Payment Web Portal | Billing account number with dashes, last bill amount, email, phone, password. | You may need to “Sign Up” and re-establish login credentials in the newer portal. |
| Pay by phone | 877-701-2080 | Account number, card details, amount due. | Credit/debit convenience charge applies. |
| Billing / office help | 812-988-6611 | Account number, service address, mailed bill, payment proof. | Call during 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday. |
| After-hours water emergency | 812-988-6611 | Address, road/crossroad, pressure/outage status, visible leak. | BCWU says its answering service assists after hours and a water professional is on call 7 days a week. |
| New service / forms | Forms & Reports | Membership application, customer agreement, service address, easement if requested. | Additional information may be required to complete the water service application process. |
| Boil advisory | Boil Water Alerts | Current phone number on file, service address, alert status. | BCWU uses One Call Now automated calls for boil alerts. |
Do not send sewer payments to BCWU. Brown County Water Utility says it is only a water service provider and does not operate the local sewer systems in Gnaw Bone or Helmsburg.
Official Contact, Office and Local Entity Details
Brown County Water Utility Inc.
Address:
5130 N State Road 135
Morgantown, IN 46160-8898
Phone: 812-988-6611
Fax: 812-988-9351
Office & drive-up hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
Utility type
BCWU is an Indiana nonprofit 501(c)(12), membership-owned corporation organized to operate a rural water system.
Directors are members elected to 3-year terms at the annual meeting.
Local context
County: Brown County, Indiana
Office locality: Morgantown area
Service note: rural water service; confirm exact service availability with the office before buying, building, or tapping.
Pay or Log In: Exact BCWU Payment Rules
Use the new web portal correctly
Choose “Sign Up” under the Go button if you need a new portal account. Use the billing account number from your bill and enter the dashes between the numbers.
Verify the account link
After signup, BCWU says you should receive two emails: one to verify the email address and one about whether the account linking process was successful.
Use the portal for more than payment
The online portal can show account information, water usage history, billing/payment history and the most recent billing statement.
Save proof before closing
Keep payment date, amount, confirmation number, account number, email receipt and screenshot. If it does not post, call the office.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal | Pay Your Bill Now | Credit/debit online payment, portal login, paperless billing, usage/billing history. | Convenience charge applies. Online statements do not replace mailed statements. |
| Phone card payment | 877-701-2080 | Pay by phone without using the website. | Convenience charge applies. |
| Office / drive-up | 5130 N State Road 135, Morgantown, IN 46160-8898. | Pay in person, ask account questions, submit forms. | Mondays, the 20th, and first business day after a holiday are usually busy. |
| Night depository | Available at the office location 24/7; envelopes available on site. | After-hours payment drop-off. | BCWU says it accepts cash, check or money order in the night depository. |
| Brown County Water Utility Inc., 5130 N State Road 135, Morgantown, IN 46160-8898. | Normal payments with enough time. | Mail 7-10 business days before due date. BCWU does not go by envelope postmark. | |
| Automatic bank draft | Submit Bank Draft Authorization Agreement with voided check. | Customers who want automatic monthly payment. | No setup fee or charge listed for automatic bank draft. |
| Bank online bill pay | Your bank sends payment to BCWU in check form, not electronic. | Only when there is enough time before due date. | May take 7-10 business days to post. |
Past-due warning: current charges are due on or before the 20th. Past-due charges must be paid by the mailed billing statement due date to avoid disconnection.
Water Emergency, Low Pressure or Main Break
Business hours
Call: 812-988-6611
Use Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM for immediate office assistance.
After hours
Call: 812-988-6611
The after-hours answering service assists, and BCWU says a water professional is on call 7 days a week.
Alerts
Subscribe for email/text alerts and keep a current primary phone number on file for One Call Now boil-alert calls.
| Issue | What to do first | Say this when calling |
|---|---|---|
| Low pressure | Check your meter area and surrounding area for leaks, then call the office. | “My service at [address] has low pressure. I checked the meter area. Neighbors [are/are not] affected.” |
| No water | Check for alerts, main-break notices and whether only your home is affected. | “We have no water at [address]. It started around [time].” |
| Visible water leak / main break | Stay safe, do not enter moving water, note road/crossroad. | “Water is running/bubbling near [location]. It is affecting [road/home/area].” |
| Emergency shutoff for customer repair | BCWU FAQ says customers may operate the Service Stop only in an emergency or for repairs with utility permission. | “I need permission/help to shut off water for repair at [address].” |
| Discolored water after outage/repair | Use care with laundry and check current alert guidance. | “Water is milky/brown/discolored at [address] after [repair/outage/unknown].” |
Boil advisory action: BCWU advises bringing all cooking and drinking water to a full boil for 5 minutes before use during a boil advisory. This does not include water used for bathing or laundry, but use care if water is discolored.
Rates, Due Dates, Membership and Tap Costs
Due date
Bills are due on the 20th of each month.
Disconnection timing
Failure to pay within 30 days of the due date can result in water-service disconnection.
New membership
$100 non-refundable new membership.
New 5/8 tap
$1,890 for a new 5/8-inch residential meter tap connection.
| Meter / usage item | Official amount shown | What user should know |
|---|---|---|
| 5/8 inch meter monthly minimum | $29.34 including 2,000 gallons. | Standard residential example; includes 7% sales tax according to BCWU page. |
| 3/4 inch meter | $44.01 minimum including 3,000 gallons. | Confirm current bill class with office before estimating. |
| 1 inch meter | $72.87 minimum including 5,000 gallons. | Common larger-service reference point. |
| 1.5 inch meter | $139.10 minimum including 10,000 gallons. | Larger meter; check schedule for full details. |
| 2 inch meter | $191.48 minimum including 15,000 gallons. | Use rate schedule for full charge details. |
| 3 inch meter | $298.05 minimum including 30,000 gallons. | Commercial/larger usage users should call for details. |
| 4 inch meter | $549.07 minimum including 70,000 gallons. | Verify before budgeting construction or commercial service. |
| 6 inch meter | $821.39 minimum including 120,000 gallons. | Large meter; confirm quote and installation details. |
Official rate links:
New Service, Membership, Easement and Turn-On Forms
New member packet
- Membership Application.
- Water Customer Agreement.
- Rental / Contract Buyer Application if applicable.
- Rental / Contract Buyer Water Customer Agreement if applicable.
- Additional information may be required; call 812-988-6611.
Property / construction
- Right of Way Easement may be requested at no cost to BCWU.
- New 5/8 residential meter tap fee is listed at $1,890.
- Larger meters are quoted at actual material cost plus installation.
- During construction, utility/contractor repairs damages except reseeding.
Turn-on / account changes
- Customer Authorization to TURN-ON Water Service.
- Customer Information Change Form.
- Voluntary Disconnection of Water Service form.
- Bank Draft Application for autopay.
High Bill, Leak Adjustment and Service Line Responsibility
Meter equipment
The meter and meter equipment are BCWU property, and BCWU is responsible for the meter and its components.
Customer service line
The customer is responsible for the service line beginning at the connection to the meter setter.
Leak adjustment
Customers may receive one leak adjustment in a 12-month period after fixing a leak and submitting completed paperwork.
| High-bill check | What to do | Proof to save |
|---|---|---|
| Low pressure + possible leak | Check meter and surrounding area first, then call BCWU. | Meter-area photos, service address, date/time, visible leak notes. |
| Indoor leak | Check toilets, faucets, water heater, softener, humidifier line, crawlspace and basement. | Repair receipt, plumber note, before/after photos. |
| Service line leak | Remember customer is responsible from the meter setter connection onward. | Location of leak, repair invoice, contractor notes. |
| Leak adjustment | Submit completed leak-adjustment paperwork after repair. | Repair proof; understand adjustment discounts water but does not reduce balance to zero. |
| Water heater debris | FAQ says debris from hot water is often a water-heater flush issue. | Follow manufacturer guidance or hire a professional. |
Boil Water Advisory: What BCWU Customers Should Do
During a boil advisory
- Bring all cooking and drinking water to a full boil for 5 minutes before using.
- Watch for low pressure or total water outage.
- Expect possible discoloration, sediment or air in the water.
- Use care with laundry if water is discolored.
- Check the current alert page before assuming the advisory has ended.
How alerts reach customers
- BCWU broadcasts boil water alerts through One Call Now automated voice calls.
- Keep your current phone number on file as your primary contact.
- Subscribe to website news and alerts by email or text.
- Call the office if your area has an outage but you did not receive notice.
Why advisories happen: BCWU says boil advisories are issued as a precaution so water from the affected main-break area can be tested for contaminants under IDEM regulations.
Water Quality, Color, Taste and Odor
Annual report
BCWU publishes a Consumer Confidence Report showing where water comes from and what is in it. The official page lists the 2024 CCR and hard-copy request option.
Discolored / milky water
BCWU FAQ says a recent repair can let air into the line and cause a milky look.
Disinfectant safety
BCWU FAQ says disinfectant levels are tested daily to ensure safety.
| Question | Direct answer | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Water looks milky | Air may have entered the line after repair. | Check official alerts and call if it does not clear or if pressure changes. |
| Water is brown/discolored | Could be related to repair, main break, sediment or system work. | Use care with laundry and check boil/advisory notices. |
| Hot-water debris | FAQ says your water heater may need flushing. | Consider professional service; follow manufacturer safety guidance. |
| Water tastes/smells funny | Use the official Water Color Taste Odor resource and call if safety is unclear. | Note whether it is hot-only, cold-only, one tap or all taps. |
Official quality links:
Disconnection Rights, Late Bills and Member Meetings
Past due
Bills are due on the 20th. Failure to pay by the 20th results in a late fee; failure to pay within 30 days of due date may result in disconnection.
Rights document
BCWU provides a Utility Service Disconnection Consumer Rights & Responsibilities PDF in Forms & Reports.
Board meetings
Regular board meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday of each month, but members should confirm date/time and be placed on the agenda in advance.
Brown County Water Utility Map and Office Location
| Location | Address | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Brown County Water Utility Inc. | 5130 N State Road 135, Morgantown, IN 46160-8898 | Office, drive-up, night depository, forms, account questions, member service. |
| Payment mail address | Brown County Water Utility Inc., 5130 N State Road 135, Morgantown, IN 46160-8898 | Mail check or money order with payment coupon; mail 7-10 business days before due date. |
| Online portal | browncounty.utilitydistrict.com | Bill pay, login, paperless billing, account info, usage and payment history. |
| Boil advisory route | One Call Now + BCWU Alerts page | Boil alerts, water main break notices, outage/advisory updates. |
Video / Resource Help: What to Use When There Is No Official Tutorial
Use BCWU’s official alert and form pages first
I did not add a random YouTube video because a verified official BCWU tutorial video was not found. For this intent, the strongest resource is the official Alerts page, Water Quality Report, Bill Payment page, and Forms & Reports page.
Official Brown County Water Utility Links
Brown County Water Utility FAQ
What is the Brown County Water Utility phone number?
Call 812-988-6611. The same number is listed for normal office help and after-hours water emergencies through the answering service.
Where is Brown County Water Utility located?
Brown County Water Utility Inc. is located at 5130 N State Road 135, Morgantown, IN 46160-8898.
What are the office hours?
The office and drive-up hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
How do I pay my Brown County Water Utility bill online?
Use the online bill payment portal linked from the official Bill Payment page. You may need to sign up, verify your email, and link the billing account using your billing account number and last bill amount.
Do I need dashes in the account number?
Yes. BCWU says to enter the dashes between the numbers when entering the billing account number in the new portal.
Can I pay by phone?
Yes. BCWU lists a toll-free credit/debit card payment number: 877-701-2080. A convenience charge applies.
When is the Brown County Water Utility bill due?
Bills are due on the 20th of each month. Failure to pay by the 20th results in a late fee, and failure to pay within 30 days of the due date may result in disconnection.
How early should I mail a payment?
BCWU says to mail payment at least 7-10 business days before the due date and states it does not go by the postmark on the envelope.
Does bank online bill pay post electronically?
No. BCWU says online bank bill payments come to BCWU in check form, not electronically, and may take 7-10 business days to post.
What is the new membership cost?
The BCWU FAQ lists a $100 non-refundable new membership cost.
What is the new 5/8 residential meter tap cost?
The FAQ lists $1,890 for a new 5/8-inch residential meter tap connection. Larger meter tap costs are calculated at actual material cost plus installation.
Who do I call for a water emergency after hours?
Call 812-988-6611. BCWU says its after-hours answering service will assist and a water professional is on call 7 days a week.
What should I do during a boil water advisory?
Bring all cooking and drinking water to a full boil for 5 minutes before using. BCWU says this does not include water used for bathing or laundry, but use care with laundry if water is discolored.
Can I get a leak adjustment?
Yes, if the leak has been fixed and paperwork is completed. BCWU says the adjustment gives water at a discounted rate and customers are allowed one leak adjustment in a 12-month period.
Does BCWU operate local sewer systems?
No. BCWU says it does not operate the local sewer systems in Gnaw Bone or Helmsburg and not to send sewer payments to BCWU.
Is this the official Brown County Water Utility website?
No. This is an informational guide. Confirm live account balance, disconnection status, fees, notices, boil advisories and service requirements with Brown County Water Utility Inc.
30-Second Brown County Water Utility Checklist
Paying: account number with dashes → portal or 877-701-2080 → convenience fee check → save proof.
Calling: 812-988-6611 for office help and after-hours water emergencies.
Due date: current charges due by the 20th; slow mail/bank bill pay can take 7-10 business days.
Starting service: membership application, customer agreement, possible easement, $100 membership, tap cost if needed.
Boil advisory: check alerts, keep phone number current, boil cooking/drinking water for 5 minutes.