Water company mishandling of payments

[Annette Schneider]

 When we purchased our two properties, the water, sewer and garbage were billed by the local municipal government. A larger water/sewer authority took over these accounts and its been very problematic. It takes over ten business days for a payment to be credited to the account. The billing sometimes arrives around 12 or 13 business days before due date, sometimes less than that. Sometimes the online billing works, sometimes it doesn't. At least four times a year, we need to call them and straighten out payments and demand to not be assessed late fees. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. A copy of the utility bills and late payment notices are also sent to our tenants also so our tenants think we don't pay those bills. Both municipalities demand that only the landlord pay the account - so the tenants have to give us the amounts for those bills. We tend to pay them before we receive their payment since it takes an excessive time for the payment to be processed. 

Our own home has the same water/sewer authority and I personally take the bill down to them in person. Its the only way I can get it paid on time and not late. My husband handles the income properties bills and I'm tired of him going through this billing fiasco multiple times a year. I posted our woes on a local forum and many similar complaints. The only way to get the bills paid is to go in person. Mailing the bill or using a bill payment via bank account does not work well. 

To me they seem criminally slow - who else is allowed to take over 10 business days from receipt of payment to credit the account?? What company is allowed to receive payments and not credit the right account three to six times per year?? We have confirmed with our bank that payments are sent way ahead of due date yet they keep charging us late fees. Is that legal? What can we do to get this fixed? Before we hire a lawyer, what should our strategies be?