Where and how to pay Hillsborough water bills

Hillsborough County Utilities bills residents for water, sewer, and stormwater services. You can pay your bill online through the county website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you prefer to set up automatic payments.

Most residents pay online because it is the fastest option and requires no fees. The county's online portal lets you pay when ready with a bank account or debit card. If you do not have internet access or prefer other methods, phone and mail payments work the same way they have for years, though they take longer to process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the Hillsborough County Utilities website is free and processes when ready, while mail and phone payments take several business days.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month without you having to remember.
  • If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address on your bill at least 10 business days before the due date to avoid late fees.
  • Phone payments and in-person payments at county offices are available but may charge a convenience fee depending on the payment method.

Online payment through the county website

The Hillsborough County Utilities website has a customer portal where you can log in with your account number and pay when ready. You will need your bill or account number, which appears at the top of your paper bill or in any email the county sends you. The portal accepts payments from a checking or savings account (no fee) or a debit or credit card (a small fee applies for card payments).

To set up an account on the portal, visit the Hillsborough County Utilities website and select the option to create a new login. You will enter your account number and the service address. Once you log in, you can view your current bill, see your payment history, and pay when ready. The payment posts to your account the same day you submit it online.

If you want to stop logging in each month, you can set up automatic payments through the same portal. The county will deduct the amount from your bank account on the due date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.

Paying by phone

You can call Hillsborough County Utilities to pay your bill over the phone. Have your bill or account number ready when you call. The county's phone line will ask you to enter your account number and then connect you to a representative or automated system to process the payment.

Phone payments are processed the same business day you call, though the payment may take one to two business days to show on your account. Some payment methods over the phone may include a convenience fee. Ask the representative what fee, if any, applies to your payment method before you complete the transaction.

Paying by mail

You can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Write your account number on the check or money order so the county knows which account to credit. Mail your payment at least 10 business days before the due date to make sure it arrives on time and avoids a late fee.

The county processes mail payments when they arrive, which typically takes five to seven business days from the time you drop the envelope in the mail. If your payment arrives after the due date, you may be charged a late fee even if you mailed it on time. For this reason, mail is the slowest option and works best if you pay well before your due date.

In-person payment at county offices

You can pay your bill in person at a Hillsborough County Utilities office or at certain county service centers. Bring your bill or account number and payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). The county accepts walk-in payments during business hours, though some locations may have limited hours.

In-person payments are processed when ready, and your account is credited the same day. Some payment methods may include a convenience fee. Call ahead to confirm the office location nearest you and whether that location accepts the payment method you plan to use.

Setting up automatic payments and managing your account

Automatic payments are the easiest way to make sure you never miss a due date. Through the online portal, you can authorize the county to deduct your bill amount from your bank account on the due date each month. You choose the payment date and can change it anytime. If your bill amount varies month to month (which is common for water bills), the county will deduct whatever amount is due that month.

You can also view your payment history, see how much water you used, and check for any adjustments or credits on your account through the online portal. If you have questions about a charge or need to dispute an amount, contact Hillsborough County Utilities directly. They can explain what each charge is for and help you understand your bill.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

If you cannot pay your bill by the due date, contact Hillsborough County Utilities as soon as possible. The county may offer a payment plan that lets you pay your bill in smaller amounts over time. Payment plans are not automatic — you must call and request one before your account is sent to collections.

Late fees are added to your bill if payment is not received by the due date. The longer your account is past due, the more fees accumulate. If your account becomes severely past due, the county may shut off your water service. Calling early to set up a payment plan is much better than waiting, because it stops late fees from building up and keeps your service active.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my account number?

Your account number is printed at the top of your paper bill. If you receive an email from Hillsborough County Utilities, the account number is in that email as well. You can also call the county's customer service line and provide your service address to look up your account number.

Is there a fee to pay online?

Paying online with a bank account or debit card through the county website is free. If you use a credit card, a small convenience fee applies. The fee amount varies and is shown to you before you confirm the payment, so you know the total cost before you submit it.

How long does it take for a mailed payment to post to my account?

Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least 10 business days before the due date. If your payment arrives after the due date, a late fee will be charged even if you mailed it on time.

Can I change my automatic payment date?

Yes. Log into your account on the Hillsborough County Utilities portal and select the option to change your automatic payment date. You can also call customer service to change it over the phone. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle.

What happens if my water service is shut off?

If your account is severely past due, Hillsborough County Utilities may shut off your water service. To restore service, you must pay the full past-due amount plus any reconnection fees. Call the county when ready if your water is shut off to find out what you owe and how to restore service.