Where to pay your City of Fresno water and sewer bill
The City of Fresno offers three main ways to pay your water and sewer bill: online through their official website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The online option is the fastest and most convenient — you can pay any time without waiting for business hours or mail delivery. Payments made online typically post to your account within one business day.
To pay online, visit the City of Fresno's official bill payment portal at fresno.gov and look for the utilities payment section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid payment method such as a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The city accepts these payment methods but may charge a small processing fee depending on which one you choose — check the payment portal for current fees before you submit.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check and allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post. Some residents also pay in person at City of Fresno payment locations during business hours, though this requires a trip and may involve waiting in line.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through fresno.gov is the fastest method and posts within one business day, though a processing fee may apply depending on your payment method.
- Your account number, printed on your bill, is required for any payment method you choose.
- Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
- The City of Fresno website lists all in-person payment locations, hours, and accepted payment methods at each site.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payment, sometimes called autopay or recurring payment, deducts your bill amount from your bank account on a date you choose each month. This removes the risk of forgetting to pay and incurring a late fee. The City of Fresno allows you to set up automatic payments through their online portal or by contacting their customer service department directly.
To set up autopay online, log into your account on fresno.gov, navigate to the payment options section, and select automatic payment. You will provide your bank account information and choose the date each month when the payment should be withdrawn. Most residents choose a date shortly after they receive their bill or shortly after payday, whichever comes first.
If you want to cancel or change your automatic payment, you can do so through the same online portal or by calling the City of Fresno utilities customer service line. Changes typically take effect within one to two billing cycles, so plan ahead if you need to stop a payment before a specific date.
Understanding your bill due date and late payment penalties
Your bill due date is printed on the front of your water and sewer bill, usually 15 to 20 days after the bill is issued. Paying after this date triggers a late fee, which the city adds to your next bill. The amount of the late fee varies but is typically a percentage of your unpaid balance or a flat fee — check your bill or the city's website for the exact amount.
If your payment is significantly overdue, the city may suspend your water service. Reconnection requires paying the full overdue amount plus a reconnection fee. To avoid this, pay by the due date shown on your bill, or contact the City of Fresno utilities department if you cannot pay in full and want to discuss a payment plan.
Some residents may have access to for bill assistance programs if they are experiencing financial hardship. The city's website lists programs that may help low-income households reduce their water bills or defer payments. These programs have specific income limits and requirements, so contact the city directly to learn whether you may be may be able to access.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill on time
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact the City of Fresno utilities department before the due date passes. Calling ahead gives you the best chance of arranging a payment plan or deferment rather than having a late fee added immediately. The customer service number is on your bill.
The city may offer a short extension, allowing you a few extra days to pay without penalty. In some cases, they can set up a payment plan that splits your bill into smaller amounts due on different dates. Payment plans are not automatic — you must request one and the city must approve it based on your situation.
If you are a senior, disabled, or low-income resident, ask about hardship programs when you call. Some of these programs reduce your monthly bill or cover a portion of your arrears. may be able to access depends on income and household size, and funds are sometimes limited, so contact the city as soon as you know you need help.
How to read your City of Fresno water bill
Your bill shows your account number, service address, current charges, previous balance, and the amount due. The charges section breaks down your water usage in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF), where one HCF equals 748 gallons. Your bill lists how many HCF you used during the billing period and the rate per HCF, which determines your water charge.
Below the water charge, you will see your sewer charge, which is usually based on your water usage. Some bills also include stormwater fees or other service charges. At the bottom, the bill shows your total amount due and the due date. If you have a balance from a previous bill, that appears as "previous balance" and is added to your current charges.
If your bill seems unusually high, check whether your usage increased — this often happens during summer months or if you have a leak. A sudden spike in usage can indicate a running toilet or underground leak. If you suspect a leak, contact the city's customer service to request a meter check or leak investigation.
Checking your account balance and payment history online
Log into your account on fresno.gov to view your current balance, recent payments, and billing history. This is useful if you want to confirm that a payment posted or if you need to know how much you owe before making another payment. Your online account also shows your usage history, which helps you track whether your water consumption is increasing or decreasing over time.
If you notice a payment you made does not appear in your online account within two business days, contact customer service. Payments made by mail may take longer to post than online payments, so allow extra time before calling. When you contact the city, have your account number and the date and amount of your payment ready.
Your payment history also shows any late fees or other charges added to your account. If you see a fee you believe is incorrect, contact the city to dispute it. Keep records of your payments, including confirmation numbers from online payments or cancelled checks from mailed payments, in case you need to prove you paid on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my City of Fresno water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the city accepts credit cards through their online payment portal, though a processing fee typically applies. The fee amount depends on the card type and payment processor. Check the payment portal before you submit to see the exact fee for your card.
What happens if I pay my bill late?
A late fee is added to your account, usually a percentage of your unpaid balance or a flat amount. If your bill remains unpaid for a longer period, the city may suspend your water service. You must pay the full overdue amount plus a reconnection fee to restore service.
How long does it take for a mailed payment to show up on my account?
Mailed payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least 10 days before your due date. Online payments post much faster, usually within one business day.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?
Yes, contact the City of Fresno utilities department before your due date to request a payment plan. The city may approve a plan that splits your bill into smaller payments over several months. Approval depends on your situation, so calling ahead gives you the best chance of arranging one.
Where do I find my account number?
Your account number is printed on the front of your water and sewer bill, usually near the top. You will need this number to pay online, set up automatic payments, or contact customer service about your account.