Where to pay your Modesto water, sewer, and trash bill

The City of Modesto Utilities Department sends one combined bill for water, sewer, and solid waste services. You can pay online through the city's official website, by mail, in person at the payment office, or by phone. The fastest and most convenient method is online payment through the city portal, which processes immediately and gives you a confirmation number the same day.

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill, drop off a payment in person during business hours, or call the Utilities Department to pay by phone with a debit or credit card. Each method takes a different amount of time to post to your account, so choose based on when your bill is due.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the city website is the fastest method and shows confirmation immediately, with no processing fee.
  • Mail payments should be sent at least 10 business days before your due date to avoid a late fee.
  • In-person payments at the Utilities Department office are processed the same day during business hours, Monday through Friday.
  • The Modesto Utilities Department phone number is (209) 342-8050, and you can pay by phone during regular business hours.
  • Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly penalty on the unpaid balance, so confirm your payment posted before the due date.

Paying online through the city website

Go to the City of Modesto website and look for the Utilities Department payment portal. You will need your account number, which appears on the top right of your bill. Enter your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your bank account or card information. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, though a small processing fee may apply depending on the payment processor.

Online payments are posted to your account within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number immediately after you submit the payment—save this number in case you need to verify the transaction later. If you set up automatic payments through the portal, the city will deduct the amount on your due date each month, and you can cancel or change the amount at any time.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address shown on your bill. The Utilities Department mailing address is typically listed in the "Payment" section of your bill. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the office and be posted to your account, so send your payment at least 10 business days before the due date to avoid a late fee.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are paying close to the due date, use online payment or in-person payment instead to ensure the city receives it on time. Keep a copy of your check or the money order receipt for your records.

Paying in person at the Utilities Department office

The City of Modesto Utilities Department office is located at 200 West Grayson Avenue, Modesto, CA 95354. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring your bill or account number and payment in the form of cash, check, or card. Payments made in person are posted to your account the same day.

If you cannot visit during regular hours, use online payment or mail your payment instead. The office is closed on city holidays, so check the city website for holiday closures before planning an in-person visit.

Paying by phone

Call the Modesto Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to pay by phone. Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. A customer service representative will process your payment and provide a confirmation number.

Phone payments are posted within one business day. This method is useful if you have questions about your bill or account while making the payment, since you can speak directly with a representative.

Understanding late fees and payment deadlines

Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 to 30 days after the bill is issued. If payment is not received by that date, the city adds a 1.5% monthly penalty to the unpaid balance. This penalty compounds each month the bill remains unpaid, so a small late payment can grow quickly.

If you are unable to pay your full bill by the due date, contact the Utilities Department to discuss a payment plan or hardship options. Some customers may be may be able to access for assistance programs, and the department can explain what is available based on your situation. Calling before the due date is better than waiting, because it shows good faith effort to resolve the debt.

What to do if your payment does not post

Check your account online or call the Utilities Department to confirm your payment posted. If you paid online, you should see the payment reflected within one business day. If you mailed a check, allow 10 business days before contacting the city.

If your payment was lost in the mail or did not process for another reason, the city can issue a credit or adjust your account once you provide proof of payment—such as a cancelled check, money order receipt, or online confirmation number. Keep these records for at least one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to pay every month?

Yes. Through the online payment portal, you can set up automatic payments that deduct from your bank account or card on your due date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal.

Is there a fee to pay online?

The city does not charge a fee for online payments made through the official city website. Some third-party payment services may charge a small processing fee, so confirm before you submit payment.

What happens if I miss my due date?

A 1.5% monthly penalty is added to your unpaid balance. If your account remains unpaid for 60 days or more, the city may shut off your water service. Contact the Utilities Department immediately if you cannot pay on time to discuss options.

Can I pay someone else's bill if I have their account number?

You can pay online or by phone if you have the account number and payment amount, but the city recommends calling first to confirm the account details. In-person payments may require identification or written authorization from the account holder.

Where do I find my account number if I lost my bill?

Call the Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 with your address or phone number, and they will provide your account number. You can also log into the online portal if you have already registered an account there.