Where to pay your Redding water and sewer bill
The City of Redding offers several ways to pay your water and sewer bill. You can pay online through the city's official website, by phone, by mail, or in person at the city's payment office. The online portal is the fastest option and lets you see your balance and payment history immediately.
To pay online, visit the City of Redding's official bill payment portal. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. Online payments typically post within one business day.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address listed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the city and post to your account, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
Key Takeaways
- The City of Redding's online payment portal is the fastest way to pay and shows your account balance and payment history in real time.
- You can pay by phone by calling the city's utilities department during business hours, and a representative will process your payment over the phone.
- Mail payments should be sent at least 10 days before your due date to avoid late fees, since postal delivery takes time.
- In-person payments at the city office allow you to pay by cash, check, or card and receive an immediate receipt.
- Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of when you sent it.
Setting up automatic payments through the city portal
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Through the City of Redding's online portal, you can set up recurring payments that deduct from your bank account or card on a schedule you choose.
To enroll, log into your account on the city's payment website and select the automatic payment option. You will enter your bank account or card details and choose whether to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you set yourself. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal.
Automatic payments are especially useful if you have multiple properties or accounts with the city, since you can set them up separately for each one. The city will send you a confirmation email each time a payment is processed.
Understanding your Redding water and sewer bill
Your bill shows several charges: a base service fee, water usage charges, and sewer charges. The water usage portion is based on the number of units you consumed, where one unit equals 100 cubic feet. Sewer charges are usually calculated as a percentage of your water use.
The bill also lists your meter reading, the previous reading, and the difference between them — this is your consumption for the billing period. If your consumption seems unusually high, check for leaks in toilets, outdoor faucets, or irrigation systems, as these are common causes of unexpected spikes.
Your bill will show the due date clearly. Payments received after this date incur a late fee. If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the city's utilities department to discuss payment arrangements or hardship programs that may be available.
Payment methods and fees
The City of Redding accepts payment by credit card, debit card, electronic bank transfer, check, money order, and cash. Some payment methods may carry a processing fee — typically credit and debit card payments include a fee, while bank transfers and checks do not. The city's website will show you any applicable fees before you complete the transaction.
If you pay by phone, a representative will inform you of any fees before processing your payment. In-person payments at the city office do not carry additional fees regardless of payment method.
What to do if you miss a payment or receive a late notice
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, the city will add a late fee to your account. The amount of this fee varies and is shown on your bill or late notice. You can still pay online, by phone, or in person to bring your account current.
If you receive a shutoff notice, it means the city is considering disconnecting your water service. This typically happens after multiple missed payments. Contact the utilities department immediately to discuss a payment plan or to learn about any hardship assistance. Many cities offer programs for households facing financial difficulty, though these vary by location and income.
If your water service is shut off, you will need to pay the full past-due balance plus any reconnection fees before service resumes. Reconnection can take several business days to schedule, so addressing a late notice quickly is important.
Finding your account number and bill information
Your account number appears in the upper right corner of your paper bill or in your online account dashboard. You will need this number to pay online, by phone, or to contact the city about your account.
If you have lost your bill or cannot locate your account number, log into the city's online portal with your address and the phone number associated with your account. You can also call the City of Redding's utilities department during business hours and a representative will provide your account number and current balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic payments for a different amount each month?
No, automatic payments are typically set to a fixed amount. If your usage varies significantly month to month, you can set the payment to a conservative amount and pay any remaining balance manually, or you can adjust the automatic payment amount each month through the portal.
What happens if I pay online but my payment doesn't show up immediately?
Online payments usually post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and the payment does not appear in your account, contact the city's utilities department with your confirmation number from the payment receipt.
Can I pay someone else's Redding water bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. When you pay online or by phone, enter their account number instead of your own. The payment will be applied to their account.
Is there a discount for paying in full for the year upfront?
The City of Redding does not typically offer discounts for advance payments. You pay based on your actual usage each billing period. Contact the utilities department to confirm current policies.
What should I do if I think my bill is incorrect?
Review your meter reading on the bill and compare it to your previous bill to see if usage seems reasonable. If you believe there is an error, contact the city's utilities department with your account number and the specific charge you question. They can review your account and explain the charges.