Where to pay your Riverside water, sewer, and electric bill
The City of Riverside operates three separate utilities: water, sewer, and electric. You can pay all three through the same account if you receive service from the city, but each utility has its own billing cycle and account number. Payment options include online through the city's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at the payment center.
The fastest way to pay is online at the City of Riverside's utility payment portal. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call the Riverside Public Utilities customer service line during business hours, mail a check to the address on your bill, or visit the payment office in person.
Whichever method you choose, make sure your payment reaches the city before the due date shown on your bill. Late payments trigger a late fee, and service can be disconnected if your account falls significantly behind.
Key Takeaways
- The City of Riverside bills water, sewer, and electric separately, each with its own account number and billing date.
- Online payment through the city website is the fastest option and requires only your account number from your bill.
- Phone, mail, and in-person payment are also available if you do not use online banking.
- Payments must arrive by the due date on your bill to avoid late fees and potential service disconnection.
- The city's payment center is located downtown, and customer service can direct you to the exact address and hours.
Setting up online payment
Go to the City of Riverside Public Utilities website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Payment" link. You will be asked to enter your account number and either your zip code or the service address. The system will pull up your current balance and allow you to pay immediately with a debit card or bank account.
Online payment is usually processed the same day if you submit it before the cutoff time, which is typically 5 p.m. Pacific time on business days. If you pay after hours or on a weekend, the transaction will post the next business day. There is no fee for paying online through the city's official portal.
If you want to set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month, the online system usually offers that option during the payment process. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the Riverside Public Utilities customer service number listed on your bill. Have your account number ready. A representative will take your payment information and process the transaction over the phone. Phone payments are typically processed within one business day.
If you prefer to mail a check, write your account number on the check and send it to the mailing address printed on your bill. Mail payments take longer to process — usually five to seven business days from the time the city receives your envelope. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least one week before the due date.
Do not send cash through the mail. If you must pay in cash, visit the payment center in person or call to ask about other cash payment options.
Paying in person at the Riverside payment center
The City of Riverside accepts in-person payments at its downtown payment office. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card. Bring your bill or account number so the staff can process your payment quickly.
The payment center is located at the Public Utilities Department office. Call customer service to confirm the current address and hours, as office locations and schedules can change. Most city offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with limited or no weekend service.
In-person payments are posted to your account immediately or within one business day, making this the fastest way to pay if you need to avoid a late fee.
Understanding your bill and due date
Your Riverside utilities bill shows the due date clearly at the top or in a highlighted section. The due date is typically 15 to 20 days after the bill is mailed. If you miss the due date, a late fee is added to your next bill.
Your bill also breaks down charges by utility: water usage, sewer service, and electric usage are listed separately with their own rates. The water and sewer portions are based on your consumption measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF) for water and gallons for sewer. Electric charges are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
If your bill seems unusually high, check whether you have a leak or whether your usage pattern changed. You can also contact customer service to ask about your consumption compared to previous months.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you will miss the due date, contact Riverside Public Utilities customer service before the bill is late. The city may offer a payment plan that lets you split your balance into smaller installments over several weeks or months. Payment plans are not automatic — you must request one and the city must agree.
The city also has programs for customers facing financial hardship. These programs may reduce your bill or provide other relief, but they have specific income limits and requirements. Call customer service to ask what programs may be available to you based on your situation.
If your account becomes seriously past due, the city will send a disconnection notice before service is shut off. This notice gives you a final deadline to pay or arrange a payment plan. Once service is disconnected, you will owe a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance.
Checking your account balance and payment history
You can check your current balance and see past payments through the same online portal where you pay your bill. Log in with your account number and view your account details, recent bills, and payment history. This is useful if you want to confirm that a payment you sent by mail has posted or if you need to know exactly how much you owe.
If you do not have online access, call customer service and a representative can tell you your current balance over the phone. They can also email or mail you a statement if you need a record for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for paying my Riverside utilities bill online?
No. The City of Riverside does not charge a fee when you pay through its official online portal. Some third-party payment services may charge a fee, so make sure you are using the city's website directly.
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your next bill. If your account remains unpaid for a longer period, the city will send a disconnection notice warning you that service will be shut off. Once disconnected, you owe a reconnection fee plus your full unpaid balance before service is restored.
Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to remember to pay each month?
Yes. The online payment system offers automatic payment options where the city withdraws your bill amount from your bank account or charges your debit card on a date you choose. You can change or stop automatic payments anytime through your account.
How long does it take for a mailed check to be processed?
Mailed payments typically take five to seven business days from the time the city receives your envelope. To be safe and avoid late fees, mail your payment at least one week before the due date on your bill.
What should I do if I think my bill is wrong?
Contact Riverside Public Utilities customer service and explain what seems incorrect. They can review your account, check for leaks or meter problems, and compare your usage to previous months. Keep your bill handy when you call so you can reference specific charges.