Where to pay Fresno City Utilities
Fresno City Utilities operates the water, sewer, and stormwater systems for the city of Fresno. You can pay your bill in four ways: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office.
The online portal at fresnowater.org is the fastest route. You create an account, enter your account number (on your bill), and pay by debit or credit card. There is no fee for paying online with a bank account, but credit and debit card payments carry a processing fee of roughly 2.5 percent.
By phone, call Fresno City Utilities at (559) 621-8000 during business hours. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit or credit card. By mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. In person, you can pay at the Fresno City Utilities office at 2335 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA 93721 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at fresnowater.org with no fee if you use a bank account, or by phone at (559) 621-8000 during business hours.
- Credit and debit card payments online or by phone include a processing fee of roughly 2.5 percent.
- Mail payments to the address on your bill, or pay in person at 2335 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA 93721.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required to pay online or by phone.
- Set up automatic payments through the online portal to avoid late fees and missed payments.
Reading your Fresno City Utilities bill
Your bill shows three main charges: water, sewer, and stormwater. Water is metered—you pay based on how much you use, measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF). One HCF equals about 748 gallons. Sewer and stormwater are typically fixed charges that do not change month to month unless the city adjusts its rates.
The bill also lists your meter number, service address, and the dates the meter was read. At the top, you will see the amount due and the due date. Late payments usually trigger a 1.5 percent monthly charge on the unpaid balance. If your bill is more than 60 days overdue, Fresno City Utilities may shut off your water service.
Look for any notices on your bill about rate changes or service interruptions. Fresno City Utilities sometimes includes information about conservation programs or billing adjustments on the bill itself.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Log into your account at fresnowater.org, go to the billing section, and select "autopay" or "automatic payment." You can choose to pay the full amount due each month or a fixed amount you set yourself.
Automatic payments typically process a few days before the due date, giving you time to cancel or adjust if needed. If you change your mind, you can turn off autopay at any time through your online account. Keep in mind that if your bill amount changes—because your water use changes or the city adjusts rates—your automatic payment will still process for the amount you set, so you may owe a balance or receive a credit.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you will miss a due date, contact Fresno City Utilities before the bill becomes late. Call (559) 621-8000 and ask about a payment arrangement. The utility may allow you to split the payment across two or more months, though this usually requires approval and may not be available for all customers.
If your water has been shut off for non-payment, you will need to pay the full overdue amount plus a reconnection fee to restore service. The reconnection fee varies but is typically $75 to $150. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment.
Fresno City Utilities does not offer a formal low-income rate reduction program, but the city of Fresno operates other assistance programs. Contact the city's Department of Community Development at (559) 621-7500 to ask about bill payment support or water conservation rebates.
Understanding rate changes and notices
Fresno City Utilities adjusts its rates periodically to cover infrastructure costs and maintenance. When a rate change is approved, the utility sends notice to all customers and publishes the new rates on its website. Rate changes typically take effect on a specific date and apply to all new bills issued after that date.
If you see a sudden jump in your bill, it may be due to a rate increase, higher water use, or a meter reading error. Check the bill for a notice about rate changes. If you believe the meter reading is wrong, contact Fresno City Utilities and request a meter inspection. The utility will send someone to verify the reading at no charge.
Checking your water use and conservation
Your bill shows your water use for the current billing period and often compares it to the same month last year. If your use has jumped significantly, you may have a leak. Check your toilet for running water, look under sinks for drips, and inspect your yard for wet spots that do not match recent rainfall.
Fresno City Utilities offers conservation rebates for customers who install water-efficient fixtures like low-flow toilets, showerheads, or drought-resistant landscaping. Visit fresnowater.org or call (559) 621-8000 to learn which rebates are currently available and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mailing address for paying by check?
The mailing address is printed on your bill. It is typically Fresno City Utilities, P.O. Box [number], Fresno, CA. Always check your current bill for the correct address, as it may change. Include your account number on the check.
Can I pay someone else's Fresno City Utilities bill?
Yes. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using the account number on their bill. You do not need to be the account holder. If paying by phone, have the account number ready. Online, you can pay without logging into an account by selecting the guest payment option.
How long does it take for an online payment to show on my account?
Online payments usually post within one to two business days. If you pay close to the due date, the payment may not clear in time to avoid a late fee. Pay at least three business days before the due date to be safe.
What happens if I overpay my bill?
The overpayment becomes a credit on your account and is applied to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact Fresno City Utilities at (559) 621-8000 and request one. Refunds typically take two to four weeks to process.
Is there a discount for paying the full year upfront?
Fresno City Utilities does not offer discounts for advance payment. You pay based on your actual water use each month. Paying early does not reduce your charges, but it does protect you from late fees and service interruption.