MDC Connecticut bills you for water and sewer service, and you can pay online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers
MDC stands for Metropolitan District Commission, the public water utility that serves parts of Connecticut including the Hartford area and surrounding towns. When you receive an MDC bill, it covers both water supply and sewer service. You have several ways to pay, and the fastest option is usually their online portal, which processes payments the same day you submit them.
The method you choose depends on what works for your schedule and whether you want to set up automatic payments. Some people prefer the certainty of mailing a check; others want the speed and record-keeping of online payment. Understanding each option helps you avoid late fees and keeps your service active.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your MDC bill online at mdc.ct.gov, by phone at the customer service number on your bill, by mail to the address printed on your statement, or at an MDC payment center in person.
- Online payments typically post the same business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to reach MDC and clear, so mail early if your due date is near.
- Setting up automatic payments through the MDC website removes the risk of forgetting a due date and can save you time each billing cycle.
- Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly interest charge on the unpaid balance, so paying by the due date shown on your bill matters even if you pay a few days late.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, contact MDC customer service before the due date to discuss a payment plan rather than letting the bill go unpaid.
Paying online through the MDC website
Go to mdc.ct.gov and look for the "Pay Your Bill" or "Customer Portal" link on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and an email address. If this is your first time paying online, you may need to create a login or register your account.
Once you are logged in, select the bill you want to pay, enter the amount (you can pay the full balance or a partial amount), and choose your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. The system will show you the processing fee if you use a credit or debit card; bank transfers typically have no fee. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this or take a screenshot, because it proves you paid and when.
Payments made before 5 p.m. on a business day usually post to your account the same day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, the payment processes the next business day. This matters if your due date is coming up — paying online gives you the most time.
Paying by phone or automatic payment setup
Call the customer service number printed on your bill to pay over the phone. You will need your account number and a debit card or bank account ready. A representative will walk you through the payment and give you a confirmation number. This method works if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to someone, but it takes longer than online payment.
If you want to stop worrying about due dates altogether, set up automatic payments through the MDC website. You choose the amount (full bill or a set dollar amount) and the date each month when the payment should be taken from your bank account or card. Once it is running, the payment happens without you having to do anything. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to MDC. Do not send cash. On the back of the check, write your account number so MDC can match the payment to your bill. Put the check in an envelope with your bill stub (the detachable part of your statement) and mail it to the address printed on your bill.
Mail typically takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive at MDC, and processing takes another 2 to 3 days. If your due date is within 10 days, mailing a check is risky — it may not arrive in time, and you could be charged a late fee even though you sent the payment on time. For bills due soon, use online payment or call to pay by phone instead.
Keep a copy of your bill and a record of when you mailed the check. If there is ever a dispute about whether MDC received your payment, you will have proof you sent it.
What happens if you miss the due date
MDC charges 1.5% monthly interest on any balance that remains unpaid after the due date. This compounds, so the longer you wait, the more you owe. A $200 unpaid balance costs an extra $3 in interest the first month, $6.09 the second month, and so on.
If your bill stays unpaid for 30 days or more, MDC may send a notice warning that service could be shut off. If you reach 60 days unpaid, they can disconnect your water. Once disconnected, you have to pay the full unpaid balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, call MDC customer service before the due date arrives. Many utilities, including MDC, have programs or payment plans for customers in hardship. Calling ahead shows good faith and may prevent late fees or disconnection.
Understanding your MDC bill and account number
Your MDC bill shows the amount due, the due date, and your account number. The account number is usually a 7 to 10 digit code printed near the top of the bill. You need this number every time you pay — whether online, by phone, or by mail. If you cannot find it, call the customer service number on the bill and they will give it to you.
The bill also breaks down charges for water usage (measured in units called hundred cubic feet, or CCF) and sewer service. Water is metered — you pay for what you use. Sewer is usually a flat fee or based on your water usage. Understanding these charges helps you spot errors and know whether your usage is typical or unusually high.
Payment centers and in-person options
MDC operates payment centers in some towns where you can walk in and pay in person with cash, check, or card. Locations and hours vary, so check mdc.ct.gov or call customer service to find the center nearest you. Paying in person is useful if you do not have internet access and want to avoid mail delays, but it requires a trip during business hours.
Some banks and check-cashing services also accept utility bill payments. Ask your bank whether they can process an MDC payment for you — if they can, you may be able to pay while handling other banking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my MDC bill with a credit card online?
Yes, but MDC charges a processing fee (usually 2% to 3% of the payment amount) when you use a credit card. Debit cards and bank account transfers typically have no fee or a lower fee. Check the fee before you confirm the payment.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my account?
Check your confirmation number and the date you submitted the payment. If you paid before 5 p.m. on a business day, it should appear the same day. If it has been more than one business day and the payment is still missing, call customer service with your confirmation number and they can track it.
Can I set up automatic payments and still pay extra some months?
Yes. Automatic payments will continue on your chosen date and amount each month. If you want to pay more in a particular month, you can make an extra payment online or by phone without affecting your automatic payment schedule.
What should I do if I think my MDC bill is wrong?
Call customer service to report the error before you pay. They can review your meter reading and usage history. Do not ignore the bill — if it is wrong, disputing it in writing creates a record. Pay what you believe is correct and explain the dispute in a letter with your payment.
Does MDC offer a discount for seniors or low-income households?
MDC has programs for customers in hardship, but they vary by town. Call customer service and ask about hardship programs, payment plans, or rate reductions in your area. Having your account number ready will speed up the conversation.