Where to send your Hillsborough water payment
Hillsborough County Utilities Services handles water and sewer billing for most of the unincorporated county. You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person — each method has a different address or account number requirement.
The fastest way is online through the Hillsborough County Utilities website. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. You can also set up automatic payments from your bank account so you never miss a due date.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call Hillsborough County Utilities at the number on your bill. Have your account number and payment method ready. By mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill statement — never send cash.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the Hillsborough County Utilities website is the fastest option and requires only your account number and a payment method.
- Automatic bank payments prevent late fees and can be set up through the same online portal where you view your bill.
- If you mail a payment, use the address on your bill and allow at least 10 business days for it to reach the office and post to your account.
- Late payments trigger a reconnection fee and potential service disconnection, so confirm your payment posted before the due date.
Reading your Hillsborough water bill
Your bill shows your account number at the top, usually a 7 or 8-digit number. Below that you'll see the billing period (the dates the meter was read), the amount of water you used in gallons, and the charges broken down by service: water, sewer, and stormwater.
The due date is printed near the total amount due. Hillsborough typically gives you about 20 days from the bill date to pay. If you pay after the due date, a late fee is added — usually a percentage of the bill or a flat fee, depending on how far past due you are.
If you don't recognize a charge on your bill, call Hillsborough County Utilities before you pay. A meter malfunction or a leak on your property can cause an unusually high bill, and the utility can sometimes adjust it if you report it quickly.
What to do if you can't pay on time
Contact Hillsborough County Utilities as soon as you know you'll miss the due date. The utility offers payment plans for customers who fall behind. You'll need to speak with a representative to set up an arrangement — this is not something you can do online.
If your bill goes unpaid for 30 days or more, Hillsborough will send a disconnection notice. The notice gives you a deadline to pay or set up a plan before water service stops. Once disconnected, you'll owe a reconnection fee on top of your unpaid balance.
Some customers in hardship may be referred to community assistance programs. Ask the utility representative whether any programs serve your area. These are run by nonprofits or local agencies, not by Hillsborough itself, but the utility can point you in the right direction.
Understanding your water usage charges
Hillsborough charges for water in units called "hundred cubic feet" or HCF. One HCF equals about 750 gallons. Your bill shows how many HCF you used during the billing period, and the rate per HCF is multiplied to get your water charge.
Sewer charges are usually based on the amount of water you used — the utility assumes most water that enters your home leaves through the sewer. Stormwater is a separate charge that helps fund drainage and flood prevention; it's typically a flat fee per month, not based on usage.
If your usage spikes suddenly, check for leaks. A running toilet, a dripping faucet, or a leak in an underground pipe can add hundreds of gallons to your bill. If you find and fix a leak, call Hillsborough to report it — some utilities offer one adjustment per year for customers with documented leaks.
Setting up automatic payments and paperless billing
Automatic payments are the easiest way to avoid late fees. Log into your account on the Hillsborough County Utilities website and select the option to set up recurring payments. You can choose to pay the full amount due each month or a fixed amount of your choice.
Paperless billing reduces clutter and gets your bill to you faster. You'll receive an email when your bill is ready to view online instead of waiting for mail delivery. Both automatic payments and paperless billing can be turned on or off anytime through your online account.
If you don't have internet access, call the utility to ask about phone-based automatic payment options. Some utilities offer this service, though it may require a representative to set it up manually.
Paying a bill for a property you're selling or leaving
If you're moving out, contact Hillsborough County Utilities at least a few days before your move date to request a final meter reading. The utility will calculate what you owe through your last day of service and send you a final bill.
Pay the final bill promptly, even if you've already moved. If you don't, the utility may report the unpaid balance to a collection agency, which can affect your credit. Provide a forwarding address so the final bill reaches you.
If you're buying a property, the seller is responsible for their bill through the closing date. After closing, the account transfers to your name. Hillsborough will send you a new bill for service starting on your ownership date.
Disputing a charge or reporting a meter problem
If you believe your bill is wrong, call Hillsborough County Utilities and explain the issue. Have your bill in front of you and be ready to describe what seems incorrect — an unusually high charge, a duplicate fee, or a meter reading that doesn't match your usage pattern.
The utility can review your account history and compare your usage to previous months. If they find an error, they'll issue a credit. If they suspect a meter malfunction, they may send someone to test it. This process usually takes a few weeks.
While a dispute is being investigated, you're still responsible for paying the undisputed portion of your bill on time. Pay what you know is correct and note in writing that you're disputing the rest. This keeps you from being marked late while the utility investigates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my water service gets disconnected?
You'll have no running water until you pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment, but you should confirm the timeline when you call to pay. The reconnection fee is separate from your bill balance.
Can I pay my bill at a local office in person?
Hillsborough County Utilities has payment drop boxes at certain locations, but in-person payment at a staffed office is not always available. Check the utility's website or call to find the nearest drop box or payment location to you.
Why is my bill so much higher than last month?
A sudden spike usually means a leak, a change in usage (like filling a pool), or a meter reading error. Check for visible leaks first, then call the utility to report the spike. They can review your account and help you figure out what changed.
Do I need to provide a deposit to start service?
New customers may be required to pay a deposit, which is held as security. The amount varies based on your estimated usage. The deposit is returned after a period of on-time payments, typically 12 months.
What if I'm behind on my bill and can't catch up?
Call Hillsborough County Utilities immediately to discuss a payment plan. You can spread your debt over several months, though you'll still owe late fees. Ask the representative whether any community assistance programs serve your area.