Where and how to pay your Shreveport water bill
The City of Shreveport's Water and Sewerage Department accepts payments through three main channels: online through their official website, by phone, or in person at their office. The fastest route is the online payment portal at the city's website, where you can pay with a bank account or debit card without leaving home. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Water and Sewerage Department directly during business hours, and staff can process a payment over the phone using the same payment methods.
In-person payments are accepted at the Water and Sewerage Department office, located in downtown Shreveport. You can pay by check, money order, cash, or card at the counter. If you mail a check, allow at least 10 business days for it to arrive and post to your account — mailing a payment close to your due date risks a late fee.
Your bill will show the due date clearly near the top. Payments are considered on time if they arrive by that date, not if you send them on that date. Set a reminder a few days before the due date to avoid accidental lateness, especially if you use mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's website is the fastest method and available 24/7, while phone payments require calling during business hours.
- Your bill's due date is printed on the front, and late fees apply if payment arrives after that date.
- Mailed checks take 10 business days or more to clear, so do not rely on mail if your due date is soon.
- The Water and Sewerage Department office accepts cash, check, money order, and card payments in person during regular business hours.
Finding your account number and bill information
Your account number appears in the top right corner of your water bill and is the fastest way to identify your account when paying by phone or online. If you cannot find your bill, you can look up your account on the city's website using your service address. The account number is a string of digits unique to your property.
Your bill also shows your meter number, which is different from your account number. The meter number identifies the physical device that measures your water use, while the account number ties that meter to your billing record. When paying online or by phone, use your account number.
Understanding what appears on your Shreveport water bill
Your bill shows three main charges: the base service fee (a fixed monthly amount for maintaining your connection), the water usage charge (based on how many gallons you used that month), and the sewerage charge (based on the same usage). The base fee stays the same each month; the usage charges vary depending on consumption.
Water usage is measured in units called hundred cubic feet, or HCF. One HCF equals about 748 gallons. Your meter reading from this month minus last month's reading tells you how many units you used. The bill multiplies that number by the current rate per unit to calculate your usage charge.
Some bills also show a stormwater fee, which funds drainage and flood prevention infrastructure. This fee may be a flat amount or tied to your property size rather than your water use. Check the line items on your bill to see which charges apply to your account.
Setting up automatic payments or budget billing
The City of Shreveport offers automatic payment enrollment, which deducts your bill from your bank account on a date you choose each month. This prevents missed payments and removes the need to remember your due date. You can set up autopay through the online portal by linking your checking or savings account.
Budget billing is a separate program that averages your annual water and sewerage costs and divides them into equal monthly payments. This smooths out seasonal spikes — for example, if you use much more water in summer for lawn watering, budget billing spreads that cost across all 12 months. Not all customers are may be able to access; the city evaluates your usage history to determine whether budget billing makes sense for your account.
To ask about budget billing or to enroll in autopay, contact the Water and Sewerage Department directly. They can explain whether your account qualifies and walk you through the enrollment process.
What to do if you receive a high bill or notice a billing error
A sudden spike in your bill usually signals a leak somewhere on your property — either inside the house, in the yard, or at the meter itself. Check for running toilets, dripping faucets, and wet spots in your yard or basement. If you find a leak and repair it, your next bill should return to normal. If you cannot find a leak but your usage jumped, contact the Water and Sewerage Department to request a meter test or to report a possible meter malfunction.
If you believe your bill contains an error — for example, if you were charged twice or if the amount seems completely wrong — call the department with your account number and bill date ready. Staff can review your account history and meter readings to investigate. Do not ignore a bill you think is wrong; contact the city within a reasonable time so they can correct it before late fees apply.
The city may offer a one-time adjustment for a legitimate billing error, but this depends on your account history and the circumstances. Reporting the error quickly improves your chances of resolution.
Handling a past-due bill or service disconnection
If your payment is more than 30 days late, the city will typically send a disconnection notice. This notice gives you a deadline — usually 10 to 15 days — to pay the full amount owed or arrange a payment plan before water service stops. Water disconnection is serious: it affects your ability to use toilets, wash, and cook, and reconnection fees apply once service is restored.
Contact the Water and Sewerage Department immediately if you receive a disconnection notice. Staff can discuss payment plan options, which may allow you to pay the past-due amount in installments rather than all at once. Payment plans are not may provide, but the city may work with you if you show a willingness to catch up.
If you are struggling to pay your bill due to hardship, ask the department whether any assistance programs are available. Some cities partner with nonprofits or utility assistance programs to help low-income households, though availability varies. The department can tell you what options exist in Shreveport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Shreveport water bill with a credit card?
The online portal and phone payment line accept debit cards, but credit card acceptance depends on the payment processor the city uses. Check the payment portal or call the Water and Sewerage Department to confirm whether credit cards are accepted. Some payment methods may charge a convenience fee.
What if I move and need to close my account?
Contact the Water and Sewerage Department at least a few days before you move to request account closure. Provide your move-out date and a final address for your last bill. The city will send a final meter reading and bill you for any remaining usage. Make sure to pay this final bill to avoid collection action.
How do I report a water leak or meter problem?
Call the Water and Sewerage Department's main line to report a leak or suspected meter malfunction. If the leak is on city property (between the main and your meter), the city will repair it at no cost. If it is on your property, you are responsible for the repair, though the city can confirm the leak location.
Is there a way to lower my water bill?
Fixing leaks and reducing usage are the main ways to lower your bill. Check for running toilets, install low-flow showerheads, and fix dripping faucets. If you have an irrigation system, run it only when necessary. The Water and Sewerage Department may offer conservation tips or rebates for water-saving fixtures — ask when you call.
What happens if I pay late?
Late fees apply if payment arrives after your due date. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee. Repeated late payments can lead to a disconnection notice. Paying as soon as you receive your bill or setting up autopay prevents late fees and keeps your service active.