Where and how to pay your Flint water bill
The City of Flint collects water bills through its Department of Public Works. You can pay online through the city's official website, by phone, by mail, or in person at the payment office. Online payment is the fastest option and lets you see your balance immediately.
To pay online, visit the City of Flint's water billing portal. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. The city also accepts payments by phone at the Department of Public Works office during business hours. If you prefer mail, send a check or money order to the address listed on your bill — allow at least 10 business days for processing. In-person payments can be made at the city's office during regular hours.
Set up automatic payments if you want to avoid missed due dates. Most payment methods allow you to schedule recurring payments on a date you choose each month. This reduces the risk of late fees and service interruption.
Key Takeaways
- Flint water bills can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Department of Public Works office.
- Your account number on the bill is required for online and phone payments.
- Late payments typically result in a late fee and may lead to service disconnection after a notice period.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact the city about payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
- Your bill shows usage charges, fixed service fees, and any taxes or special assessments applied to your account.
Reading your Flint water bill
Your bill shows three main sections: the charges for water used, the fixed monthly service fee, and any additional fees or taxes. The usage charge is based on how many gallons you consumed that month, measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF). One HCF equals about 748 gallons.
The service fee covers the cost of maintaining pipes, treatment, and billing — you pay this whether you use water or not. Flint also applies a stormwater fee to most residential accounts, which funds drainage and flood prevention. Look for this line item separately on your bill. Any unpaid balance from the previous month will appear at the top, and the total amount due will be clearly marked near the bottom.
If your bill seems unusually high, check whether your usage jumped compared to previous months. A sudden spike often signals a leak inside your home — a running toilet or dripping pipe can waste hundreds of gallons. Compare your current usage to the same month last year, which your bill usually shows for reference.
What happens if you miss a payment
Flint assesses a late fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The city will also send you a notice of delinquency. If you do not pay within a set period after that notice, the city may shut off your water service. The exact timeline varies, but typically you have 30 days after the delinquency notice before disconnection occurs.
Reconnection requires payment of the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact the Department of Public Works immediately — many cities offer short-term payment arrangements to prevent shutoff. Explain your situation and ask whether a payment plan is available. Even a partial payment may delay disconnection while you arrange the rest.
Payment plans and hardship assistance in Flint
The City of Flint offers payment arrangements for customers who cannot pay their full bill at once. Contact the Department of Public Works to discuss a plan that spreads your balance over several months. You will typically need to make a good-faith payment to show intent, and then pay the remaining balance in installments.
Flint residents may also be may be able to access for assistance through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which is a state program that pays water bills for households meeting income limits. LIHWAP covers both current charges and past-due amounts. To learn whether you meet the income threshold, contact your local Community Action Agency or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Some nonprofit organizations in the Flint area also offer emergency utility assistance. 211 Michigan is a free referral service that can tell you which programs are currently accepting new requests in your area. Call 211 or visit the website to search by zip code.
How to dispute a charge on your water bill
If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact the Department of Public Works with details about which charge you question. Bring your bill and any documentation — such as photos of a meter reading or records of a repair you made. The city will investigate and send you a written response.
If you think your meter is broken or reading incorrectly, you can request a meter test. The city may charge a fee for this service if the meter is found to be working properly, so ask about the cost before requesting one. If the meter is faulty, the city will typically adjust your bill back to the date the problem began.
Keeping your water service active
Pay your bill by the due date each month to avoid late fees and disconnection. If you know you will have trouble paying, contact the city before your account falls behind — waiting until after a disconnection notice arrives limits your options. Set a calendar reminder for your due date, or use automatic payments to remove the risk of forgetting.
If your circumstances change and you face a sudden hardship, reach out to the Department of Public Works or a local assistance program right away. Many programs have limited funding and process requests in the order they arrive. The sooner you contact them, the sooner you may receive help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Flint water bill with a credit card?
The City of Flint's online payment portal accepts credit and debit cards. Phone and in-person payments may also accept cards, though some payment methods charge a processing fee. Check the city's website or call the Department of Public Works to confirm which cards are accepted and whether a fee applies.
How long does it take for an online payment to show on my account?
Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If you pay close to your due date, the payment may not clear in time to avoid a late fee. Pay several days early to ensure the city receives it by the deadline.
What if I think my water usage is too high?
Check for leaks inside your home first — a running toilet or dripping faucet can add hundreds of gallons to your bill. If you find no leaks and usage is still high, request a meter test from the Department of Public Works. Compare your current bill to the same month in previous years to see whether the spike is seasonal or unusual.
Do I have to pay a reconnection fee if my water is shut off?
Yes. You must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee set by the city. The exact fee amount is listed in the city's water service rules. Contact the Department of Public Works to learn the current reconnection fee before your service is cut off.
Where can I find my account number if I lost my bill?
Call the Department of Public Works and provide your address. They will give you your account number and current balance. You can also visit the city's office in person with a photo ID to look up your account.