Where to pay your Austin utilities bill
The City of Austin Utilities department offers four main ways to pay your water, wastewater, and stormwater bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. Most people choose online or phone because they're available 24/7 and don't require a trip or postage.
The fastest route is the City of Austin Utilities website at austintexas.gov/my-austin-water. You'll need your account number (found on your bill) and a bank account or debit card. Payment posts the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. central time on a business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, it posts the next business day.
By phone, call the automated payment line at 512-974-2000. You can pay with a debit or credit card without speaking to anyone. If you need to speak with a representative about your account or have questions about your bill, call 512-974-2693 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through austintexas.gov/my-austin-water is the fastest method and posts the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day.
- You can pay by phone at 512-974-2000 using a debit or credit card without speaking to anyone.
- Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill and typically take 7 to 10 business days to post.
- In-person payment locations include City Hall and several neighborhood centers; bring your account number and payment method.
- Setting up autopay through the website removes the need to remember due dates and prevents late fees.
Paying by mail or in person
If you prefer to mail your payment, write your account number on the check or money order and send it to the address printed on your bill. The City of Austin Utilities mailing address is typically listed in the payment section of your bill. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send your payment at least 10 days before the due date to avoid a late fee.
For in-person payment, you can visit City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street) or several neighborhood centers throughout Austin. Bring your bill or account number and your payment method (cash, check, or card). Hours vary by location, so check austintexas.gov/utilities before you go.
Setting up automatic payments
Autopay is the easiest way to ensure you never miss a due date. Log into your account at austintexas.gov/my-austin-water, select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments," and link your bank account or debit card. You can choose to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month.
Once autopay is active, the City of Austin Utilities withdraws your payment automatically on or shortly after your due date. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your online account. If your bill amount changes significantly, you'll receive a notice so you can adjust your autopay amount if needed.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill due date is printed on the front of your bill, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If payment is not received by that date, the City of Austin Utilities charges a late fee. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount; the exact percentage is set by city ordinance and may change year to year.
If you pay late, your service is not shut off immediately. However, if your account remains unpaid for 60 days or more, the city may disconnect your water service. You can request a payment plan if you're unable to pay your full bill by the due date. Call 512-974-2693 to discuss options with a representative.
What to do if you can't pay your bill
If you're struggling to pay your utilities bill, contact the City of Austin Utilities at 512-974-2693 before your account becomes delinquent. The city offers payment plans that spread your balance over several months, which can make the bill more manageable.
Austin residents who meet income requirements may also be may be able to access for the Low Income Utility Assistance Program (LIUAP), which provides one-time bill payment assistance. This program is administered through the City of Austin's Community Services office. Call 512-974-5000 to learn about income limits and how to request assistance.
Reading your bill and finding your account number
Your City of Austin Utilities bill shows your account number in the upper right corner of the first page. This 10-digit number is what you need to pay online, by phone, or to set up autopay. Your bill also lists your service address, current charges, previous balance, and due date.
The charges section breaks down your water usage (measured in hundred-cubic-foot units, or HCF), wastewater charges, and stormwater fees. If your bill seems unusually high, check whether your water usage increased—this often signals a leak. The City of Austin Utilities website has a leak detection guide and information about how to read your meter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay my bill late?
A late fee is added to your account if payment is not received by the due date. Your service is not shut off immediately, but if your account remains unpaid for 60 days or more, the city may disconnect your water. Contact the city before you fall behind to set up a payment plan.
Can I change my due date?
The City of Austin Utilities does not allow you to change your due date. However, you can set up autopay to pay on a different day of the month by choosing a fixed payment amount and adjusting the withdrawal date through your online account settings.
How long does it take for my payment to show up?
Online and phone payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. If you pay in person, your payment posts immediately.
Is there a fee to pay online or by phone?
No. The City of Austin Utilities does not charge a convenience fee for online or phone payments. All payment methods are free.
What if I don't have a bank account for online payment?
You can pay by phone with a debit or credit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at City Hall or a neighborhood center with cash, check, or card.