Where to pay your Odessa water bill
Odessa's water service is provided by the City of Odessa Utilities Department. You can pay your bill in three ways: online through the city's payment portal, by mail to the address on your bill, or in person at the Utilities Department office.
The online option is fastest — payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. central time on a business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the city and post to your account. In-person payments at the office are processed immediately.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows the due date, usually 20 days from the bill date. Late fees apply if payment is not received by that date. The city does not charge a fee to pay online, by mail, or in person.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the City of Odessa's payment portal — the fastest method, with same-day posting for payments made before 5 p.m. on business days.
- Mail payments to the address printed on your bill; allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post.
- Pay in person at the Utilities Department office during business hours for immediate processing.
- Your due date is printed on your bill, usually 20 days from the bill date; late fees begin if payment arrives after that date.
- The city does not charge a fee for any payment method — online, mail, and in-person payments are all free.
Paying online through the city portal
The City of Odessa Utilities Department operates an online payment system accessible from the city's website. To pay online, you will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid debit card or bank account information.
Visit the city's utilities payment page, enter your account number, and follow the prompts to submit payment. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards, as well as electronic bank transfers. Payments submitted before 5 p.m. central time on a business day post the same day; payments submitted after hours or on weekends post the next business day.
Keep a record of your confirmation number for your files. The city recommends paying at least two business days before your due date to ensure the payment posts on time, even though same-day posting is available.
Paying by mail
To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail your payment to the address printed on your bill — this is the Odessa Utilities Department mailing address.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. The city processes mail in the order it is received, so payments that arrive after your due date will be marked late even if you mailed the check before the deadline. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least 10 business days before the due date.
Do not send cash by mail. If you do not have a check or money order, use the online payment system or pay in person instead.
Paying in person at the Utilities Department office
The City of Odessa Utilities Department office accepts in-person payments during regular business hours. Payments are processed immediately when you pay in person. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
The office is located at 119 West 5th Street, Odessa, Texas 79760. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. central time. The office is closed on weekends and city holidays. Bring your bill or account number with you.
If you cannot visit during regular hours, use the online payment system, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to do if you miss a payment deadline
If your payment does not arrive by the due date on your bill, a late fee is added to your account. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill amount and is shown on your next bill. If you miss a payment, pay as soon as possible to stop additional late fees from accumulating.
If you fall behind on payments, the city may shut off your water service. The city typically sends a notice before disconnection, but the timeline varies. Contact the Utilities Department immediately if you receive a disconnection notice or if you are unable to pay your bill.
The city offers payment arrangements for customers who cannot pay the full amount at once. Call the Utilities Department at the number on your bill to discuss a plan. Having a conversation with the city before your service is shut off gives you more options than waiting until after disconnection.
Understanding your bill and account number
Your water bill shows your account number in the upper left or right corner of the first page. This number is unique to your service address and is required to pay online or by phone. Your bill also shows the amount due, the due date, and the mailing address for mail payments.
The bill breaks down your charges into water usage, sewer service, and any other city utilities you receive at that address. Usage is measured in hundred-cubic-foot units (HCF). Your bill shows how many HCF you used during the billing period and the rate per unit.
If you cannot find your account number or have questions about your bill, call the Utilities Department. The phone number is printed on your bill.
Setting up automatic payments
The City of Odessa allows you to set up automatic payments through the online portal. With automatic pay, your bill is deducted from your bank account or charged to your card on a date you choose — typically a few days before the due date.
Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a deadline and eliminate the need to remember to pay each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the portal. If you set up automatic pay, continue to review your bill each month to catch any billing errors or unusual usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Odessa water bill over the phone?
The City of Odessa does not offer phone payments through an automated system. You must pay online, by mail, or in person. If you need assistance with an online payment, call the Utilities Department and a staff member can walk you through the process.
What happens if I pay online but my payment does not post before the due date?
Payments submitted before 5 p.m. central time on a business day post the same day. If you submit payment after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, it posts the next business day. To be safe, pay at least two business days before your due date. If a payment posts late due to a system error, contact the Utilities Department to request the late fee be removed.
Do I need to create an account to pay online?
No. You can pay online without creating an account by entering your account number and bill amount. Creating an account is optional and allows you to save payment history and set up automatic payments.
What if my address or contact information has changed?
Update your address and phone number with the Utilities Department so your bills are mailed to the correct location. You can update this information online through the payment portal or by calling the Utilities Department. Changes usually take effect on your next bill.
Is there a discount for paying in full or early?
The City of Odessa does not offer discounts for early or full payment. Your bill amount is the same regardless of when you pay, as long as you pay by the due date. Late fees only apply if payment arrives after the due date.