Where to pay your Richmond DPU bill
Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) accepts payments through several channels, and the fastest route depends on whether you need a receipt immediately or can wait a few days for processing. You can pay online through the city's bill payment portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at the DPU office.
The online portal at richmondgov.com is the quickest method — payments post within one business day. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid debit or credit card. Phone payments go through the same system and take the same time; call the number on your bill to speak with a representative who can process the payment over the phone.
If you prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to reach the office and post to your account, so send payment at least two weeks before your due date if you want to avoid a late fee. Paying in person at the DPU office on East Broad Street gives you an immediate receipt and same-day posting, but requires a trip during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- Online and phone payments through the city portal post within one business day and are the fastest way to pay.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process, so send them at least two weeks before your due date.
- In-person payments at the DPU office on East Broad Street post the same day and give you an immediate receipt.
- Your account number on your bill is required for all payment methods except in-person payments.
- Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of when you sent it.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring a late fee. Richmond DPU allows you to set up recurring payments through the online portal or by phone, and the payment will be deducted from your bank account on a date you choose each month.
To set up automatic payments online, log into your account on richmondgov.com, navigate to the billing section, and select the automatic payment option. You'll enter your bank account information once, and the system will deduct the same amount each month on the date you specify. If your bill amount varies month to month, you can adjust the payment amount before each cycle or set it to pay the minimum due and make additional payments manually when needed.
If you prefer not to use the online portal, call the number on your bill and ask a representative to set up automatic payments over the phone. They will need your bank routing number and account number. You can cancel automatic payments at any time through the portal or by calling to notify the office.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill due date appears clearly on the front of your statement, usually 20 to 30 days after the bill is issued. If payment is not received by that date, Richmond DPU will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or call the office to confirm the exact amount.
The due date is based on when payment is received, not when you send it. This is why mail payments are risky if your due date is approaching — a check mailed three days before the due date may not arrive in time. If you are cutting it close, use online or phone payment, which posts within one business day.
If your payment is late, the late fee will appear on your next bill. If you believe the payment was sent on time but arrived late due to mail delay, contact the DPU office with proof of the mailing date (such as a bank statement or cancelled check) and ask them to review the late fee.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you are unable to pay your full bill by the due date, contact Richmond DPU as soon as possible — do not wait until after the due date passes. The office may be able to set up a payment plan that breaks your bill into smaller installments spread over several weeks or months, which can help you avoid disconnection.
Payment plans are not automatic; you must request one by calling the number on your bill or visiting the office in person. Be prepared to explain your situation and propose a payment schedule you can meet. The office will work with you to find an arrangement that keeps your service active while you catch up on what you owe.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask about assistance programs. Richmond may have programs that help low-income households with water and sewer bills, though these are separate from payment plans. The office can direct you to the right department or provide information about local nonprofits that may offer bill assistance.
How to read your Richmond DPU bill
Your bill shows your account number, service address, current charges, any balance from previous months, and the total amount due. The charges are broken into two main parts: water service and sewer service. Each is calculated based on your usage, measured in units called "hundred cubic feet" or HCF.
The bill also shows your meter reading from the current billing period and the previous period, so you can see how much water you used. If your usage seems unusually high, check for leaks in toilets, faucets, or pipes — a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per month and drive up your bill significantly.
At the bottom of your bill, you'll see the due date, the payment address, and the phone number to call with questions. If any charges seem incorrect or you don't understand a line item, call before paying and ask for an explanation. The office can review your account and correct errors if they exist.
Disputing charges or reporting a billing error
If you believe your bill contains an error — such as a charge you don't recognize, an unusually high usage amount, or a duplicate charge — contact Richmond DPU within 30 days of receiving the bill. Call the number on your bill and explain the issue. Have your account number and bill ready when you call.
The office will review your account and meter readings to determine whether the charge is correct. If an error is found, they will issue a credit to your account. If the charge is correct but you disagree with it, ask for a detailed explanation of how the charge was calculated. Some disputes, such as those involving meter accuracy, may require a meter test, which the office can arrange.
While a dispute is being reviewed, you are still responsible for paying the undisputed portion of your bill by the due date to avoid late fees. Pay what you know is correct and note in writing that you are disputing the remainder.
What happens if you don't pay your bill
If your bill remains unpaid after the due date, Richmond DPU will send you a notice warning that your service may be disconnected. The notice will specify a deadline by which you must pay or contact the office to arrange a payment plan. If you do not respond by that deadline, the city can shut off your water service.
Water disconnection is a serious consequence — it affects your ability to use toilets, wash, cook, and drink. Once disconnected, you must pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection can take several days, so it is far better to contact the office before disconnection occurs and work out a payment arrangement.
If you receive a disconnection notice, call immediately. Even if you cannot pay the full amount, the office may delay disconnection if you agree to a payment plan or if you are pursuing assistance through a local program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Richmond DPU bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the online portal accepts both debit and credit cards. Some credit card companies may charge a cash advance fee for utility payments, so check with your card issuer first if you want to avoid that charge. Paying by bank account transfer through the portal typically has no additional fee.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, it will likely show on Monday. If your due date is the next day, use phone payment or pay in person to ensure it posts in time.
What if I move and need to close my Richmond DPU account?
Contact the office at least five business days before you move to request a final meter reading and bill. You'll be responsible for all charges up to your move-out date. Provide a forwarding address so the final bill can be mailed to you. If you overpaid, the office will issue a refund to that address.
Can I set up automatic payments for a different amount each month?
Automatic payments are typically set to a fixed amount each month. If your bill varies significantly, you can set automatic payment for the average or minimum amount and make additional manual payments when your bill is higher. Contact the office if you want to adjust your automatic payment amount.
Is there a discount if I pay my bill early?
Richmond DPU does not offer early payment discounts. However, paying early ensures you avoid late fees and gives you peace of mind that your account is current.