Where to pay your Spokane water and sewer bill
The City of Spokane offers four main ways to pay your water and sewer bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. Each method has different timing and fee structures, so the right choice depends on when your payment is due and how you prefer to handle it.
The fastest and most flexible option is online payment through the City of Spokane's official utilities portal. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments. Online payments typically process within one business day, and there is no fee for paying directly from your bank account.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the City of Spokane Utilities Customer Service line to make a payment by phone. Phone payments also process quickly, though you should confirm any fees before completing the transaction. Mailing a check or money order is slower — allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach the office and post to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the City of Spokane utilities website is free and processes within one business day if you pay from your bank account.
- Automatic monthly payments can be set up online and will deduct your bill amount on the same day each month, reducing the risk of late payment.
- Phone payments are available but may carry a fee depending on the payment method you choose.
- Mailed checks take 10 or more business days to process, so send them well before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- The City of Spokane office accepts in-person payments during business hours if you need to pay immediately with cash or a check.
Setting up online payment or autopay
To pay online, visit the City of Spokane Utilities website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill statement. Create a login or use an existing account to access the payment portal.
Once logged in, you can choose to make a one-time payment or set up automatic monthly payments. For autopay, you will enter your bank account or debit card information. The system will deduct your bill amount on a date you select, typically around the same day each month. This removes the risk of forgetting a payment and incurring a late fee.
If you want to change or cancel autopay later, you can do so through the same online portal without calling customer service. Keep a record of your confirmation number for any payment you make, whether one-time or automatic.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If you know you cannot pay by the due date on your bill, contact the City of Spokane Utilities Customer Service before the date passes. The city has programs for customers facing hardship, and speaking with someone early gives you more options than waiting until after a late fee is applied.
The city may offer a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, reducing the amount due each billing cycle. Some customers also may have access to for assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is a state program that helps with utility costs. You can ask the city's customer service team whether you may be referred to LIHEAP or other local assistance.
Late fees are typically a percentage of your bill or a flat amount — check your bill or the city's website for the exact fee. If you pay after the due date, the late fee will be added to your next bill. Avoiding late fees is one reason automatic payment is useful: it removes the chance of forgetting.
Understanding your account number and bill details
Your account number is a unique identifier for your water and sewer service at your address. It appears on every bill statement, usually near the top. You will need this number to log into the online payment portal, set up autopay, or speak with customer service about your account.
Your bill shows the amount due, the due date, and a breakdown of charges — typically a base service fee plus usage charges based on the gallons of water you consumed. The bill also lists your account number, service address, and the customer service phone number. Keep your most recent bill handy when you call or log in online.
If you move or change the service address, notify the city before you leave so the bill goes to your new address. If mail is going to the wrong place, you can update your address online or by calling customer service.
Paying in person or by mail
The City of Spokane Utilities office is located at 1220 West Boone Avenue, Spokane, Washington 99201. You can visit during business hours to pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. In-person payment is useful if you need to pay immediately or prefer not to use online or phone methods.
If you mail a check or money order, write your account number on the check and send it to the mailing address listed on your bill. The city's processing time for mailed payments is typically 10 business days or longer, depending on mail delivery. To avoid a late fee, mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date.
Do not send cash by mail. If you must pay by mail, use a check, money order, or cashier's check. Keep a copy of your mailed payment for your records.
Troubleshooting common payment problems
If your online payment does not go through, check that your bank account or card information is entered correctly and that your account has sufficient funds. Some banks flag utility payments as unusual activity — if this happens, contact your bank to authorize the payment, then try again through the city's portal.
If you made a payment but it does not show on your bill within the expected timeframe, log into your online account to confirm the payment was processed. If the city's system shows the payment was received but your bill still shows it as unpaid, contact customer service with your confirmation number. Processing delays are rare but do happen, and customer service can investigate.
If you are unsure whether a payment posted or you have questions about your bill, call the City of Spokane Utilities Customer Service line. Have your account number and recent bill ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my Spokane utilities bill online?
No fee is charged if you pay directly from your bank account through the city's online portal. Some payment methods, such as credit cards or third-party payment services, may carry a fee — the portal will show any fee before you confirm the payment.
How long does it take for an online payment to show on my bill?
Online payments from a bank account typically post within one business day. Payments made on a weekend or holiday may take longer to process. You can check your account status online to see whether the payment has been received.
Can I set up autopay and then cancel it later?
Yes. You can cancel automatic payments anytime through the online portal without calling customer service. If you cancel autopay, remember to pay your bill manually by the due date to avoid a late fee.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A late fee will be added to your next bill. If you continue to miss payments, the city may send a notice and eventually disconnect your service. Contact customer service immediately if you miss a payment to discuss a payment plan or other options.
Can I pay someone else's Spokane utilities bill?
You can pay online if you have the account number and access to the online portal. For phone or in-person payments, ask the city whether you need written authorization from the account holder. Some payment methods require the account holder's name or signature.