Where and how to pay Spokane City Utilities
Spokane City Utilities accepts bill payments through three main channels: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. The online portal at spokanewater.com lets you pay immediately with a bank account or debit card. You can also call their customer service line at (509) 625-7000 during business hours to pay over the phone with the same payment methods. If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address printed on your bill — never send cash through the mail.
Online payment is the fastest option and shows as posted within one business day. Phone payments process the same day if you call before 4 p.m. on a weekday. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the utility and post to your account, so plan ahead if your due date is approaching.
Spokane City Utilities does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly through their system. Some third-party payment processors may add fees, so stick with the official channels to avoid extra costs.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at spokanewater.com, by phone at (509) 625-7000, or by mail to the address on your bill.
- Online and phone payments post within one business day; mail payments take 7 to 10 days.
- No fees apply when you pay through Spokane City Utilities' official channels.
- Your bill shows the due date and the account number you need to reference for any payment method.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact the utility to ask about payment plans or hardship programs before your bill becomes past due.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date. Through the Spokane City Utilities website, you can enroll in autopay to have your bill withdrawn from your bank account on a date you choose each month. You control the amount and can change or cancel the arrangement at any time.
To set up autopay, log into your account on spokanewater.com, go to the billing section, and follow the prompts to link your bank account. You will need your routing number and account number. Once enrolled, you will receive a confirmation email, and the first payment will process on the date you selected.
Autopay is useful if you want to avoid late fees or if you travel frequently and cannot check your mail. You can still log in anytime to see your bill before the payment posts.
Understanding your bill and due date
Your Spokane City Utilities bill arrives monthly and shows the amount due and the due date clearly at the top. The due date is typically 20 days after the bill is issued. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day.
The bill breaks down charges by service: water, sewer, and stormwater drainage are listed separately with their own rates. A late fee applies if payment is not received by the due date. The exact late fee amount is shown on your bill, but it is typically a percentage of the unpaid balance or a flat fee — check your specific bill for the amount.
Your account number appears on the bill and is required for any payment method except online autopay. Keep a copy of your bill for your records, especially if you pay by mail or phone.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact Spokane City Utilities before the bill becomes past due. Call (509) 625-7000 and ask about a payment arrangement or deferred payment plan. The utility may allow you to split the payment into smaller amounts over several weeks or months, depending on your situation.
Spokane City Utilities also has a hardship program for customers facing financial difficulty. The program may reduce your bill or defer payment temporarily. You will need to provide information about your household income and expenses. Ask the customer service representative for the application or visit spokanewater.com to learn about current programs.
Requesting help before you miss a payment protects your account from late fees and service disconnection. The utility is more likely to work with you if you reach out early.
Avoiding late fees and service disconnection
A late fee is added to your account if payment is not received by the due date. Late fees compound if the bill remains unpaid, so a small missed payment can grow quickly. After 30 days past due, Spokane City Utilities may send a disconnection notice warning that service will be shut off if you do not pay within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 15 days.
Service disconnection means your water will be turned off. Reconnection requires payment of the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee, which is an additional cost on top of your regular bill. To avoid this, pay as soon as you receive your bill or set up autopay so the payment happens automatically.
If your service has already been disconnected, contact the utility immediately to arrange payment and reconnection. Reconnection requests are usually processed within one business day of payment.
Paying by mail safely
If you mail a check, write your account number on the check itself. Include the payment stub from your bill in the envelope — it has your account number printed on it and helps the utility post the payment correctly. Mail the check to the address shown on your bill, not to a general city address.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post. If your due date is fewer than 10 days away, do not rely on mail — use online or phone payment instead. Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it in case you need to follow up.
Never send cash through the mail. If you do not have a bank account and cannot pay online or by phone, ask Spokane City Utilities about in-person payment locations or other options when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Spokane City Utilities bill in person?
Spokane City Utilities does not operate a walk-in payment office. You must pay online, by phone, or by mail. If you need to discuss your bill or payment options in person, you can visit the main office at 1220 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. during business hours, but bring a check or be prepared to pay by phone.
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your account. If the bill remains unpaid for 30 days, you will receive a disconnection notice. If you do not pay within the timeframe on the notice, your water service will be shut off. You must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service.
Can I change my due date?
Contact Spokane City Utilities at (509) 625-7000 to request a different due date. The utility may allow you to move your due date to align with when you receive income or prefer to pay. Changes typically take effect on your next billing cycle.
Is there a discount if I pay the full year upfront?
Spokane City Utilities does not offer discounts for early or lump-sum payments. You pay the same rate whether you pay monthly or in advance. Monthly billing and payment is the standard arrangement.
What if I think my bill is wrong?
Review the usage amount and rates on your bill. If something looks incorrect, call (509) 625-7000 and ask to speak with a billing representative. They can explain the charges and investigate if there is an error. Do not withhold payment while disputing — pay what you owe by the due date and let the utility investigate separately.