Where to pay your Modesto water, sewer, and electric bills
The City of Modesto operates its own water, sewer, and electric utilities. You can pay your bill through their official website at modestogov.com, by mail, in person, or by phone. The city does not use a third-party billing system, so all payments go directly to the City of Modesto Utilities Department.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows charges for water, wastewater (sewer), and stormwater services if you are a residential customer. Electric bills come separately if you receive power from the city's electric utility. Each bill has a due date printed on the front — typically 20 days from the bill date — and late fees apply if payment arrives after that date.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at modestogov.com using a debit or credit card, or set up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
- Mail payments to the address on your bill; include your account number on the check or money order.
- Call the Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 to pay by phone during business hours or to ask about your bill.
- Late payments trigger a 10% penalty on top of your bill amount, so paying by the due date saves money.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact the city to ask about payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
Paying online through the City of Modesto website
Go to modestogov.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Utilities" section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill statement. Enter your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method — the city accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards.
Online payments typically post to your account within one business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. on a Friday, the payment may not show until the following Monday. The city charges a small convenience fee for online card payments, which is added to your total. Check the exact fee before you confirm the payment.
You can also set up automatic recurring payments through the website. This means the city will charge your card or bank account on the same day each month. Automatic payments reduce the risk of forgetting a due date and triggering late fees. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.
Paying by mail or in person
Write a check or money order and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Always include your account number on the check — write it in the memo line. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the city and post to your account, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.
If you prefer to pay in person, visit the Modesto Utilities Department office during business hours. The office address and hours are listed on your bill and on the city website. Bring your bill or account number and payment in the form of cash, check, or money order. In-person payments post immediately.
Paying by phone
Call the Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 during business hours to pay by phone. Have your account number and payment method ready. The city accepts payment by debit or credit card over the phone. Ask about the convenience fee before you provide your card information.
Phone payments are useful if you are close to the due date and want to confirm the payment is received the same day. However, calling during peak hours may mean a wait. If you reach voicemail, leave your account number and a callback number; a representative will return your call during the next business day.
Understanding late fees and what happens if you miss a payment
Modesto charges a 10% penalty on any bill that is not paid by the due date. This penalty is added to your next bill. For example, if your water and sewer bill is $100 and you pay it 10 days late, you owe an extra $10 in late fees.
If your account remains unpaid for 30 days past the due date, the city may issue a notice of intent to shut off service. This notice gives you a window — usually 10 to 15 days — to pay the full amount owed, including penalties and any shut-off notice fees. If you do not pay within that window, the city can disconnect your water or electric service.
Reconnection after a shut-off requires payment of the full balance plus a reconnection fee. This fee varies but is typically $50 to $100. If you receive a shut-off notice, contact the Utilities Department immediately to discuss your options before service is cut.
Payment plans and hardship programs
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, call the Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 before your account falls behind. The city may offer a payment plan that spreads your balance over two to three months. Payment plans do not erase late fees already on your account, but they can prevent additional penalties and service shut-off.
Modesto also participates in the California Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides one-time bill payment assistance to households that meet income limits. You must apply through a local community action agency, not directly through the city. Contact 211 California (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) to find the nearest agency in Modesto and learn about income thresholds.
During winter months, the city may also offer a cold-weather protection program that prevents shut-offs for customers facing hardship. Ask the Utilities Department whether this program is active and what documentation you need to request protection.
Reading your Modesto utility bill
Your bill shows your account number at the top, followed by your service address and the billing period. The charges section lists water usage (measured in units called hundred cubic feet, or HCF), wastewater charges, and stormwater fees. Each line shows the rate per unit and the total charge for that service.
Look for the "Amount Due" line near the bottom of the bill — this is the total you owe. The "Due Date" appears just below it. If you have automatic payments set up, the bill will note that a payment is scheduled. Any balance from a previous month appears as "Previous Balance" and is added to your current charges.
If your bill is higher than usual, check the water usage number. A sudden spike often means a leak in your home or yard. The city website has a leak detection guide, or you can call the Utilities Department to report a suspected leak and ask for advice on finding it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my bill?
Online payments typically appear within one business day. If more than two business days have passed, log back into your account to confirm the payment was processed. If the charge appears on your credit card or bank statement but not on your utility bill, call the Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 with your confirmation number.
Can I set up automatic payments and still pay extra some months?
Yes. Automatic payments cover your regular monthly bill, and you can make additional payments anytime through the website or by phone. This is useful if you want to pay down a balance faster or if you know a month will have higher usage.
What happens if I move out of Modesto before my final bill is due?
Contact the Utilities Department to request a final meter reading and bill. Provide your forwarding address so the final bill reaches you. You are responsible for paying any balance owed, even after you move. If you do not pay, the city may report the debt to a collection agency.
Does Modesto offer a discount for seniors or low-income customers?
The city does not offer a rate discount, but you may be may be able to access for LIHEAP bill payment assistance through a local community action agency. Call 211 California to find the agency serving Modesto and ask about income limits and the application process.
Can I dispute a charge on my Modesto utility bill?
Yes. Call the Utilities Department to explain the issue. If you believe there is a billing error or a leak caused an unusually high charge, the department can review your account and meter history. Bring your bill and any documentation of the problem when you call.