Where to pay your Hillsborough County water bill
Hillsborough County Utilities serves water and wastewater to homes and businesses across the county. You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest route is the online portal at hcutilities.org, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in autopay.
If you prefer to call, Hillsborough County Utilities customer service is available at 813-272-5555. A representative can process a payment over the phone using a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Phone payments typically post within one business day.
For in-person payments, you can visit a payment center during business hours. Hillsborough County Utilities maintains drop boxes at several locations around the county for after-hours payments. Check the county website for the nearest location and current hours.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at hcutilities.org using your account number, which appears on your bill, to avoid phone wait times.
- Autopay through the online portal removes the need to remember due dates and reduces the risk of late fees.
- Phone payments at 813-272-5555 work with debit cards, credit cards, or bank accounts and post within one business day.
- Mail payments should be sent at least five business days before the due date to avoid late charges.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact customer service to discuss a payment plan before your account falls behind.
Setting up autopay to avoid missed payments
Autopay is the simplest way to ensure your bill is paid on time every month. Log into your account at hcutilities.org, select the autopay option, and choose your payment method—debit card, credit card, or bank account. You can set the payment to go out on a specific date each month, usually a few days before the due date.
If your bill amount changes month to month (which is common with water usage), autopay will charge the full amount due each billing cycle. You can pause or cancel autopay at any time through your online account without penalty. Many customers find autopay reduces stress and eliminates late fees entirely.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your water bill due date appears on the front of your statement. Hillsborough County Utilities typically gives you about 20 days from the bill date to pay. If payment does not arrive by the due date, a late fee is added to your next bill.
Late fees vary depending on your account balance and how far past due the bill is. The longer an account remains unpaid, the fees increase. If you are running behind, paying even a partial amount before the due date can reduce the total late fees assessed. Contact customer service at 813-272-5555 to discuss your options if you cannot pay in full.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, contact Hillsborough County Utilities before your account becomes seriously past due. Customer service representatives can discuss a payment plan that spreads the balance over several months. Payment plans are not automatic—you must request one and meet the terms to keep your service active.
Hillsborough County also offers a low-income rate reduction program for households that meet income limits. The program reduces your monthly water and wastewater charges. You will need to provide proof of household income to be considered. Call 813-272-5555 and ask about the low-income program to learn whether you may be may be able to access.
How to find your account number and bill information
Your account number is printed on the front of your water bill, usually near the top left. You will need this number to log into the online portal, make a phone payment, or contact customer service. If you cannot locate your bill, you can find your account number by calling 813-272-5555 with your service address or phone number.
The online portal at hcutilities.org also lets you view your billing history, see your current balance, and check your water usage. This is useful if you want to track whether your usage is changing month to month or if you suspect a leak. High usage spikes often point to a toilet or pipe problem that needs repair.
Mailing a check or money order
If you prefer to mail your payment, write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Hillsborough County Utilities processes mailed payments, but they take longer to post than online or phone payments. Mail your payment at least five business days before the due date to ensure it arrives on time.
Do not mail cash. If you do not have a checking account or prefer not to use a card online, money orders are available at most grocery stores and pharmacies for a small fee. Keep your receipt as proof of payment until the amount appears on your account.
What happens if your water service is disconnected
Hillsborough County Utilities will send you a disconnection notice if your account falls significantly behind. The notice tells you how many days you have to pay or contact the utility before service is shut off. Once service is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water.
Reconnection fees are separate from your bill balance and can be substantial. If you receive a disconnection notice, call 813-272-5555 immediately. Even if you cannot pay the full amount, customer service may be able to work out a payment arrangement that keeps your service active while you catch up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Hillsborough County water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the online portal at hcutilities.org accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account payments. Credit card payments may include a processing fee depending on your card issuer. Phone payments at 813-272-5555 also accept credit cards.
How long does it take for an online payment to post to my account?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay close to your due date, the payment may not post in time to avoid a late fee. Pay at least two business days before the due date to be safe.
What if I move and need to close my Hillsborough County water account?
Contact customer service at 813-272-5555 at least a few days before your move-out date. They will schedule a final meter reading and send you a closing bill. You are responsible for any charges up to the date service ends, even if you have already moved.
Can I set up autopay for a different amount each month?
No, autopay charges the full bill amount due each month. If you want to pay a set amount that differs from your bill, you will need to make manual payments instead. Contact customer service if you want to discuss a custom payment arrangement.
Is there a discount for paying my water bill early?
Hillsborough County Utilities does not offer early-payment discounts. However, paying on time prevents late fees, which is the main way to reduce your total cost. Autopay ensures you never miss a due date.