The City of Lawrence offers three main ways to pay your water and sewer bill: online through their website, by phone, or by mail
The fastest and most convenient method is online payment through the City of Lawrence Utilities portal. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments. The city accepts payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through their website, and the payment posts to your account within one business day.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call the Utilities Billing Department at (785) 832-3000 during business hours to make a payment by phone. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid payment method ready.
Mailing a check or money order is also an option, though it takes longer. Payments sent by mail typically take 7 to 10 business days to reach the city and post to your account, so plan ahead to avoid late fees.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the City of Lawrence website is available 24/7 and posts within one business day.
- Phone payments require your account number and can be made during business hours by calling (785) 832-3000.
- Mailed payments should be sent at least 10 days before your due date to avoid late charges.
- The city accepts automatic monthly payments, which you can set up once and forget.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods.
How to pay online through the City of Lawrence website
Visit the City of Lawrence Utilities website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" option. You will be asked to enter your account number and either your service address or the phone number associated with your account. The city uses this information to pull up your current balance.
Once your account is located, you can choose to pay the full amount due, a partial payment, or set up a recurring monthly payment. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. Be aware that credit and debit card payments may include a convenience fee, while bank account payments typically do not.
After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number for your records. The payment will post to your account within one business day, though the funds may take longer to clear from your bank depending on your financial institution.
Setting up automatic monthly payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting to pay your bill and incurring late fees. Through the City of Lawrence online portal, you can authorize the city to withdraw your payment directly from your bank account each month on a date you choose.
To enroll, log into the online payment system and select the option for recurring or automatic payments. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. The city will process the payment on the date you specify, typically a few days before your bill is due.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal. If you need to stop a payment before it processes, contact the Utilities Billing Department as soon as possible.
Paying by phone or in person
To pay by phone, call the Utilities Billing Department at (785) 832-3000. Have your account number ready, along with a credit card, debit card, or bank account information. A representative will process your payment over the phone and provide you with a confirmation number.
The city also accepts in-person payments at the Utilities Billing office, located at City Hall. Hours vary by season, so call ahead to confirm when the office is open. In-person payments are processed immediately, and you will receive a receipt on the spot.
Mailing a payment to the City of Lawrence
If you choose to mail your payment, write your account number on the check or money order. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible, as this helps the city match the payment to your account quickly.
Mail your payment to the address listed on your bill. Payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. To avoid late fees, send your payment at least 10 days before the due date printed on your bill.
Do not send cash by mail. The city cannot be held responsible for cash that is lost or stolen in transit.
What to do if you miss a payment deadline
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, the city will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee is listed in your utility billing agreement, which you can request from the Utilities Billing Department.
If you are unable to pay your full bill by the due date, contact the city as soon as possible. The Utilities Department may be able to work out a payment plan or discuss other options to keep your service active. Waiting until after service is disconnected makes the situation more difficult to resolve.
If your service has been disconnected due to non-payment, you will need to pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection typically takes one to two business days.
Understanding your bill and due date
Your City of Lawrence utility bill shows your account number, current charges, any balance from the previous month, and the total amount due. The due date is clearly marked on the front of the bill. Payments are considered on time if they are received by 5 p.m. on the due date.
Your bill includes charges for water usage, sewer service, and any other utilities provided by the city. Usage is measured in hundred-cubic-foot units (HCF). If you have questions about specific charges, call the Utilities Billing Department at (785) 832-3000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the City of Lawrence online payment system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. Credit card payments may include a convenience fee charged by the payment processor. Bank account payments typically have no additional fee.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments post to your account within one business day. The funds may take longer to clear from your bank account depending on your financial institution, but the city will record the payment as received within 24 hours.
What is the mailing address for sending a check?
The mailing address is printed on your utility bill. If you cannot locate it, call the Utilities Billing Department at (785) 832-3000 to confirm the correct address. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post.
Can I set up automatic payments and then cancel them later?
Yes, you can cancel automatic payments at any time through the online portal or by calling the Utilities Billing Department. If you need to stop a payment before it processes, contact the city as soon as possible to prevent the charge.
What happens if I pay more than I owe?
If you overpay your bill, the city will credit the extra amount to your next month's bill. You can also request a refund by contacting the Utilities Billing Department, though processing a refund may take several weeks.