Where to pay your Lewiston water and sewer bill
The City of Lewiston accepts bill payments through three main channels: online through their official website, by mail to their billing office, or in person at City Hall. The online portal is the fastest option and lets you see your balance and payment history immediately. Mail and in-person payments take longer to process but work if you prefer not to use the internet.
Your bill shows a due date, usually 30 days from the billing date. Payments received after the due date may trigger a late fee. The city bills most residential customers quarterly, though some accounts are billed monthly depending on usage or account type.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the City of Lewiston's official website to see your balance immediately and avoid mail delays.
- Mail payments to the address printed on your bill; allow 7 to 10 business days for the city to receive and post them.
- Late payments trigger a penalty fee, so confirm your payment method's delivery time before the due date.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the city's billing office to discuss payment arrangements.
- Your bill includes both water and sewer charges; they are listed separately but paid together.
Paying online through the city's billing system
The City of Lewiston operates an online payment portal where you can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. To use it, visit the city's official website and look for the utilities or bill payment section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and your zip code to log in or create an account.
Online payments are processed the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time, usually 5 p.m. Eastern time. The system shows your current balance, recent payments, and billing history. If you set up automatic recurring payments, the city will charge your account on the same date each billing cycle.
Some payment methods charge a convenience fee — typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount — when you use a credit card. Bank account transfers usually have no fee. The system will show you the fee before you confirm the payment.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address listed on your bill. The city's billing office processes mail payments, but delivery and posting take time. Mail sent within Lewiston typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days; mail from outside the area may take 7 to 10 days. The city records the payment date as the date it arrives at their office, not the date you mailed it.
If your payment arrives after the due date, a late fee applies even if you mailed it on time. To avoid this, mail payments at least 10 days before the due date. If you are unsure whether your payment will arrive on time, use the online portal instead or call the billing office to confirm receipt.
Paying in person at City Hall
You can walk in to the City of Lewiston's billing office during business hours and pay with cash, check, or debit card. The office is located at City Hall; your bill or the city's website will show the exact address and hours. In-person payments are posted to your account the same day.
Bring your account number and the payment amount. If you are paying someone else's bill, bring their account number as well. The city does not accept credit cards for in-person payments, only debit cards, cash, and checks.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
Contact the City of Lewiston's billing office before the due date if you know you cannot pay the full amount. The city may offer a payment plan that spreads the balance over several months, which stops the account from being sent to collections. Payment arrangements are not automatic — you must request them and the city must agree.
If your account falls behind, the city may add a late fee and eventually shut off your water service. The notice period varies, but the city typically sends a warning before disconnection. If your water is shut off, you will need to pay the full balance plus any reconnection fee to restore service.
Understanding your bill and account number
Your Lewiston water and sewer bill shows your account number in the upper left or right corner. This number is required for all payments, whether online, by mail, or in person. The bill also lists the billing period, the amount due, and the due date in a box near the top.
Water charges and sewer charges appear as separate line items but are combined into one total due. Some bills also show a stormwater fee if your property is in an area where the city charges for stormwater management. All charges are due on the same date.
Setting up automatic payments
The online payment portal lets you schedule recurring payments on a date you choose each month or quarter. Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and save you time. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.
If you set up automatic payments, check your account occasionally to make sure the payment amount is correct. If your bill changes significantly — for example, if you have a water leak — you may want to adjust or pause automatic payments until the issue is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your account if payment is not received by the due date. The fee amount is set by the city and shown on your bill. If you are more than 30 days late, the city may begin disconnection procedures.
Can I pay someone else's Lewiston water bill?
Yes. You will need their account number. You can pay online using their account number, mail a check with their account number written on it, or pay in person at City Hall with their account number. The city will not discuss the account with you unless you are the account holder.
Is there a fee to pay online?
Credit card payments usually include a 2 to 3 percent convenience fee. Bank account transfers typically have no fee. The system shows the fee before you confirm the payment, so you can choose your payment method based on the total cost.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up?
Online payments are processed the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time. Your account balance updates immediately after the payment is confirmed, though it may take one business day to appear in your payment history.
What if I move out of Lewiston?
Contact the billing office to close your account and request a final bill. You will owe charges through your move-out date. The city will send the final bill to your forwarding address or the address you provide.