Where to send your Flint water payment
The City of Flint Department of Public Works handles water billing and payments. You can pay your bill in three ways: online through the city's payment portal, by mail to their billing office, or in person at their payment location.
To pay online, visit the City of Flint's official website and look for the utilities payment section. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. Online payments typically post within one to two business days.
If you prefer to mail a check or money order, send it to the address listed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take longer to process — usually five to seven business days — so send them early if you're near a due date.
Key Takeaways
- The City of Flint Department of Public Works processes all water payments, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method you choose.
- Online payments post within one to two business days, while mailed checks take five to seven days.
- If your bill is overdue, contact the city directly to discuss payment plans or hardship programs before your service is shut off.
- Flint offers a water shutoff protection program for households that meet income limits and have experienced a recent hardship.
Reading your Flint water bill
Your Flint water bill shows your account number at the top, your current charges, and the due date. The bill breaks down charges into water usage (measured in hundred cubic feet, or HCF) and a fixed service charge. Some bills also include sewer and stormwater fees, which are separate line items.
The usage section tells you how much water you consumed during the billing period. One HCF equals 748 gallons. If your usage seems unusually high, check for leaks — a running toilet or dripping faucet can add significantly to your bill over a month.
Look for the due date near the top or bottom of your bill. Payments received after this date may incur a late fee. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the city before the deadline to discuss options.
Payment plans and hardship programs in Flint
If you fall behind on your water bill, the City of Flint offers a water shutoff protection program for households that meet income requirements and have experienced a recent hardship such as job loss, medical emergency, or unexpected expense. This program prevents service disconnection while you work toward payment.
To learn about the shutoff protection program, contact the City of Flint Department of Public Works directly. You'll need to provide proof of income and documentation of the hardship. The program has specific income limits that vary by household size.
The city also works with residents to set up payment arrangements if you owe a large balance. Rather than face shutoff, call the billing office and explain your situation. Many arrangements allow you to pay part of what you owe now and the rest over several months.
What happens if your water bill goes unpaid
If your bill remains unpaid past the due date, the city will send you a notice. This notice includes a new deadline and explains what happens if you do not pay. At this stage, you still have time to contact the city and work out a solution.
If you do not respond to the notice or make a payment, the city can shut off your water service. Once service is disconnected, you must pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore water. This fee varies but is typically $100 to $200.
Before your service is shut off, the city is required to send you written notice with a specific date. Use this time to contact the billing office, make a payment, or enroll in a payment plan. Waiting until after shutoff makes the situation more expensive and more difficult to resolve.
Checking your account balance and payment history
You can check your current balance and recent payment history through the City of Flint's online portal. Log in with your account number and view your bill, payment status, and any past-due amounts. This is the fastest way to confirm whether a payment has posted.
If you do not have online access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Department of Public Works billing office. They can tell you your current balance, confirm whether a recent payment has been received, and answer questions about your bill.
Keep records of all payments you make, especially if you pay by mail or in person. Write down the date, amount, and payment method. If a payment does not appear on your account within the expected timeframe, contact the city with this information.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Through the city's online portal, you can set up a recurring payment that deducts money from your bank account on a date you choose. This works best if your bill amount is roughly the same each month.
To set up automatic payments, log into your account online and look for the autopay or recurring payment option. You'll provide your bank account information and choose the payment date. Make sure the date you select gives the city time to process the payment before your due date.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. If you need to stop a payment, do so before the scheduled deduction date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my account number if I don't have my bill?
Your account number is printed on your water bill. If you've lost your bill, call the City of Flint Department of Public Works and provide your address. They can look up your account and give you the number over the phone.
Can I pay my water bill by phone?
The City of Flint does not currently accept phone payments directly. You can pay online, by mail, or in person. If you need assistance setting up an online payment, call the billing office and staff can walk you through the process.
What if I think my water bill is too high?
Check for leaks first — a hidden leak is the most common reason for a sudden increase. If you find no leak and believe the bill is incorrect, contact the city's billing office. They can review your account and meter readings to investigate.
Does Flint offer a discount for seniors or low-income households?
Flint has the water shutoff protection program for households experiencing hardship, but does not offer a standard rate discount based on age or income alone. The shutoff protection program is the main assistance available; contact the city to learn whether you may be may be able to access.
What should I do if my water service was shut off?
Pay the full amount owed plus the reconnection fee, then contact the city to schedule reconnection. Reconnection typically happens within one to two business days of payment. If you cannot pay the full amount, call before the shutoff date to discuss a payment plan instead.