Where to pay your St. Paul water bill

St. Paul residents can pay their water bill through the city's official payment portal, by mail, in person, or by phone. The fastest and most convenient method is online through the City of St. Paul website, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill.

If you prefer to pay by phone, call the St. Paul Water Utility Customer Service line at (651) 266-6350. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. Payment by phone typically takes effect within one business day.

For mail payments, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check and allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach the utility and post to your account. Paying by mail is slower than other methods, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon.

You can also pay in person at the St. Paul Water Utility office, located at 375 Jackson Street, Suite 500, St. Paul, MN 55101. The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card payments during business hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours before visiting.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the City of St. Paul website is the fastest method and lets you pay anytime without waiting for business hours.
  • Phone payments at (651) 266-6350 process within one business day and require only your account number and a debit card or bank account.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
  • In-person payments at 375 Jackson Street accept multiple payment types and are processed immediately, but you must visit during business hours.
  • Setting up automatic monthly payments online prevents missed due dates and removes the need to pay manually each month.

How to set up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date and save you time each month. Log into your account on the City of St. Paul website, navigate to the billing section, and select the option to enroll in automatic monthly payments. You'll provide your bank account or debit card information once, and the city will charge you on the same date each month.

Before enrolling, check your bill to confirm the due date. Most St. Paul water bills are due 20 days after the billing date. Automatic payments will process on or near this date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account without penalty.

Understanding your St. Paul water bill

Your St. Paul water bill shows the amount of water you used during the billing period, measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF). One HCF equals 748 gallons. The bill lists your meter reading at the start and end of the period, and the difference between those readings is your usage.

The bill also breaks down charges into separate line items: the base service charge (a fixed monthly fee), the water usage charge (based on how much you consumed), and any applicable taxes or fees. Some bills include a stormwater fee if your property drains into the city's stormwater system. Read each line to understand what you're paying for.

If your bill seems unusually high, check whether you used more water than normal. A running toilet, leaking faucet, or irrigation system left on can spike your usage. If usage looks normal but the bill is still high, contact St. Paul Water Utility to request a meter check or to discuss your account.

What to do if you can't pay on time

If you cannot pay your bill by the due date, contact St. Paul Water Utility as soon as possible. Call (651) 266-6350 to discuss your situation. The utility may offer a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, allowing you to avoid service disconnection while you catch up.

Late fees and interest charges apply to unpaid balances after the due date. The longer a bill remains unpaid, the more you owe. If your account falls significantly behind, the city can shut off your water service. Reaching out early gives you the best chance to work out a solution before that happens.

Some residents may be may be able to access for bill assistance programs through local nonprofits or community action agencies. Contact your city council member's office or call 211 Minnesota to ask about programs that help with utility bills in your area.

Reading your account number and finding your due date

Your account number appears near the top of your water bill, usually labeled as "Account Number" or "Service Address Account Number." This 10-digit number is what you need to pay online, by phone, or by mail. Write it down or take a photo of it so you have it handy when you're ready to pay.

The due date is printed clearly on the front of your bill, usually near the amount owed. Most St. Paul water bills are due 20 days after the billing date. If you miss the due date, late fees begin to accrue. Setting a phone reminder or calendar alert a few days before the due date helps prevent accidental late payments.

Checking your payment status online

After you make a payment, you can check whether it has posted to your account by logging into the City of St. Paul website. Online payments typically show within one business day. Mail and phone payments may take slightly longer depending on processing time.

If you don't see your payment reflected after the expected time, contact customer service at (651) 266-6350 to confirm it was received. Have your account number and payment confirmation number (if you have one) ready when you call. The representative can tell you exactly when your payment will appear on your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my St. Paul water bill with a credit card?

Credit card payments are accepted in person at the St. Paul Water Utility office and by phone. Online payments and mail payments do not accept credit cards — use a debit card, bank account, or check instead. Paying by credit card may incur a processing fee, so ask about the cost before you pay.

What happens if my water service is shut off for non-payment?

Once your account is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due balance plus any reconnection fees to restore service. Reconnection can take several business days. Contact the utility immediately if your service is shut off to discuss payment options and reconnection.

How do I change my mailing address for my water bill?

Log into your account on the City of St. Paul website and update your address in the account settings, or call customer service at (651) 266-6350 to make the change over the phone. Confirm the new address is correct so your bill reaches you on time.

Can I pay someone else's water bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online using their account number, or call customer service to make a payment over the phone. The payment will post to their account regardless of whose name or payment method you use.

Is there a discount for paying my bill early?

St. Paul Water Utility does not offer early-payment discounts. Your bill is due on the date printed on the statement. Paying early does not reduce what you owe, but it does prevent late fees and ensures your account stays in good standing.