Lincoln Bill Pay lets you settle your water, wastewater, and stormwater charges through the City of Lincoln's online portal or by mailing a check

The City of Lincoln combines water, wastewater, and stormwater into a single monthly bill. You can pay online through the city's bill pay system, by phone, by mail, or in person at the payment office. The online portal is the fastest route — payments post the same day if you submit before 5 p.m. on a business day.

Your bill arrives by mail or email depending on how you signed up. The due date is printed on the front of your bill, usually 20 days after the billing date. If you pay late, the city adds a 1.5% penalty to your balance each month it remains unpaid.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online through the City of Lincoln's website using your account number, which appears on your bill, to avoid mail delays.
  • Payments made online before 5 p.m. on a business day post the same day; mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to clear.
  • Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly penalty, so set a reminder for your due date or enroll in automatic payment to avoid it.
  • You can switch between online, phone, mail, and in-person payment methods at any time without contacting the city.

Paying Online Through the City Portal

Go to the City of Lincoln's utilities payment page and enter your account number. Your account number is a 7-digit code printed on the front of your bill, usually near the top left. You will also need your service address to look up your account if you do not have the number handy.

Once you log in, the portal shows your current balance, due date, and payment history. You can pay the full amount due, a partial payment, or set up a one-time payment for a future date. The system accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank transfers. Credit card payments may carry a processing fee — the portal will show the fee before you confirm.

If you pay by bank transfer (ACH), the payment posts within one business day. If you pay by card, it posts the same day if submitted before 5 p.m., or the next business day if submitted after hours or on a weekend.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

Automatic payment removes the risk of missing your due date. Log into the city portal, select "Autopay" or "Recurring Payment," and choose whether you want the full bill amount or a fixed dollar amount deducted each month. You can link a bank account or card.

The city will deduct the payment on a date you choose — typically a few days before the due date to give the payment time to clear. You can pause or cancel automatic payment anytime through the portal, and you will receive a confirmation email each time a payment is processed.

If your bill amount changes month to month (which is normal for water usage), you can set automatic payment to deduct only a fixed amount and pay the remainder manually, or let it deduct the full balance each month and adjust next month if you overpaid.

Paying by Phone or Mail

To pay by phone, call the City of Lincoln Utilities Department at (402) 441-7522. Have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed the same day if you call before 5 p.m. on a business day.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to "City of Lincoln" and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — typically the City of Lincoln Utilities Department, P.O. Box 80108, Lincoln, NE 68501. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the office and post to your account, so mail early if your due date is near.

Do not mail cash. If you need to pay in person, the city accepts payments at the Utilities Department office during business hours, usually Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead to confirm hours and location.

Understanding Your Bill and Due Date

Your Lincoln utilities bill shows three separate charges: water supply, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. Water is metered — you pay for the gallons you use. Wastewater and stormwater are fixed monthly fees based on your property size and connection type.

The due date is printed on the front of your bill and is typically 20 days after the billing date. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the city extends it to the next business day. You can see your due date anytime by logging into the online portal.

If you do not receive your bill by email or mail within a few days of the billing date, log into the portal and check your account. You can view and pay your bill online even if the paper copy has not arrived.

What Happens If You Pay Late

If your payment does not reach the city by the due date, a 1.5% penalty is added to your balance the following month. The penalty applies each month the balance remains unpaid. For example, a $100 unpaid balance becomes $101.50 after one month, then $103.02 after two months.

If your account falls 60 days past due, the city may issue a notice of intent to shut off service. You will have a window to pay the full balance plus any penalties and fees to avoid disconnection. If service is shut off, a reconnection fee applies on top of your bill.

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact the Utilities Department to discuss a payment plan. The city may work with you to spread the balance over several months, though this does not erase the late penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's bill if I have their account number?

Yes. The online portal does not require you to be the account holder — you only need the account number and service address. You can pay a family member's or roommate's bill without their login credentials. However, the account holder should contact the city if they want to change who receives the bill or who can make payments.

What if I overpay or pay too much?

The overage stays on your account as a credit and is applied to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact the Utilities Department and request one. Refunds are typically mailed within two to four weeks.

Is there a fee for paying online?

Paying by bank transfer (ACH) has no fee. Paying by debit card usually has no fee, but credit card payments typically carry a 2% to 3% processing fee. The portal shows the exact fee before you confirm, so you can choose your payment method based on cost.

What if my payment was rejected or failed?

The portal will show an error message and your payment will not post. Common reasons include an expired card, insufficient funds, or a typo in your account number. Correct the issue and try again. If the problem persists, call the Utilities Department at (402) 441-7522.

Can I change my billing address or switch to paperless billing?

Yes. Log into the online portal and update your account settings, or call the Utilities Department. Paperless billing means you receive your bill by email only, which speeds up notification of your due date and reduces mail delays.