The City of Raleigh offers three main ways to pay your water and sewer bill: online through their website, by phone, or by mail.
The fastest method is online payment through the City of Raleigh's bill pay portal. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments. The city does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through their system.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Raleigh Water Services office at (919) 996-3245 during business hours to pay by phone. Payments by mail should be sent to the address printed on your bill, and you should allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach and post to your account.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows your water usage, sewer charges, and any other city utility fees. The due date is printed on the front of your bill. If you miss the due date, the city will charge a late fee and may eventually disconnect your service if the account remains unpaid.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the City of Raleigh website is free and the fastest way to pay, with no processing fees.
- You can call (919) 996-3245 during business hours to pay by phone with a representative.
- Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill and take at least 10 business days to post.
- Setting up automatic monthly payments prevents missed due dates and late fees.
- Late payments trigger fees and can eventually result in service disconnection.
How to Pay Online Through the City of Raleigh Website
Go to the City of Raleigh's official website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Utilities" section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. Create a login or use an existing account to access the payment portal.
Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment date. The system accepts bank transfers and debit or credit cards. If you use a credit card, the city may pass a processing fee to you, so check the fee amount before confirming. Bank transfers typically have no fee.
After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to reference the transaction later. The payment usually posts to your account within one business day for bank transfers, though credit card payments may take slightly longer.
Setting Up Automatic Monthly Payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. During online payment setup, look for an option to enroll in automatic billing. You can choose the date each month when the payment should be withdrawn from your bank account.
You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number for automatic payments. The city stores this information securely. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account or by calling the Water Services office.
If your bill amount varies month to month (which is normal for water usage), the system will charge the full amount due each month. This means your automatic payment will be different in summer months when usage typically increases.
Paying by Phone or Mail
To pay by phone, call (919) 996-3245 and have your account number ready. A representative will take your payment information and process the transaction while you are on the line. Phone payments are typically processed immediately, though posting to your account may take one business day.
For mail payments, write a check or money order and include your account number on the payment. Send it to the address printed on your bill. The city recommends mailing payments at least 10 business days before the due date to ensure they arrive on time. Do not send cash through the mail.
Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records. If you are concerned about whether your payment arrived, you can check your account status online or call the Water Services office to confirm posting.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
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 city utility ordinance and varies depending on the bill amount. Late fees are added to your next bill.
If your account remains unpaid for 30 days or more, the city may send a disconnection notice. This notice gives you a window to pay the full amount owed, including late fees and any disconnection costs, before service is shut off. Reconnection fees apply if your water is disconnected.
If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact the Water Services office as soon as possible. The city may have options for payment plans or assistance programs for customers facing hardship, though these vary and are not may provide.
Understanding Your Bill and Account Information
Your City of Raleigh water and sewer bill shows your meter reading, the amount of water you used, and the charges for that usage. Charges typically include a base fee (a fixed monthly amount) plus usage charges (based on how many gallons you consumed). Sewer charges are usually calculated as a percentage of your water usage.
Your account number appears in the upper right corner of your bill. This number is required for all payment methods and for any customer service inquiries. Keep your bills for at least one year so you can track your usage patterns and spot any unusual spikes that might indicate a leak.
If you have questions about specific charges on your bill, contact the Water Services office at (919) 996-3245. They can explain individual line items and help you understand why your bill may have increased from the previous month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my City of Raleigh water bill through a third-party bill pay service?
Some banks and bill pay services allow you to send payments to the City of Raleigh, but the city recommends using their official online portal to ensure your payment is credited correctly and on time. If you use a third-party service, allow extra time for the payment to reach the city and post to your account.
What should I do if I think there is an error on my bill?
Contact the Water Services office at (919) 996-3245 to report the error. Have your account number and bill ready. The city will investigate and correct any billing mistakes. Do not withhold payment while disputing a charge; continue paying the amount you believe is correct to avoid late fees.
Is there a way to lower my water bill?
The city does not control your water rates directly, but you can reduce your usage by fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and using water efficiently. Check your bill each month for unusual spikes in usage, which often signal a hidden leak. The Water Services office can advise on conservation measures.
What if I move out of Raleigh before my final bill is due?
Contact the Water Services office to request a final meter reading and bill. Provide your forwarding address so the final bill can be mailed to you. You are responsible for paying the final bill even after you move, so make sure the city has your correct mailing address.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe a large amount?
Contact the Water Services office at (919) 996-3245 to discuss your situation. The city may offer a payment arrangement, though this is not may provide and depends on your circumstances. Acting quickly before your account is referred for disconnection gives you more options.