Where to pay your Murfreesboro water bill
Murfreesboro residents pay their water bills through the City of Murfreesboro's Utilities Department. You have three main payment methods: online through the city's website, by mail, or in person at the Utilities Department office. The online option is fastest and requires no postage or trip downtown. Mail and in-person payments take longer to process but work if you prefer not to use a computer.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. The due date is typically 20 days after the bill date. If you pay after the due date, the city charges a late fee. Knowing which payment method works best for your situation helps you avoid late fees and keeps your service active.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the City of Murfreesboro's website using your account number and a debit or credit card, with no extra fees.
- Mail payments to the Utilities Department at 111 West Lytle Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, allowing at least one week for delivery.
- Pay in person at the Utilities Department office during business hours with cash, check, or card.
- Late fees apply if your payment arrives after the due date shown on your bill, so plan ahead for mail delivery time.
- Set up automatic payments through your bank's bill pay service to avoid missing due dates entirely.
Paying online through the city website
The fastest way to pay is through the City of Murfreesboro's online payment portal. Go to the city's website and look for the Utilities Department section or a "Pay My Bill" link. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. The system accepts debit cards and credit cards. There is no fee for online payments, so you keep the full amount of your bill.
Online payments usually post to your account within one business day. If you pay before 5 p.m. on a business day, the city typically processes it the same day. Paying online also gives you a confirmation number immediately, which you can save as proof of payment. This method works 24 hours a day, so you can pay at midnight if that fits your schedule better than a trip to the office.
Mailing a check or money order
If you prefer to mail your payment, send it to the City of Murfreesboro Utilities Department, 111 West Lytle Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Include your account number on the check or money order so the city can match the payment to your account. Use a check or money order only — do not mail cash.
Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive, depending on where you mail it from. The city considers a payment late if it arrives after your due date, not when you mail it. If your due date is coming up soon, mailing is risky because the post office delay could push your payment past the deadline. Plan to mail at least 10 days before the due date to be safe. Keep a copy of your cancelled check or money order receipt for your records.
Paying in person at the Utilities Department
You can walk into the Utilities Department office at 111 West Lytle Street and pay with cash, check, or debit card. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Call ahead at the Utilities Department to confirm the exact hours, as they may change seasonally or for holidays. Paying in person means your payment posts immediately and you get a receipt on the spot.
This method works well if you are already downtown or prefer to handle money in person. Bring your account number or your bill so the staff can find your account quickly. If you pay by check, make it out to the City of Murfreesboro. The office does not accept credit cards, only debit cards, so plan accordingly.
Setting up automatic payments through your bank
Many banks offer a bill pay service that lets you schedule automatic payments to the Utilities Department each month. Log into your bank's online portal and look for "Bill Pay" or "Payments." Add the Utilities Department as a payee using the mailing address above. You can set the payment to go out on a specific date each month, usually a few days before your due date.
Automatic payments mean you never have to remember the due date or worry about late fees. Your bank mails the check on your behalf, so it works even if you do not use the city's online system. You can change or cancel the payment anytime through your bank. This is different from the city's online payment system — you are using your bank's service, not the city's, so the process varies slightly depending on your bank.
What to do if you miss a payment or cannot pay on time
If your payment is late, the city adds a late fee to your next bill. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill total. If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Utilities Department before the deadline to ask about your options. Some situations may allow for a brief extension, though this is not may provide.
If your bill goes unpaid for 30 days or more, the city may shut off your water service. Once service is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due amount plus a reconnection fee to restore water. Reconnection can take several business days. If you are struggling to pay, reach out to the Utilities Department to discuss what you can do — waiting until service is cut off makes the problem much more expensive.
Understanding your bill and account number
Your water bill shows your account number in the upper right corner or at the top of the page. This number is unique to your property and is how the city tracks your payments. You will need it for online payments, phone payments, or any conversation with the Utilities Department. If you cannot find your account number, call the Utilities Department and they will look it up using your address.
Your bill also lists your current charges, any past-due balance, and the due date. The charges include water usage, sewer service, and any applicable taxes or fees. If you see a charge you do not recognize or think your bill is wrong, contact the Utilities Department to ask questions before you pay. They can explain each line item and investigate if something seems off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Murfreesboro water bill over the phone?
The city's website does not list a phone payment option, so contact the Utilities Department directly at their office number to ask if they accept phone payments. Some utilities offer this service, but you will need to confirm with Murfreesboro. Online payment through the website is the most reliable method if you want to avoid a trip to the office.
What happens if I pay online but my payment does not show up?
Online payments usually post within one business day. If more than two business days have passed and you do not see the payment on your account, contact the Utilities Department with your confirmation number. They can look up the payment and confirm it was received. Keep your confirmation number until the payment appears on your bill.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe a large past-due balance?
Contact the Utilities Department directly to discuss your situation. Some utilities offer payment arrangements for large past-due amounts, but this depends on the city's policy and your specific circumstances. The sooner you reach out, the more options you may have before service is disconnected.
Is there a fee for paying online?
No. The City of Murfreesboro does not charge a fee for online payments made through their official website. You pay only the amount shown on your bill, with no extra processing charges.
What if my address changed but I still have the same water account?
Contact the Utilities Department to update your address on file. This ensures your bills arrive at the correct location and your payments are linked to the right account. You can update your address by phone, in person, or sometimes through the online portal if the city offers that option.