Where to pay your Wichita Falls water bill
The City of Wichita Falls Utilities Department handles water billing for the city. You can pay your bill in three ways: online through the city's website, by phone, or in person at the Utilities Department office.
The fastest method is online payment through the city's bill pay portal. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill statement. The phone payment line is available during business hours. In-person payments are accepted at the Utilities Department office located at 1300 7th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301.
All three methods process your payment immediately, though it may take one to two business days to appear on your account. If you pay by mail, allow at least one week for delivery and processing.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online, by phone during business hours, or in person at 1300 7th Street in Wichita Falls.
- Online payment is the fastest option and requires only your account number from your bill.
- Your account number appears on every water bill statement the city sends you.
- Late payments may result in a reconnection fee if your service is disconnected, so paying by the due date shown on your bill avoids this cost.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payment removes the risk of missing a due date. The City of Wichita Falls allows you to set up recurring payments through their online portal, which deducts money from your bank account on a schedule you choose.
To enroll, log into your account on the city's utilities website and select the automatic payment option. You'll provide your bank account or routing information once, and the system will charge you each billing cycle. You can change the payment date or stop automatic payments at any time through the same portal.
Automatic payment does not lock you into a contract. If your water usage changes or you move, you can pause or cancel without penalty.
Understanding your bill and due date
Your water bill shows the amount due and the date by which payment must arrive. This due date is typically 15 to 20 days after the bill is mailed. The bill also lists your account number, current water usage in gallons, and the rate per gallon charged by the city.
Wichita Falls uses a tiered rate structure, meaning the price per gallon increases as you use more water. Your first block of usage costs one rate; usage above that threshold costs more per gallon. This structure appears on your bill as separate line items, so you can see exactly how much you're charged for each tier.
If you don't receive a bill by the expected date, contact the Utilities Department directly. Bills can be delayed in the mail, and the city can send a duplicate or provide your balance over the phone.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, the city will add a late fee to your account. The amount of this fee is set by the city and appears on your next bill. Continuing to miss payments can result in a notice of disconnection, which gives you a set number of days to pay the full amount owed before water service stops.
If your water is disconnected, you must pay the full balance plus a reconnection fee before service is restored. This reconnection fee is separate from your water charges and can be substantial. Paying as soon as you realize you're behind is far less expensive than dealing with disconnection.
If you're having trouble paying, contact the Utilities Department before the due date to discuss your options. Some cities offer payment plans for customers facing hardship, though availability varies.
Checking your account balance online
You can view your current balance, payment history, and usage details by logging into your account on the City of Wichita Falls utilities website. This portal shows what you owe, when your last payment was processed, and how much water you've used in recent billing cycles.
Checking your balance online takes seconds and helps you catch billing errors or unusual usage before they become a problem. If you notice a spike in your water usage, it may indicate a leak inside your home. Catching this early can save you money and prevent water damage.
If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one using your account number and the service address on your bill. The city's website walks you through the registration process.
Updating your contact information
If you move within Wichita Falls, change your phone number, or want to receive bills by email instead of mail, update your information through your online account or by calling the Utilities Department. Keeping your contact information current ensures you receive bills on time and can be reached if there's a problem with your account.
Some customers prefer email billing because it arrives instantly and reduces paper waste. The city can send your bill to your email address instead of mailing it, though you'll still be responsible for paying by the due date shown on the electronic bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my account number and where do I find it?
Your account number is printed on every water bill the city sends you. It's usually near the top of the bill next to your name and service address. You need this number to pay online or by phone, and to log into your account portal.
Can I pay my bill over the phone?
Yes. Call the Utilities Department during business hours with your account number and payment method ready. A representative will process your payment immediately. Phone hours and the specific number are listed on your bill and on the city's website.
How long does it take for my online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments typically process within one to two business days. If you pay close to your due date, allow extra time for processing. If you need your payment to post immediately, pay in person at the office or call to pay by phone.
What should I do if I think my bill is wrong?
Contact the Utilities Department with your account number and an explanation of what seems incorrect. They can review your usage history and meter readings. If there's a leak on your property, the city may work with you on the bill, though this varies by situation.
Is there a way to lower my water bill?
Reducing water usage lowers your bill. Fix leaks promptly, install low-flow fixtures, and run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers. Your bill shows your usage in gallons, so you can track whether changes actually reduce consumption over time.