Where to pay your Richmond water and sewer bill
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities handles water, sewer, and stormwater bills for the city. You can pay online through the city's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest route is the online portal at richmondgov.com, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the Department of Public Utilities at the number on your bill. Payments made by phone are processed the same day if you call before the cutoff time, usually 4 p.m. on business days. Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your bill and typically take 7 to 10 business days to post to your account.
In-person payments are accepted at the Department of Public Utilities office during business hours. Bring your bill or account number with you. Some City of Richmond payment centers may also accept utility payments, so check the city website for locations near you.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through richmondgov.com is the fastest option and lets you pay without waiting on hold or visiting an office.
- Automatic monthly payments remove the risk of missing a due date and are set up through the same online portal.
- Phone payments are processed same-day if you call before 4 p.m., but mail payments take a week or more to reach your account.
- Your bill shows the due date and the mailing address; paying after the due date may result in a late fee.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments are the simplest way to stay current on your bill. Log into your account on richmondgov.com, select your payment method (bank account or card), and choose whether you want the payment to go out on a fixed date each month or on the due date shown on your bill. Once set up, the payment happens without you having to remember each month.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If your bill amount varies month to month—which is common for water bills—you can set the payment to cover the average amount, then adjust it manually if a bill is significantly higher or lower than usual.
What to do if you can't pay on time
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Department of Public Utilities before the bill is late. The city may offer a payment plan or extension depending on your situation. Calling ahead is important because once a bill is overdue, late fees are added and your account may be flagged for service disconnection.
Late fees in Richmond are typically a percentage of the unpaid balance. The exact amount varies, so check your bill or the city website for the current rate. Service disconnection for non-payment can happen after a bill is significantly overdue, though the city usually sends notices before taking that step.
Understanding your bill amount and what you're paying for
Your Richmond utility bill includes three main charges: water, sewer, and stormwater. The water charge is based on how much water you used, measured in gallons. The sewer charge is usually a percentage of your water use, since most water that enters your home leaves through the sewer system. Stormwater is a fixed fee that covers the city's drainage and flood management systems.
Your bill also shows your meter reading and the number of days in the billing period. If your bill is much higher than usual, check whether you used more water than normal or whether there might be a leak. The city website has information on how to find leaks and what to do if you think your meter is reading incorrectly.
Checking your account online and setting up alerts
Your online account at richmondgov.com shows your current balance, payment history, and upcoming due dates. You can view past bills and see your water usage over time, which helps you spot unusual spikes. Some accounts allow you to set up email or text alerts for upcoming due dates, which is useful if you prefer not to use automatic payments.
If you notice an error on your bill—a charge that seems wrong or a meter reading that doesn't match your usage—contact the Department of Public Utilities to report it. Keep a copy of your bill and any documentation of the issue when you call.
Payment methods and fees
Online payments through the city website are free when you pay from a bank account. Credit card payments may carry a processing fee, which the city will show you before you complete the transaction. Phone payments and in-person payments are also free.
Third-party payment services that advertise bill payment may charge their own fees on top of your utility bill. If you use a third-party service, confirm the fee before you pay and make sure the payment is actually going to the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, not to a middleman.
What happens if your service is disconnected
If your bill remains unpaid for a significant period, the city may disconnect your water service. Before disconnection, you will receive written notice with a date by which you must pay or set up a payment plan. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact the Department of Public Utilities immediately to discuss your options.
Reconnection after a disconnection involves a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance. The exact fee varies, so ask when you call. Reconnection typically takes one to two business days after payment is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Richmond water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, but the city charges a processing fee for credit card payments. Bank account payments through the online portal are free. The fee amount appears before you confirm the payment, so you can decide whether to use a card or switch to a bank account payment.
How long does it take for my online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments from a bank account typically post within one business day. Credit card payments may take slightly longer. If you pay after the due date, a late fee may still be charged even if the payment posts before the end of the billing cycle.
What if I move out of Richmond but still have an unpaid balance?
Contact the Department of Public Utilities with your forwarding address. You remain responsible for any balance on the account, and the city can pursue collection if the bill is not paid. Settling the balance before you move prevents issues with your credit or future utility accounts.
Can I set up automatic payments if I don't have a bank account?
Automatic payments require either a bank account or a debit card. If you don't have either, you can pay by phone, mail, or in person each month. Some community organizations in Richmond offer financial services that may help you open a basic account if you need one.
Is there a discount for seniors or low-income households?
The City of Richmond may offer rate reductions or payment assistance programs for may have access to households. Contact the Department of Public Utilities directly to ask about programs in your area and what documentation you would need to provide.