Where to pay your Spokane water, sewer, and garbage bill
The City of Spokane accepts bill payments through its online portal, by phone, by mail, and in person at the Spokane City Hall cashier's office. The fastest and most convenient method is the online payment system on the city's website, which processes payments immediately and lets you schedule future payments. You can also pay by phone by calling the Spokane Utilities customer service line, though this method may charge a convenience fee.
If you prefer not to use the internet, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill, or walk into City Hall during business hours with cash, check, or card. Each method has different processing times — online and phone payments post within one business day, while mailed payments take five to seven business days depending on mail delivery and processing.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online through the City of Spokane website for immediate processing with no convenience fee.
- Phone payments are available but typically charge a fee; check the amount before confirming.
- Mailed payments should arrive at least one week before your due date to avoid late fees.
- In-person payments at City Hall are processed the same day and require no advance notice.
- Your bill shows the due date and the mailing address; keep both handy when you pay.
Paying online through the City of Spokane portal
Visit the City of Spokane's official website and look for the utilities payment section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill in the upper left corner. The online system accepts payments from a checking or savings account (no fee) or a debit or credit card (which may charge a small fee depending on the card type).
When you log in, you can pay your current bill immediately or set up a one-time future payment for a specific date. Some residents use the future payment option to align their bill payment with their paycheck. The system sends a confirmation number after each transaction — save this for your records in case you need to dispute or verify the payment later.
Paying by phone or automatic bank draft
Call Spokane Utilities customer service at the number on your bill to pay by phone. A representative will ask for your account number and payment method. Phone payments usually charge a convenience fee of $2 to $5 depending on how you pay; ask the representative for the exact amount before you authorize the charge.
If you pay the same bill amount every month, you can set up automatic bank draft, where the city withdraws the payment directly from your checking account on a date you choose. This removes the need to remember to pay each month, though you should still review your bill to catch any unusual charges. You can cancel automatic draft at any time by calling customer service.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address shown on your bill. The City of Spokane's mailing address for utility payments is typically listed on the back of your bill or in the payment section of the city website. Mail your payment at least seven to ten days before the due date to account for postal delivery and processing time.
Do not send cash by mail. If your payment arrives after the due date, the city may charge a late fee, which is usually a percentage of your bill amount. Keep a copy of your cancelled check or money order receipt as proof of payment in case there is a delay in posting.
Paying in person at City Hall
The Spokane City Hall cashier's office accepts walk-in payments during regular business hours. Bring your bill or account number and your payment method — cash, check, or card. The cashier will process your payment immediately and give you a receipt showing the date, amount, and confirmation number.
City Hall is located at 808 West Spokane Falls Boulevard in downtown Spokane. Hours vary by season and may change for holidays, so check the city website before you go. In-person payments are useful if you are paying late and want to avoid additional fees, since the payment posts the same day.
What to do if you miss a due date
If your payment is late, the city will add a late fee to your next bill. The amount depends on your total bill and the number of days past due. Contact Spokane Utilities customer service immediately to ask about the late fee and discuss a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once.
The city may also shut off your water service if your account falls significantly behind — typically after 60 to 90 days of non-payment, depending on city policy. A shutoff notice will be mailed to you before the service is disconnected, giving you time to pay or contact the city to work out an arrangement. Reconnection fees apply if service is shut off.
Understanding your bill and account number
Your Spokane utilities bill shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. The bill also lists charges for water, sewer, and garbage separately so you can see what each service costs. Some bills include a budget billing option, which averages your charges across the year so your payment stays roughly the same each month.
If you have questions about a charge on your bill, contact Spokane Utilities before you pay. The customer service line can explain specific charges and help you understand why your bill increased. Keeping your bill and account number handy makes it faster to pay by phone or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?
Yes. Contact Spokane Utilities customer service to discuss a payment arrangement. The city works with residents who are behind on payments to set up a schedule that fits your budget. You will need to make regular payments on the agreed schedule to avoid service shutoff.
What happens if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my bill?
Online payments usually post within one business day. If more than two business days have passed and your payment is not showing, call customer service with your confirmation number from the online transaction. The representative can locate your payment and explain any delay.
Is there a fee to pay online?
No fee applies when you pay from a bank account. Paying with a debit or credit card may charge a small fee; the online system will show you the fee amount before you confirm the payment. Phone payments almost always charge a convenience fee.
Can I pay someone else's Spokane utilities bill?
Yes, you can pay online or by phone using another person's account number. You do not need to be the account holder to make a payment. Have the account number ready, and the payment will post to that account.
What should I do if my water service is shut off?
Call Spokane Utilities immediately to pay the overdue amount plus any reconnection fee. Once payment is received and processed, the city will restore your service, usually within 24 hours. Ask about a payment plan to prevent future shutoffs.