Where to pay your Modesto water, sewer, and utility bills

The City of Modesto accepts bill payments through three main channels: online through their official website, by mail, or in person at their payment office. Most residents use the online portal because it's available 24 hours and shows your payment status when ready. The city does not charge an extra fee for online payments made directly through their system.

Your bill arrives by mail each month and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. Keep this information handy when you pay — you'll need your account number to look up your bill online or set up automatic payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at the City of Modesto's official bill payment portal using your account number, which appears on your printed bill.
  • Online payments typically post within one to two business days, and you can set up automatic recurring payments to avoid missing due dates.
  • Mail payments to the address shown on your bill; include your account number on the check or money order.
  • In-person payments are accepted at the City of Modesto Utilities Department during business hours, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card.
  • If your payment is late, the city may charge a late fee and could eventually disconnect service, so contact them when ready if you cannot pay on time.

Paying online through the City of Modesto website

Go to the City of Modesto's official website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Utilities" section. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and either a checking account, savings account, or debit card to complete the transaction. The system accepts one-time payments and allows you to set up automatic payments that recur each month on the date you choose.

When you enter your payment information, the system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — it proves you paid and is useful if there's ever a dispute. The payment typically clears within one to two business days, though weekend or holiday payments may take longer.

If you set up automatic payments, the city will deduct the amount from your account on the same day each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account, but do this before the scheduled payment date to stop that month's withdrawal.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your account number on the check or money order — this is critical because the city processes thousands of payments and needs to match your payment to your account. Mail your payment to the address printed on your bill; this address may vary depending on which utility service you're paying for (water, sewer, or stormwater).

Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed, so send your payment at least a week before the due date. If you're close to the due date, paying online or in person is faster and safer because you'll have proof of payment when ready.

Keep a copy of the front and back of your check or a photo of your money order receipt for your records. If the city ever says they didn't receive your payment, this documentation helps prove you sent it.

Paying in person at the Utilities Department

The City of Modesto Utilities Department accepts in-person payments during regular business hours. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or money order. Bring your bill or account number so the staff can process your payment correctly and give you a receipt on the spot.

The office is located at 200 West Grayson Avenue, Modesto, CA 95354. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but confirm the current hours on the city website before you go, as holiday schedules may change. An in-person payment posts to your account the same day.

Setting up automatic payments and managing your account

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring late fees. Once you set them up online, the city withdraws the amount from your bank account on the same day each month. You choose the payment date, so you can align it with when you receive income or have funds available.

To change your automatic payment amount or date, log into your online account and update your preferences. If you need to stop automatic payments temporarily, do this through your account at least a few days before the scheduled withdrawal. Canceling automatic payments does not cancel your service — you'll straightforward need to pay manually each month.

Your online account also shows your payment history, current balance, and any past-due amounts. Check this regularly to catch billing errors early and confirm that payments have posted correctly.

What happens if your payment is late

The due date is printed on your bill. If your payment does not arrive by that date, the city charges a late fee, which is added to your next bill. The amount of the late fee varies; check your bill or the city website for the current fee structure.

If you remain unpaid for 30 to 60 days (the exact timeline depends on the type of service), the city may issue a notice of intent to disconnect. This means they are warning you that service will be shut off if you do not pay. If you receive this notice, contact the Utilities Department when ready — many cities offer payment plans or hardship programs for residents who cannot pay in full.

Once service is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore it. Reconnection can take several days, so avoiding disconnection is far simpler than dealing with the process afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for paying online?

No. The City of Modesto does not charge a fee when you pay directly through their official website. Some third-party payment services may charge a fee, so always use the city's own portal to avoid extra costs.

Can I pay someone else's bill if I have their account number?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill online or by mail if you have their account number. In person, you may need to show authorization or the account holder's permission, so call the Utilities Department first if you're unsure.

What if I paid online but my bill still shows as unpaid?

Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If more than two business days have passed and your account still shows unpaid, contact the Utilities Department with your confirmation number. They can verify whether the payment was received and investigate any delays.

Can I pay my bill over the phone?

The City of Modesto's standard payment methods are online, by mail, and in person. Call the Utilities Department to ask whether phone payments are available; some cities offer this option through an automated system or customer service representative.

What should I do if I can't afford to pay my full bill?

Contact the Utilities Department as soon as possible — before your bill becomes past due. Ask whether the city offers payment plans, budget billing, or hardship programs. Many utilities have options for residents facing temporary financial difficulty, and reaching out early gives you more choices than waiting until disconnection is threatened.