Where to pay your Modesto water, sewer, and trash bill

The City of Modesto Utilities Department accepts payments through three main channels: online at their website, by mail, or in person at their office. The online method is fastest — payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. — and requires no fees. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and clear. In-person payments at the Utilities Department office are processed when ready.

Your bill shows your account number, which you will need for any payment method. Keep it handy before you start, whether you are paying online or calling to ask a question about your balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payments through the City of Modesto website post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m., with no processing fees.
  • Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill and take 7 to 10 business days to clear, so plan ahead if your due date is near.
  • In-person payments at the Utilities Department office are processed when ready and accept cash, check, or card.
  • Your account number appears on your bill and is required for online and phone payments.
  • Late fees begin 30 days after the due date shown on your bill, so contact the Utilities Department if you cannot pay on time.

Paying online through the City of Modesto website

Go to the City of Modesto Utilities Department website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" link. You will enter your account number and the amount you want to pay. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. There is no fee for online payments.

Payments submitted before 5 p.m. post to your account the same business day. If you submit after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, the payment will post the next business day. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment — save this for your records.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to "City of Modesto" and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this is usually the Modesto Utilities Department office address. Do not mail cash.

Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. If your due date is within two weeks, paying by mail risks a late fee. If you must mail a payment close to the due date, consider paying online instead or calling the Utilities Department to ask whether they can note your account as paid-pending.

Paying in person at the Utilities Department office

The City of Modesto Utilities Department office is located at 200 West Ash Street, Modesto, CA 95350. They accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Payments are processed when ready, and you will receive a receipt on the spot.

Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but confirm the current hours before you go, as they may change seasonally or due to holidays. You can call the Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 to verify hours or ask questions about your bill.

What happens if you miss the due date

Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 to 30 days from the date the bill was mailed. If payment is not received by that date, a late fee is added to your account. Late fees typically begin 30 days after the due date.

If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Utilities Department as soon as possible. They may be able to set up a payment plan or discuss your options. Waiting until after a late fee is applied makes the conversation harder. The sooner you reach out, the more options may be available.

Setting up automatic payments

Many utility customers set up automatic monthly payments so they do not have to remember to pay each month. You can usually arrange this through the online bill pay system or by calling the Utilities Department directly at (209) 342-8050. Automatic payments are deducted on a date you choose, usually a few days before the due date.

Automatic payments reduce the risk of late fees and give you one less bill to track. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time, so there is no long-term commitment. If your bill amount changes significantly — for example, after a rate increase — you may want to review your automatic payment amount.

Understanding your bill and account number

Your Modesto utility bill covers water, sewer, and trash service. The bill shows your account number in the upper right corner or near the top. This number is unique to your address and is required for any payment or inquiry about your account.

The bill also shows the amount due, the due date, and the mailing address for payments. If you lose your bill, you can call the Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 and provide your address to get your account number and current balance. You can also look up your account online if you have set up a login on the City of Modesto website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay online?

No. The City of Modesto does not charge a fee for online payments made through their official website. If you use a third-party payment service, that service may charge a fee, so stick with the city's own system to avoid extra costs.

What if I pay online but my payment does not show up?

Check your confirmation number and the date you submitted the payment. Online payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m., or the next business day if submitted after hours or on a weekend. If more than one business day has passed and the payment still does not appear, call the Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 with your confirmation number.

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, depending on the office policy. Call (209) 342-8050 to ask what documentation they need.

What if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?

Contact the Utilities Department at (209) 342-8050 as soon as possible. They may offer a payment plan that lets you pay in installments over several weeks or months. The sooner you call, the more options they can discuss with you.

How do I know if my payment was received?

Online payments show a confirmation number when ready. For mail payments, wait 7 to 10 business days, then call (209) 342-8050 or check your account online. In-person payments give you a receipt on the spot. Keep all confirmations and receipts until the payment appears on your account.