Where to send your Hillsborough water payment

Hillsborough County Water Department accepts payments through several channels, and the method you choose affects how quickly your payment reaches them and how you receive a receipt. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location.

The online portal at hillsborough.wateronline.com is the fastest route — payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern time on a business day. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid debit or credit card. The site does not charge a convenience fee for online payments.

By phone, call the Hillsborough County Water Department at 813-272-5900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). A representative will take your payment information over the phone. This method also posts the same day but requires you to speak with someone directly.

Mailing a check or money order

If you prefer to mail your payment, send it to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check or money order. Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive and process, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon.

The mailing address for Hillsborough County Water Department is listed on every bill you receive. Do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of your cancelled check or money order receipt as proof of payment.

Paying in person at a drop box or office

Hillsborough County Water Department maintains payment drop boxes at several locations throughout the county. You can deposit a check or money order in these boxes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Drop box payments are typically processed within one business day.

You can also pay in person at the main office during business hours with cash, check, or money order. The office is located at 2501 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ask for a receipt when you pay in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through hillsborough.wateronline.com posts the same day and charges no convenience fee.
  • Phone payments at 813-272-5900 also post the same day but require speaking with a representative during business hours.
  • Mailed checks take 5 to 10 business days to process, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
  • Drop boxes and the main office accept cash, check, or money order, with drop boxes available 24/7.
  • Always include your account number with any payment and keep proof of payment for your records.

What happens if you miss the due date

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, Hillsborough County Water Department will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or call 813-272-5900 to confirm the exact amount.

A late payment does not when ready shut off your water. However, if your account remains unpaid for 30 days past the due date, the department may issue a notice of intent to discontinue service. This gives you time to bring your account current before water service stops.

Setting up automatic payments

You can arrange for automatic payments directly from your bank account through the online portal or by calling the water department. Automatic payments withdraw the full bill amount on a date you choose, usually a few days before the due date. This method eliminates the risk of forgetting to pay.

To set up automatic payments online, log into your account at hillsborough.wateronline.com and look for the autopay or recurring payment option. You'll provide your bank account number and routing number. You can cancel automatic payments at any time by logging back in or calling the department.

Understanding your bill amount and payment due date

Your Hillsborough water bill shows the amount due and the date by which payment must arrive. The bill includes charges for water usage, wastewater treatment, and any applicable taxes or fees. Usage is measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF), where one HCF equals 748 gallons.

The due date is typically 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day. Your bill will show the exact due date in a prominent location near the amount owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my bill with a credit card online?

Yes, the online portal at hillsborough.wateronline.com accepts both debit and credit cards. There is no convenience fee for online payments, regardless of which card type you use.

What if I pay online but my payment doesn't show up right away?

Online payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern time on a business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, it will post the next business day. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after submitting payment online.

How long does it take for a mailed check to be processed?

Mailed payments typically take 5 to 10 business days to arrive and process. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date. Always include your account number on the check.

What should I do if my water service is shut off?

Contact Hillsborough County Water Department at 813-272-5900 when ready. You'll need to pay the outstanding balance plus any reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment.

Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay my full bill?

Call 813-272-5900 to discuss your situation with a representative. The department may be able to work out a payment arrangement, though this depends on your account history and the amount owed. Contact them before your account becomes severely past due.