What HRSD Payment Is
HRSD payment is the way Hampton Roads Sanitation District collects money for wastewater and stormwater services in southeastern Virginia. If you live in the HRSD service area — which includes Hampton, Newport News, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and parts of surrounding counties — your water bill includes an HRSD charge. The payment goes directly to the district, not to a separate company, and covers the cost of treating wastewater and managing stormwater runoff in your area.
HRSD bills are typically combined with your water bill from your local utility. You receive one invoice that shows both the water charges and the HRSD service charge. The amount you owe depends on how much water you use and the stormwater fee for your property type — residential, commercial, or industrial.
Key Takeaways
- HRSD charges appear on your water bill from your local utility and cover wastewater treatment and stormwater management in southeastern Virginia.
- You can pay online through your utility's website, by mail, by phone, or in person at a payment location — the method depends on which utility bills you.
- HRSD payment is required by law if you use water service in the district's area, and late payments can result in service disconnection.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact your local utility about payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
- Your HRSD charge funds wastewater treatment plants and stormwater systems that serve your community, not a separate private company.
How to Pay Your HRSD Bill
The way you pay depends on which utility company bills you, because HRSD does not bill directly to customers. Most people in the HRSD service area receive their bill from one of these utilities: City of Hampton Public Utilities, Newport News Waterworks, Virginia Beach Utilities, or Williamsburg Water. Each utility has its own payment methods and due dates.
Check your water bill to see which utility you pay. That utility's website will show you the payment options available — usually online payment, automatic bank draft, mail-in check, phone payment, or in-person payment at a local office. Some utilities also accept payment at third-party locations like grocery stores or check-cashing services. Set up automatic payment if you want to avoid late fees, since the due date is typically 15 to 20 days after the bill is issued.
If you move or change utilities within the HRSD service area, contact your new utility to set up an account. Your HRSD service charge will transfer automatically to your new bill — you do not need to contact HRSD directly.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay
Late HRSD payments follow the same rules as late water payments. If your bill is not paid by the due date, the utility adds a late fee, usually between 1 and 2 percent of the unpaid balance. After 30 to 60 days of non-payment, depending on your utility, the account may be flagged for disconnection.
A disconnection notice will be sent to your address before service is shut off, giving you time to pay or make other arrangements. Once water service is disconnected, reconnection requires paying the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee, which can range from $50 to $150 or more. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact your utility when ready — do not wait.
Payment Plans and Hardship Options
If you cannot pay your full HRSD bill on time, most utilities in the HRSD service area offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months. Contact your utility's customer service department and ask about a payment arrangement. You will usually need to pay a portion of the bill when ready and agree to a schedule for the rest.
Some utilities also have hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty. These programs may offer reduced rates, extended payment terms, or one-time bill information. may be able to access varies by utility and by your income level. Call your utility's main customer service line and ask what programs are available — they can tell you whether you meet the income requirements and how to start.
If you are a senior, disabled, or low-income household, ask specifically about low-income rate programs. Some utilities offer reduced HRSD charges for may have access to households, though the discount amount differs by utility.
Understanding Your HRSD Charges
Your HRSD bill has two main parts: a wastewater charge based on how much water you use, and a stormwater fee based on your property type. The wastewater charge is straightforward — the more water you use, the higher the charge. The stormwater fee is fixed for residential properties and does not change based on usage.
Stormwater fees exist because HRSD manages the systems that collect and treat rainwater runoff from streets, roofs, and parking lots. This runoff carries pollutants into waterways, so HRSD treats it before it enters rivers and the ocean. The fee is the same whether it rains a lot or a little in any given month.
Your bill will show both charges separately so you can see what portion goes to wastewater treatment and what portion goes to stormwater management. If you think your charges are incorrect, contact your utility with your account number and a copy of your bill.
Checking Your Account and Billing History
Most utilities in the HRSD service area let you view your account online through a customer portal. You can log in with your account number and see your current balance, past bills, payment history, and usage trends. This is useful if you want to check whether a payment went through or if you need to dispute a charge.
If you do not have online access, call your utility's customer service line and ask for a billing statement. They can tell you your current balance, when your next payment is due, and whether any late fees have been added. Keep copies of your bills and payment receipts in case you need to prove you paid on time.
If you notice a sudden spike in your charges, it could mean a water leak in your home. Contact your utility to report it — they may be able to help you identify the problem or adjust your bill if the leak was significant.
HRSD Service Area and Which Utility Bills You
HRSD serves parts of seven localities in southeastern Virginia: Hampton, Newport News, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, James City County, York County, and Poquoson. Not all parts of these localities are in the HRSD service area — some areas use septic systems or other wastewater systems instead.
To find out which utility bills you, look at your water bill or call HRSD's main information line at 757-683-3000. They can tell you which utility serves your address and provide that utility's contact information. Each utility has its own customer service number, website, and payment methods, so it matters which one you contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay HRSD directly instead of through my water utility?
No. HRSD does not bill customers directly. Your HRSD charge is included on your water bill from your local utility, and you pay both together. Contact your utility for payment options.
What if I move out of the HRSD service area?
Your HRSD charges will stop once you disconnect water service at your old address. When you move to a new address outside the HRSD service area, you will not see HRSD charges on your new water bill. Contact your new utility to confirm your service area.
Why did my HRSD charge go up?
HRSD rates increase periodically to cover the cost of wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and infrastructure repairs. Rate increases are approved by HRSD's board and announced in advance. Check your utility's website or call customer service to see when the last rate change took effect.
Can I get a discount on my HRSD bill?
Some utilities offer reduced rates for low-income households, seniors, or disabled customers. Contact your utility's customer service department and ask about low-income programs or hardship information. You may need to provide proof of income or disability status.
What if I think my bill is wrong?
Contact your utility with your account number and a copy of your bill. They can review your usage and charges and investigate if something looks incorrect. If there was a billing error, they can issue a credit or adjustment to your account.