Paying your monthly utility bill to the City of Modesto is easy and convenient with their improved online payment options. The city provides water, sewer garbage and storm drainage services to residents and businesses. As a customer, it’s important to pay your utility bill on time each month to avoid penalties or service interruptions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various ways you can pay your City of Modesto utility bill.
Overview of City of Modesto Utilities
The City of Modesto provides the following utility services
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Water service and billing for residential and commercial customers within Modesto city limits.
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Sewer service for collection and treatment of wastewater. Charges are based on your water consumption.
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Garbage collection and disposal services through contracted haulers, Rates vary based on container size
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Storm drainage service that maintains infrastructure to prevent flooding. Fee is a fixed rate per month.
Utility bills are issued monthly on approximately the 25th of each month. Payment is due upon receipt to avoid late fees. There are several payment options available for your convenience.
Paying Online Through the Customer Portal
The fastest and most convenient way to pay is through the City of Modesto’s online Bill Pay Customer Portal. Here’s how it works:
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Visit www.modestogov.com/244/Payments and click “Pay Water Bill Online” to access the portal.
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Register for a new account or log-in to an existing account.
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Add your 10-digit utility account number to link it to your profile.
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Select “Pay Now” to make a one-time payment, or set up recurring auto-pay.
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Enter credit/debit card or bank account information for payments.
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Confirmation emails are sent upon successful payment.
Online payments post instantly to avoid late fees. Convenience fees apply based on payment method.
Paying by Phone
You can pay your utility bill easily over the phone using the City of Modesto’s automated payment system:
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Call (209) 577-5402.
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Follow prompts to enter your 10-digit account number and PIN code.
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Choose to pay full or partial balance due.
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Provide credit/debit card information. Payments process immediately.
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Receive a confirmation number at the end.
Phone payments avoid late charges as long as they are made by due date. A $2.50 service fee applies to phone payments.
Paying by Mail
To pay your utility bill by mail, follow these steps:
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Reference your 10-digit account number on your check or money order.
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Make it payable to “City of Modesto”.
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Write your account number on the memo line.
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Mail to: City of Modesto, PO Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353.
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Allow 7-10 days for delivery to avoid late fees.
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Detach and include payment stub from bill statement.
Mailed payments take the longest to process but don’t incur service fees. Be sure to pay at least a week before the due date.
Paying in Person
You can pay your utility bill in-person at the City Hall Revenue Division office located at 1010 10th Street, Suite 2100, Modesto, CA. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
To pay in-person:
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Know your 10-digit account number
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Bring your bill statement
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Have payment ready (cash, check, money order, or card)
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Get a receipt as proof of payment
Paying in-person guarantees on-time delivery. This is a smart option if you’ve had late payments before.
Authorizing Recurring Bank Draft Payments
For hands-off convenience, enroll in auto-pay through your bank to have payments automatically deducted from your account. To set up:
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Contact your bank to have them draft the payment amount on your bill’s due date.
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Provide the City of Modesto payee info: PO Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353.
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Input your 10-digit account number.
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Pick the amount to pay (usually the total billed).
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The bank sends the payment to the City of Modesto on the date specified.
Auto-draft prevents forgotten payments, but requires sufficient funds on debit date. Most banks offer this service for free.
Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection
Always pay your City of Modesto utility bill by the due date to avoid:
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10% late penalty fee on unpaid balances
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Additional 1.5% late fee monthly
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Water service shutoff for non-payment (reconnect fee and deposit applies)
Stay current on payments to prevent expensive late fees or service interruptions. Update your contact info if you move or change phone numbers. Contact the city at (209) 342-2246 with any billing questions.
Payment Assistance Programs
If you are having trouble paying your utility bill, the City of Modesto offers programs to help qualified customers:
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Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – Helps pay water/sewer bills.
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Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) – Helps pay gas and electric bills.
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Salvation Army Water Fund – Provides emergency utility bill assistance.
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State Water Bill Relief Program – Offers payment assistance and arrearage forgiveness.
Check if you qualify for a payment assistance program to avoid falling behind on utility bills.
Utility Bill Payment Assistance Available in Hillsboro
How do I pay my utility bill in Modesto?
Pay your utility service bills online. Visit an authorized pay station near you. Assistance programs available for Utilities Customers in the City of Modesto. About 80,000 people in Modesto are billed every month by the city for water, sewer, storm drain, and garbage services. Review the water rates in Modesto.
What does the Modesto Utilities Department do?
Modesto Utilities is a leader in California when it comes to water services, wastewater reuse, and environmental protection. Managing limited water resources requires effort from both residents and City staff.
Are garbage services included with the city of Modesto utility bill?
For most residents, garbage services are included with the City of Modesto utility bill. Private companies provide these services. We’re here to help! If you’ve been financially impacted by COVID-19, you’re not alone.
What services does the city of Modesto provide?
About 80,000 people in Modesto are billed every month by the city for water, sewer, storm drain, and garbage services. The City’s water system includes some portions of Ceres, Del Rio, Empire, Grayson, Salida and Turlock.
Why does Modesto need a permit?
Modesto, California, needs building permits to make sure that construction is done correctly and in line with all building codes and life safety rules. Pay retiree insurance premium online. Pay your utility bill, business bills, parking garage fees, parking tickets and permits.
What happens if I don’t pay my Modesto utility bill?
Modesto Utility Bills are due and payable as soon as you receive them, and they become past due at the end of each billing cycle they are sent out for. The Modesto Finance Department office will not accept your payment after the due date if it has not been received by the due date. If this happens, you will be charged extra fees and your service may be disconnected.
