Lawrence Utility Bill & Water Help
Need to pay a Lawrence water bill, start service, stop service, restore service, understand 2026 rates, or report a water/sewer emergency? The City uses Utility Billing, so your “water bill” may include water, sewer, stormwater, trash, recycling or sanitation charges.
Use the official payment portal for bills, Utility Billing for account questions, and Municipal Services & Operations for water, sewer and stormwater emergencies.
What Do You Need to Do?
Use the official Utility Billing portal for Water/Trash Bill payments.
Open portalCall 785-832-7878, option 1. Use customer number first, then account number after the dash.
Payment detailsUse the service form at least three business days before the requested weekday date.
Service formFor water emergency, sewer backup or illicit stormwater discharge, call MSO at 785-832-7800.
MSO contactsQuick Answer for Lawrence KS Water Department Searches
Pay online: Use utilitybilling.lawrenceks.gov for City of Lawrence utility bills. The City accepts cards, eChecks and several digital-wallet options online, and its Payment Options page says there are no fees for payment methods.
Billing help: Call 785-832-7878 or email utilitybilling@lawrenceks.gov. Office hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, excluding holidays.
Emergencies: Call 785-832-7800 for water emergencies, sewer backup/emergency or stormwater illicit discharge. This is different from billing help.
Utility bill
Your “water bill” may include water, sewer, stormwater, trash and recycling charges.
Payment options
The City lists no fees for online, phone, mail, Auto Pay, drop box and in-person methods.
3 business days
Start, stop or transfer requests must be at least three business days out and on a weekday.
20 days
Water service is subject to disconnection 20 days after the bill is due.
How to Pay a City of Lawrence Utility Bill Online
Start from the official City page
Open the City of Lawrence Utility Billing page or go directly to the official customer portal. Avoid random “Lawrence water bill” payment pages.
Choose one-time pay or register
Use one-time pay if you only need to pay now. Register if you want account information, Auto Pay, payment history and online account tools.
Prepare the customer/account number
The phone system asks for the customer and account number from the top right of your bill. Enter the customer number first, then the account number after the dash.
Pick the payment method
The City lists Visa, Discover, MasterCard, American Express, eChecks, PayPal, PayPal Credit, Venmo and Amazon Pay through the customer portal.
Save proof and call if urgent
If the account is delinquent or needs restore service, call 785-832-7878 during 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday after paying to confirm continuation or restoration.
Lawrence Utility Bill Payment Options and Processing Rules
| Method | Official detail | Best for | Important tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal | Pay through utilitybilling.lawrenceks.gov. One-time payment or registered account available. | Fast payment, Auto Pay setup, account tools. | The City lists no payment-method fees. |
| Phone payment | Call 785-832-7878, option 1, for Visa, Discover, MasterCard, American Express or eCheck. | Customers who want automated phone payment. | Have customer number, account number and billing ZIP ready. |
| Auto Pay | Set up through the online customer portal. Options include card or bank draft. | Automatic monthly payment. | Required if you want Levelized Billing. |
| Mail to P.O. Box 1757, Lawrence, KS 66044-8757 if you do not have the coupon. | Non-urgent check payments. | Mail can take up to three business days to process; paid date is processing date, not mailing date. | |
| Drop box | East of City Hall between Riverfront Plaza and City Hall. | After-hours check or money order payment. | Allow two full business days. Do not leave cash in the drop box. |
| In person | Utility Billing Service Counter, City Hall ground floor, 6 East 6th Street. | Cash, check, money order, credit card and account help. | Hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, excluding holidays. |
City of Lawrence Utility Billing Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Utility Billing
785-832-7878
Billing questions, account information, payment help and restore-service questions.
utilitybilling@lawrenceks.gov
Use for non-urgent billing questions and Levelized Billing requests.
City Hall
6 East 6th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044. Utility Billing is on the ground floor.
MSO emergency
785-832-7800
Water emergency, sewer backup/emergency or stormwater illicit discharge.
| Need | Use this contact | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Billing question / account information | 785-832-7878 | Utility Billing handles the account, bill, payment and restore-service side. |
| Phone payment | 785-832-7878, option 1 | Automated card/eCheck payment route. |
| Water emergency | 785-832-7800 | MSO handles non-billing water problems and emergencies. |
| Sewer backup / sanitary sewer emergency | 785-832-7800 | Use for sewer service emergencies, not payment questions. |
| Trash, recycling or yard waste issue | 785-832-3032 | Solid Waste Customer Service handles collection questions. |
| Engineering questions | 785-832-3194 | Use for engineering/development questions and utility infrastructure matters. |
Start, Stop, Transfer or Restore Lawrence Utility Service
Start service
Use the official Service Request form and choose Start. Requested turn-on date must be a weekday and at least three business days after today.
Transfer service
Use Transfer when moving from one Lawrence address to another. Have both old and new addresses ready.
Stop service
Use Stop and provide a forwarding address. If you do not have a forwarding address, the City says to call 785-832-7878.
| Service item | Official detail | Practical user tip |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Requested turn-on and turn-off dates must be at least three business days after today. Weekdays only. | Do not wait until move-in day to submit the form. |
| Close move-in date | If desired turn-on date is within 15 days of previous tenant’s turn-off date, the City may automatically match service initiation. | Useful for rental turnovers; still submit early. |
| Renter deposit | If renting, a $40 deposit applies. It can be paid in one payment or two equal payments. | Deposit is refunded with interest after 18 months of on-time payment or applied at termination. |
| Identification | Online form requires last 4 SSN and driver’s license/state ID number. Without these, contact the City by phone or visit City Hall. | A valid passport may be accepted in person/phone process if online ID fields do not fit. |
| Restore service | Pay first, then return to the restore-service form. If urgent, call 785-832-7878 during business hours. | Do not assume payment alone schedules reconnection. |
Late Bill, Disconnection and Restore-Service Rules
Late charge
The City lists a two-percent late charge applied to the account if payment is late.
Disconnection timing
Water service is subject to disconnection 20 days after the bill is due.
Restore service
Restoring service includes paying all past due bills, reconnection fees and unpaid deposits.
| Late-bill issue | Official rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Late payment | Two-percent late charge. | Pay through portal or call if the account is already delinquent. |
| Returned check | Late penalties plus an additional $25 fee. | Use a verified payment method when service status is urgent. |
| Collection-related trip | $25 trip charge may be applied if a collection-related trip is made. | Resolve the account before field collection action. |
| Repeated non-payment disconnection | Owners may be required to pay a deposit equal to average of two monthly bills after two or more disconnections in 12 months. | Ask about Auto Pay or Levelized Billing if eligible. |
2026 Lawrence Utility Rates: Water, Sewer, Trash and Stormwater
These are the official rate details most users need before calling about a high bill. Rates shown are effective January 1, 2026.
| Charge area | 2026 inside-city example | What it means for your bill |
|---|---|---|
| Residential water volume | Block 1: $11.18 / 1,000 gal; Block 2: $12.30 / 1,000 gal; Block 3: $12.86 / 1,000 gal. | Higher warm-weather usage can move part of your usage into higher blocks. |
| Water service charge | 5/8 and 3/4 inch meter: $5.75 inside city. | Fixed monthly charge based on meter size. |
| State water fee | $0.032 per 1,000 gallons. | Kansas State Water Protection Act fee. |
| Sewer volume | $13.35 per 1,000 gallons inside city. | Sewer charges can change with water usage and winter averaging rules. |
| Sewer monthly charge | $19.10 inside city. | Fixed monthly sewer charge for all meter sizes / multifamily per unit. |
| Sanitation | 35 gal cart $22.09; 65 gal cart $24.01; 95 gal cart $26.55. | Cart size affects monthly sanitation charge. |
| Stormwater | $10.71 per ERU; single-family tiers shown by impervious area. | Based on impervious surface, not water usage. |
High Lawrence Water Bill? Check Winter Quarter Average First
Why summer bills can jump: Lawrence uses an Individual Inclining Block system for residential water. Your blocks are based on Winter Quarter Average, calculated from actual usage in December, January and February billing periods. Usage up to 125% of WQA is Block 1, more than 125% through 200% is Block 2, and above 200% is Block 3.
Local reality: Irrigation, lawn watering, filling pools, leaking toilets, hose bibs and outdoor summer use can push usage into higher blocks. Compare gallons, not just dollars.
View hourly usage
The City links to hourly water usage through the customer portal. Use it before calling about a high bill.
Check irrigation
If warm-weather use is high, lawn irrigation may be moving usage into Block 2 or Block 3.
Check hidden leaks
Running toilets, softeners, hose bibs and unnoticed basement leaks can raise both water and sewer-related charges.
Water Emergency, Sewer Backup or Stormwater Problem
| Problem | Call | Give this information |
|---|---|---|
| Water emergency / main break / no water | 785-832-7800 | Address, cross street, visible water flow, low/no pressure, traffic or property impact. |
| Sewer backup or sanitary sewer emergency | 785-832-7800 | Inside backup vs outside issue, manhole issue, odor, address and callback number. |
| Stormwater illicit discharge | 785-832-7800 | Location, water color/odor, source if known, whether it is flowing into a storm drain. |
| Trash, recycling or yard waste | 785-832-3032 | Collection address, missed pickup, cart issue or service problem. |
| Billing-only issue | 785-832-7878 | Account number, bill date, amount, due date and payment method. |
Levelized Billing and Low-Income Elderly Rate Help
Levelized Billing
Levelized Billing uses a rolling 12-month average so payments change only slightly month to month. It is especially helpful for customers who irrigate in summer.
- Must have service at current location for at least 12 months.
- Must be current with no past due balance.
- Must sign up for Auto Pay.
- No charge to join.
Low-Income Elderly Rate
The City provides a reduced utility rate program for qualified elderly residents. Use the official application page for eligibility and current submission rules.
Practical Lawrence Utility Billing Tips Most Posts Miss
Paying online is not only for water
The portal payment is for the City utility bill, often including water, sewer, stormwater and trash. Do not search for a separate private “water department portal.”
Use no-fee digital options before mailing
The City lists no fees and accepts multiple online options. Mail can take up to three business days to process and is risky close to due dates.
Winter usage matters all year
December, January and February usage helps set your WQA. Leaks or unusual winter usage can affect later block calculations.
Do not move carts between addresses
The service form reminds residents to leave trash and recycling carts at the previous address when moving.
Use drop box only for non-urgent payments
Drop-box payments may need two full business days. Never leave cash in the drop box.
Call after restore payment
For restoration or delinquent accounts, payment and restore scheduling are separate steps. Call Utility Billing during business hours.
Lawrence Utility Billing Map and Visit Planning
Use the map for City Hall at 6 East 6th Street. Utility Billing is on the ground floor. Verify holiday or weather closures before visiting.
City Hall
6 East 6th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Utility Billing counter
Ground floor. Hours listed as 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, excluding holidays.
Drop box
East of City Hall between Riverfront Plaza and City Hall. Allow two full business days.
Official City of Lawrence Utility Links
Lawrence KS Water Department Bill Pay FAQs
How do I pay my Lawrence KS water bill online?
Use the official City of Lawrence Utility Billing portal at utilitybilling.lawrenceks.gov. The City utility bill can include water, sewer, stormwater, trash and recycling charges.
What is the City of Lawrence Utility Billing phone number?
Call 785-832-7878 for billing questions, account information, phone payment and restore-service questions. For automated phone payment, choose option 1.
Does Lawrence charge a fee to pay utility bills online?
The City’s Payment Options page says there are no fees incurred for payment methods. Online options include cards, eChecks, PayPal, PayPal Credit, Venmo and Amazon Pay.
Where is the Lawrence Utility Billing office?
Utility Billing is located on the ground floor of City Hall, 6 East 6th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. Hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, excluding holidays.
Where do I mail a Lawrence utility bill payment?
If you do not have your payment coupon, mail payments to P.O. Box 1757, Lawrence, KS 66044-8757. Mailed payments can take up to three business days to process.
How do I start, stop or transfer Lawrence utility service?
Use the official Service Request form. The requested turn-on or turn-off date must be at least three business days after today and must be a weekday.
Is there a deposit for renters?
Yes. The service request form says renters have a $40 deposit. It is refunded with interest after 18 months of on-time payment or applied to the account at service termination.
What happens if my Lawrence utility bill is late?
The City lists a two-percent late charge. Water service is subject to disconnection 20 days after the bill is due, and restoration requires payment of past due bills, reconnection fees and unpaid deposits.
Who do I call for a water main break or sewer backup in Lawrence?
Call 785-832-7800 for water emergencies, sewer backup/emergency or stormwater illicit discharge. Use 785-832-7878 only for billing and account questions.
Why did my Lawrence water bill get high in summer?
Residential water rates use Winter Quarter Average and three usage blocks. Irrigation, lawn watering, pool filling or hidden leaks can push usage above 125% or 200% of WQA into higher blocks.
Can I estimate my Lawrence utility bill?
Yes. The City provides a residential utility bill estimator and links to hourly water usage in the customer portal.
Is WaterBillsPay.org the official City of Lawrence website?
No. This is an independent guide. Use the official City of Lawrence links for live payment, account status, rates, service requests and emergency reporting.
Pay Your Water Bill Safely, Fix High Bills, Avoid Shutoff, Start Service and Find Official Utility Links
Use this free USA water bill assistant before paying online, calling utility billing, setting up AutoPay, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, starting or stopping service, handling a past due account, or searching for the official city utility portal.
What water bill problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest route, what to prepare, and which official page or office to check first.
Open the official city, county, water authority or utility website first. Do not enter account details into a random sponsored payment page.
If the bill is unusually high, compare usage, billing days, meter read type, toilet leaks, irrigation, late fees and leak adjustment rules before paying blindly.
Safe Water Bill Payment Route
Choose how you want to pay. This helps users avoid wrong portals, posting delays and urgent shutoff mistakes.
AutoPay / Bank Draft Setup Helper
Use this before enrolling in recurring payments so the first draft, current balance and payment date do not surprise you.
High Water Bill Review
Compare your normal bill and usage with the current bill. This gives a practical path before requesting a high bill review.
Leak Adjustment Proof Checklist
Use this before asking for a leak adjustment, high bill review, sewer adjustment or payment plan.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Reconnect Helper
Use this if your bill is late, you received a shutoff notice, service is off, or you need a payment plan.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service
Use this before moving, closing an account, starting service, transferring service or requesting a final bill.
Water Bill Cost Estimate
Estimate a simple monthly bill from base charge, water usage, sewer, stormwater, trash, service fees and late charges. Official tiered rates may be different.
Bill Dispute and Meter Reading Checklist
Use this before calling billing support about a meter reading, duplicate payment, wrong address, missing payment, estimated bill, or incorrect charge.
Official Water Bill Portal and Phone Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for official water bill pay, phone payment, guest pay, AutoPay, start service, leak adjustment, reconnect, assistance and this site’s guide.
Official portal safety
- Use official city, county, authority or utility websites first.
- Check service address before paying.
- Save confirmation number and screenshot.
- Call the utility for shutoff or reconnect situations.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first payment section or before FAQs. It turns every water bill article into a practical help page, not only a list of links.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, fees, shutoff rules, assistance programs, account balance and reconnection steps with the official utility.