Pay or Understand a Paris Utility Bill
Need to pay a City of Paris water bill, log in to the new OpenGov portal, open service, understand a sewer charge, report a leak, or check why the bill is high? This guide gives the official route first, then the practical details customers usually search for.
Start Here: Pick the Exact Paris Water Bill Task
Use the OpenGov City of Paris utility portal. Do not use saved old portal links.
Open payment portalFor balance, account, deposit, penalty, final bill or login help, call 903-784-9270.
Billing officeNew accounts must be opened in person at the Water Office with valid picture ID and deposit.
Open account FAQCall 903-784-9277 during business hours. Nights/weekends/holidays: 903-784-9289.
Leak contactsHow to Pay a City of Paris Texas Water Bill Online
The City links customers to the OpenGov utility payment portal. Use the official City page or direct OpenGov page, not a generic third-party bill-pay result.
Open the official portal
Start from City of Paris Online Payments, the Water Utility Billing page, or direct OpenGov utility login.
Use the newest bill
The City says the new online portal is available and old portal bookmarks should be updated. Use your current bill, not an old screenshot.
Enter account details correctly
Your account number is split into route number, service address ID and resident number. Your customer number works as the Password/PIN for login.
Watch the 4:30 p.m. Central warning
The OpenGov login page says payments made after 4:30 p.m. Central time may be subject to a penalty charge. Pay earlier if the bill is close to deadline.
Save the proof bundle
Save confirmation number, date, amount, account number, payment method, email receipt and screenshot until the balance updates.
OpenGov Portal Login: Account Number and Customer Number
Account number split
- First 3 digits = Route Number.
- Second 7 digits = Service Address ID.
- Last 3 digits = Resident Number.
- Use the account number from your current bill.
Password / PIN
- Your Customer Number is the Password/PIN.
- The portal says the customer number is located below the account number on the bill.
- After account access, the portal says you can change the password.
- Use portal navigation buttons instead of browser back button when possible.
Paris TX Water Bill Payment Options Compared
| Payment option | Official detail | Best for | Do not miss this |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online OpenGov portal | City-linked online utility account login and payment. | Fast payment, account access and online balance review. | Use account number and customer number from the current bill. |
| In-person lobby | City says customers may pay in person in the lobby. | Customers who need staff help, account lookup or deposit questions. | Visit the Water Office at 120 E. Kaufman Street. |
| Drive-through window | City says in-person payment may also be made through the drive-through window. | Local customers paying during business hours without going inside. | Bring the bill or account number to avoid lookup delays. |
| After-hours drop box | City says an after-hours payment drop box is on the east side of the Water Office building. | Check or money-order drop-off after hours. | Not ideal for urgent penalty/disconnection timing without calling. |
| Utility Billing mailing address is P.O. Box 9037, Paris, TX 75461. | Non-urgent mailed payments. | Mail early and include account details. |
City of Paris Water Billing Phone, Office and Mailing Address
Utility Billing phone
903-784-9270
Use for balance, deposit, account, penalty, payment and billing questions.
Water Office
120 East Kaufman Street
Paris, TX 75460
Use for in-person payments and new account setup.
Mailing address
P.O. Box 9037
Paris, TX 75461
Include account details with mailed payments.
Fax
903-737-6951
Call first if you plan to fax account-related paperwork.
Open a New Paris TX Water, Sewer and Trash Account
Go in person
The City FAQ says new accounts must be opened by coming to the Water Office at 120 E. Kaufman. Accounts cannot be opened over the phone.
Bring valid picture ID
The ID must be your own unexpired picture identification, such as a driver’s license.
Residential deposit
The City FAQ lists a residential deposit of $125, payable before service can be started.
| New service detail | What the City says | Practical user tip |
|---|---|---|
| Startup timing | Service startup is scheduled for the day following your request. | Do not wait until move-in day if you need water active immediately. |
| Two-hour window | You receive a two-hour time frame for the service representative to turn on service. | Make sure someone can access the property if needed. |
| Owner not home option | Property owners may sign a statement saying the City is not liable for water damage when water is turned on. | Before activation, make sure faucets, hose bibs and fixtures are off. |
| New account fee | The City FAQ says a $25 new account fee is charged on the first bill. | Budget deposit plus first-bill charges. |
| Old charge-off | Prior charge-offs can prevent a new account until paid. | Resolve old balances before moving or trying to open service. |
Paris Water Bill Due Date, Penalty and Timing
Due date
The City says your bill is due 14 days from the billing date.
Penalty timing
After 21 days, the account is subject to a $5 penalty.
Online cutoff warning
The OpenGov portal says payments made after 4:30 p.m. Central may be subject to penalty.
What Is Included in a City of Paris Water Bill?
Water
Treated water production, delivery, city-owned pipes/facilities, labor, maintenance, administration and water-system debt.
Sewer
Delivery of sewage to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, treatment, city sewer lines, lift stations, maintenance, administration and WWTP project debt.
Residential refuse
Residential solid waste/trash service is included on City water utility bills. The City lists a flat residential refuse fee of $18.08 per month.
Sales tax
The City explains that Texas sales tax at 8.25% applies to the refuse portion only.
Water and Sewer Calculation for a Common 3/4-Inch Home Meter
The City’s bill-explanation page uses a 3/4-inch meter example because it is common for houses. Larger or different meter sizes can be calculated differently.
| Charge | City example / rate detail | What it means for the customer |
|---|---|---|
| Water base charge | $14.82 for a 3/4-inch meter, including up to 200 cubic feet of water. | You pay this even before higher usage charges begin. |
| Water usage above 200 cu.ft. | $5.46 per 100 cubic feet over the included base consumption. | Usage over 200 cu.ft. adds to the water portion of the bill. |
| Sewer base charge | $29.39 for the first 200 cubic feet of sewage sent for treatment. | Sewer can be a major part of the monthly total. |
| Sewer usage above 200 cu.ft. | $14.52 per 100 cubic feet over the included base amount. | Sewer charges are calculated from water consumption / winter average logic, not a separate sewer meter. |
| Residential refuse | $18.08 flat monthly residential refuse fee. | This is trash service, not water usage. |
| Sales tax | 8.25% on the refuse portion only. | Tax should not be applied to the water/sewer portions in the City explanation. |
Why the Sewer Portion Can Jump: Winter Average Explained
Short answer: Paris does not meter sewage leaving each home. The City uses winter water use to calculate sewer volume because outdoor irrigation is less likely during cold months. The City explanation says November, January and February are used, while December is excluded because holiday activity can affect water use.
Winter average months
November, January and February usage can set the sewer volume used for the next cycle.
When it updates
The City says sewer volumes are typically updated to the most recent winter month average on the April water bill.
Why it helps in summer
Winter averaging can allow summer lawn watering without paying sewer treatment charges for water used outdoors.
High Paris TX Water Bill: Fast Check Before You Call
Indoor leak check
Check running toilets, flappers, faucets, water softeners, water heaters, under-sink leaks and damp flooring.
Outdoor use check
Review hose bibs, lawn watering, garden irrigation, pool filling, broken outdoor faucets and meter-area wet spots.
Sewer average check
If the sewer portion jumped, review winter average months and whether February, January or November usage was unusual.
| What changed | Possible cause | What to prepare before calling |
|---|---|---|
| Water usage jumped | Leak, irrigation, pool fill, more people at home, meter read change or fixture problem. | Current bill, previous bills, usage dates, repair photos and plumber invoice if available. |
| Sewer jumped but current water looks normal | Winter average updated from November/January/February usage. | Ask about the winter-average calculation and whether a month was unusually high. |
| Total bill rose but water use did not | Sewer, refuse, tax, penalty, previous balance or project-related sewer rate component. | Separate the bill into water, sewer, trash, tax and penalty before calling. |
| Payment made but not showing | Old portal, after-4:30 timing, wrong account details, mail/drop-box processing or portal delay. | Save confirmation, payment date, amount and account information. |
Report a Water Leak, Sewer Issue or Running Hydrant in Paris TX
Water / Sewer Distribution
903-784-9277
Use Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. for City water/sewer operations and leak reports.
Nights, weekends, holidays
903-784-9289
Use for leak reports outside normal business hours.
Open hydrant question
The City says an open hydrant can be intentional for maintenance or testing, but residents can contact Public Works at 903-784-9289 with questions.
Local Paris TX Utility Tips That Save Time
City of Paris vs Lamar County Water Supply
If your bill or service address is outside City billing, you may need Lamar County Water Supply District instead. Verify the provider before paying through the City portal.
Residential trash is part of the utility bill
Paris water bills include residential solid waste for City residential customers. Commercial trash service is handled differently through the third-party provider.
Do not ignore December exclusion
When reviewing sewer average, remember the City explanation excludes December because holiday activity can change normal usage.
Developers, not monthly utility customers, usually pay new line extensions
The City explains that water/sewer rates do not generally cover extending new lines into developments unless City Council makes an exception or grant funding is involved.
Paris TX Water Office Map and Visit Planning
Use this map for Utility Billing at 120 E. Kaufman Street. Bring a valid picture ID for new service, current bill for account questions, and payment proof for posting problems.
Billing office
120 East Kaufman Street, Paris, TX 75460.
Mailing address
P.O. Box 9037, Paris, TX 75461.
Visit checklist
Latest bill, account number, customer number, photo ID, deposit, payment proof, and service address.
Official Paris Texas Water Bill Links
Paris Texas Water Bill FAQs
Where do I pay my City of Paris Texas water bill online?
Use the official City of Paris OpenGov payment portal at paristx.pay.opengov.com, or start from the City Online Payments or Water Utility Billing page.
What is the City of Paris water billing phone number?
Call Utility Billing at 903-784-9270 for water bill, balance, deposit, payment, penalty and account questions.
Where is the Paris TX Water Office?
The Utility Billing office is listed at 120 East Kaufman Street, Paris, TX 75460. The mailing address is P.O. Box 9037, Paris, TX 75461.
How do I log in to the Paris OpenGov water account portal?
Use the account number parts from your bill: route number, service address ID and resident number. The customer number from your bill is used as the Password/PIN.
When is a City of Paris water bill due?
The City says the bill is due 14 days from the billing date. After 21 days, the account is subject to a $5 penalty.
Can I open a Paris water account over the phone?
No. The City FAQ says accounts can only be opened by coming to the Water Office because the City needs picture ID and a signed deposit agreement.
What is the residential deposit for a new Paris water account?
The City FAQ lists the residential deposit as $125, payable before service can be started. A $25 new account fee is charged on the first bill.
What is included in a City of Paris water utility bill?
City of Paris water utility bills include water, sewer, residential solid waste or trash, and applicable sales tax on the refuse portion.
Why did my sewer portion increase?
The sewer portion can change when the winter average is updated. Paris uses winter water usage from November, January and February to estimate sewer volume because sewage is not separately metered leaving the home.
Who do I call to report a water leak in Paris TX?
During Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., call Water/Sewer Distribution at 903-784-9277. For overnights, weekends or holidays, call 903-784-9289.
Is WaterBillsPay.org the official City of Paris website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Always use the official City of Paris, OpenGov and ParisTexas.gov links for live payment, account status, rates, due dates and service actions.
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.