Fresno Utility Bill Pay Help
Need to pay a City of Fresno water or utility bill, use Guest Payment, call billing, start service, request a payment plan, apply for affordability credit, check a high bill, report a leak, or handle water pressure problems? Use this scan-first guide to choose the correct official Fresno route.
Fast Answer: Choose Your Fresno Water Billing Task
Use the official FirstChoice portal for login, registration, AutoPay, eBilling, Text to Pay and PDF statements.
Open portalUse Guest Payment with the account number exactly as it appears on your utility statement.
Guest payCall or visit in person. New plans have eligibility rules, and one plan is allowed every 12 months.
Payment planFor leaks, low pressure, sediment, or unusual taste/look, use 3-1-1, FresGO, or the water emergency contacts.
Water DivisionCity of Fresno Water Bill Payment Options
Fresno utility bills can include water, sewer, sanitation and solid waste charges. Choose the payment route based on fee, posting urgency and account status.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | User warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online FirstChoice portal | Online/mobile portal supports payments, E-Billing, Auto Pay, E-Check, Text to Pay, PDF statements and multiple accounts under one username. | Most routine City of Fresno utility payments. | Credit/debit card payments have a 2.3% service fee and $5,000 transaction limit. |
| Guest Payment | One-time payment without registering. Requires account number exactly as shown on your statement. | Fast payment when you have the bill in hand. | Wrong account number can send payment to the wrong utility account. |
| E-Check / ACH | Available online up to $10,000. E-Check transactions have a flat $0.89 service fee collected by First Billing. | Customers who want a lower fee than card payment. | Confirm bank details before submitting to avoid payment failure. |
| Phone payment | Credit card payments are accepted over the automated phone payment system at 559-621-6888. | Customers who prefer phone payment or need account help. | Save confirmation number, date, amount and payment method. |
| In person | Utilities Billing & Collection counter, first floor of Fresno City Hall, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday. | Cash, check, money order, card payment, returned check, urgent billing help. | Returned checks must be paid in full with cash or money order at Fresno City Hall. |
| Use the mailing address and payment stub on your current bill. | Non-urgent check or money order payments. | Not ideal near due date, shutoff risk or payment-plan deadline. |
FirstChoice Portal: What It Can Do
Register or log in
Register if you want saved account access, multiple accounts under one username, PDF statements, recurring payment tools and account history.
Pay as guest
Use Guest Payment for one-time payment when you only need to pay now and have the exact account number from the statement.
Pending payment
The City says once payment is authorized, it shows as a pending payment on the account. Keep confirmation until balance updates.
Fresno Utility Billing Phone, Office and Hours
Billing help
559-621-6888
Use for payment, account balance, invoices, payment plans and automated phone payment.
City Hall counter
Utilities Billing & Collection counter is on the first floor of Fresno City Hall.
In-person hours
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. for City Hall utility billing counter payments.
Portal support
FirstChoice lists portal/payment support at customerservice@firstbilling.com and 559-621-6888.
AutoPay, E-Billing, Text to Pay and PDF Statements
AutoPay
The FirstChoice portal allows recurring monthly payment using major credit/debit cards or bank account routing numbers.
E-Billing and PDFs
Portal tools include E-Billing and PDF statements, useful if mailed bills are delayed or you manage multiple properties.
Text to Pay
FirstChoice offers Text to Pay as part of online/mobile payment tools. Register before relying on it for due-date payments.
Fresno Payment Plan and Shutoff Risk
Official route: Fresno says customers should call or visit in person to create a Utilities Payment Plan. If water service has already been shut off for non-payment, full payment of the outstanding balance is required to restore service.
| Situation | Official rule | What to do now |
|---|---|---|
| New payment plan | You may qualify if you have no active payment plan and no prior payment plan within the last 12 months. | Call 559-621-6888 or visit City Hall to ask about eligibility. |
| One-plan rule | Only one payment plan is allowed every 12 months. | Do not miss dates after the plan is created. |
| Existing delinquent plan | Pay the delinquent amount to keep the current plan active. | Ask the exact delinquent amount before paying. |
| Rework current plan | Fresno lists one courtesy rework during the life of the plan, requiring 25% of total outstanding balance. | Use rework carefully; it is not unlimited. |
| Commercial / multi-residential | These accounts are not eligible for payment plans due to income-generating status. | Call billing directly if your property type is unclear. |
Fresno Utilities Affordability Credit
Water credit
Eligible account holders may receive up to a $5 monthly credit for water service.
Solid waste credit
Eligible residential solid waste customers may receive up to a $5 monthly credit for residential solid waste service.
Max annual value
The combined maximum is $10 per month or $120 in a 12-month period, depending on services received.
Confirm account holder status
The program is for eligible low-income utility account holders. The name on the bill matters.
Prepare financial proof
Review official eligibility and prepare required income or program documentation before applying.
Keep paying until posted
Continue paying your bill unless the City confirms a credit has posted to your account.
Start Utility Service in Fresno
Official timing: Fresno says online start-service requests are processed within 48 hours of receipt, except weekends and holidays. If you need service started sooner, call 559-621-6888.
Move-in address
Have the exact Fresno service address, move-in date, owner/tenant details and contact information ready.
Identity details
Be prepared for identity, property or tenant details before billing access is active.
Save account number
After setup, save your account number for Guest Payment, portal registration, EyeOnWater and customer support.
High Fresno Water Bill, Leaks and EyeOnWater
Use EyeOnWater
Fresno encourages customers to register for EyeOnWater. It can show usage and send leak alerts for water use consistent over 24 hours.
Open EyeOnWaterReport city-side leaks
Report leaks at fire hydrants, valves, roadways or city water service through 3-1-1, 559-621-CITY or FresGO.
Meter reading issue
For concerns about incorrect meter read data, contact the 311 Center from inside city limits or 559-621-CITY.
| Problem | Check first | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Bill suddenly high | EyeOnWater usage, toilet leaks, irrigation timer, hose bibs, pool filling, meter read and billing days. | Gather screenshots and call billing or 311 depending on issue type. |
| Water use on restricted day due to repair | Whether repair was immediate or could be planned. | For planned use, request short-term exemption at least 48 hours before non-compliant use. |
| Pipe broke and used water | Repair date, amount of water, photos and notes. | Notify Water Conservation after discovery so a note can be made on the account. |
| Pool drain/refill | Whether it is topping off or full draining/refilling. | Drain/refill restrictions apply; planned exemption may be needed before work. |
Water Conservation Notices, Exemptions and Fines
Notices by mail
Fresno says incident notices and fines are sent by postal mail; email incident notices are not currently available.
First incident
The first water conservation incident recorded in a calendar month is generally treated as a Courtesy Notice.
Second incident
Enforcement actions begin once a second incident is recorded in a single month under Fresno rules.
Emergency Water Service vs Normal Billing
| Situation | Use this contact | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Utility bill payment, balance, invoices, payment plan, account setup | 559-621-6888 | Give account number, service address, bill amount, due date and payment confirmation. |
| Low water pressure, water quality, water leak, repair shut-off | 559-621-5300 | Give address, issue type, when it started, and whether property is affected. |
| After-hours water emergency | 559-621-1100 | Use for urgent water issues after regular Water Division hours. |
| Water/sewer emergency listed on portal | 559-621-2489 | Use for 24-hour water/sewer emergency contact from the payment portal. |
| Report city issue, leak, water waste, service request | 3-1-1 inside city limits or 559-621-CITY (2489) | Give nearest address, cross street, photos if using FresGO, and callback information. |
Who To Call for Fresno Water Department Help
Billing questions
559-621-6888
Payments, invoice questions, account balance, payment plans, automated phone payment.
Water Division
559-621-5300
1910 E. University Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703-2988. Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Conservation
559-621-5480
Water Conservation Hotline, watering restrictions, exemptions and conservation issues.
After-hours
559-621-1100
After-hours water emergencies listed by Fresno Public Utilities.
Fresno Utility Billing Map and Visit Planning
Use Fresno City Hall for in-person utility billing counter payments. For Water Division field issues, water quality, pressure problems, leaks or repair shut-offs, use the Water Division contact first.
Billing counter
Fresno City Hall, first floor, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721.
Counter hours
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. for in-person utility bill payments.
Water Division
1910 E. University Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703-2988. Call 559-621-5300 before visiting.
Local Fresno Utility Tips That Save Time
Use account number exactly
Guest Payment and EyeOnWater both depend on the utility account number as printed on the bill. Do not type from memory.
Use eCheck for lower online fee
Card payments carry a 2.3% fee. E-Check has a flat $0.89 fee and higher transaction limit.
Watch irrigation in Fresno heat
Summer irrigation, broken sprinkler heads and pool filling can create large usage spikes. EyeOnWater leak alerts help catch problems earlier.
Don’t mail urgent payments
Mail is fine for non-urgent bills. For past-due or shutoff-risk accounts, pay through an official faster route and call Utility Billing.
Official Fresno Water and Utility Links
City of Fresno Water Department FAQs
Where do I pay my City of Fresno water bill online?
Use the official Fresno Utilities FirstChoice portal or start from the City of Fresno Utilities Billing and Collection page. Guest Payment is available for one-time payments using your account number.
What is the Fresno water bill phone number?
Call 559-621-6888 for automated phone payment, utility billing questions, account balance, invoice questions and payment plan help.
Can I pay without logging in?
Yes. Use the official Guest Payment page and enter the account number exactly as it appears on your utility statement.
What are Fresno online payment fees?
Credit and debit card payments have a 2.3% service fee and a $5,000 transaction limit. E-Check transactions have a flat $0.89 fee and a $10,000 transaction limit.
Where can I pay a Fresno utility bill in person?
Pay at the Utilities Billing & Collection counter on the first floor of Fresno City Hall between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
How do I start water or utility service in Fresno?
Use the City of Fresno Start Utility Service page. Online requests are processed within 48 hours of receipt, except weekends and holidays. Call 559-621-6888 if service needs to start sooner.
Does Fresno offer payment plans?
Yes. Call or visit in person to create a payment plan. New plans require no active plan and no prior plan within the last 12 months. If service was shut off for non-payment, full outstanding balance is required to restore service.
Does Fresno have a water bill affordability credit?
Yes. Eligible account holders may receive up to $5 per month for water service and up to $5 per month for residential solid waste service, for a combined maximum of $10 per month or $120 in 12 months.
Who do I call for a Fresno water leak or low pressure?
For water quality, pressure problems, water leaks and repair shut-offs, call the Water Division at 559-621-5300. You can also report issues through 3-1-1, 559-621-CITY or FresGO.
What is the after-hours Fresno water emergency number?
The Public Utilities contact page lists after-hours water emergencies at 559-621-1100. The FirstChoice portal also lists 24-hour water and sewer emergencies at 559-621-2489.
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.