Tempe Utility Bill Pay & Water Help
Need to pay a City of Tempe water bill, start or stop service, set up SurePay, check a high bill, use WaterSmart, report a leak, or avoid service interruption? This refreshed guide gives the official payment routes, customer-service contacts, office and mail details, deposit rules, delinquency fees, current rates, sewer calculation, WaterSmart alerts, AMI meter details and assistance resources in one scan-first page.
Do This First If You Just Want To Pay
Use the official City-linked Paymentus online payment page. Tempe says there is no charge for credit card payments.
Open payment pageCall Customer Services at 480-350-8361. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit/debit cards are accepted.
Call 480-350-8361Call 480-350-8361 before interruption. Tempe says representatives can help with flexible payment-plan options.
Payment helpCall 480-350-2837 for water leaks or main breaks. Use the leak checklist before high-bill review.
Call leak lineHow To Pay a City of Tempe Water Bill Online
Start from the official City page
Use Tempe’s Payment Options & Drop Box Locations page or the direct City-linked online payment page. This prevents wrong-site or old-bookmark payment issues.
Register or pay through the current system
Tempe says the online system lets customers create an account using the Municipal Utility Bill Account number and Mailing ZIP Code. Register if you want bill access, payment tracking and account tools.
Confirm payment details before submitting
Check the account number, service address, amount, due date, current balance, past-due balance and payment method. If the account is near suspension, call Customer Services after payment.
Use the correct bill lines
Tempe bills municipal utility services for water, sewer/wastewater and solid waste monthly. A high balance is not always caused by water usage alone.
Save proof
Save the confirmation number, payment date, amount, account number, payment method and screenshot until the City account and bank/card record both match.
Tempe Utility Bill Payment Options
| Payment route | Official detail | Best for | Important caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online payment | Tempe says customers can pay online anytime, and there is no charge for credit card payments. | Fast 24/7 payment with digital proof. | Use the City-linked Paymentus page, not a third-party search result. |
| Phone payment | Call 480-350-8361. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit/debit cards are accepted. | Customers who prefer phone payment or need account help. | Use this number for both payment and account questions. |
| SurePay automatic withdrawal | Complete the SurePay application and mail it with a voided check to City of Tempe Customer Services Division, P.O. Box 5002, Tempe, AZ 85280-5002. | Monthly automatic checking-account payment. | Keep paying manually until SurePay is confirmed active. |
| Mail payment | Include the bottom portion of the bill and mail payment to City of Tempe – Customer Services, P.O. Box 52166, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2166. | Non-urgent check/money-order payment. | Mail early. Do not rely on mail for urgent past-due accounts. |
| Drop box | Drop boxes are listed at Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Avenue, and 5440 S. McClintock Dr. | After-hours local payment drop-off. | Not ideal for same-day service-suspension prevention unless the City confirms posting. |
| Customer-service office | Customer Services is at 20 E. Sixth St., First Floor, northeast corner of Mill Avenue and Sixth Street, just west of City Hall. | Service changes, deposits, account questions, payment plans and documentation. | Hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., except city holidays. |
| Payment plan | Tempe says to call 480-350-8361 immediately if you need help keeping the account current. | Past-due customers before service interruption. | Call before the account reaches service suspension timing. |
Tempe Utility Billing Phone, Email, Office and Hours
Customer Services
480-350-8361
Use for billing questions, payment, start/stop service, deposits, arrangements and account help.
customerservices@tempe.gov
Use for utility account questions, lease documents and service paperwork follow-up.
Water leaks / main breaks
480-350-2837
Use for water leaks, main breaks and field-service water problems.
Relay / TTY
480-350-8400 or 711
Relay service users can contact Tempe through TTY or 7-1-1.
Customer Services office
20 E. Sixth St., First Floor
Northeast corner of Mill Avenue and Sixth Street, just west of City Hall.
Office hours
7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Monday–Friday, except city holidays.
City Hall
31 E. 5th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281. General City phone: 480-350-4311.
Start, Transfer or Stop Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Service
Official timing: Tempe says to start or transfer water, sewer and solid waste service, call Customer Services at 480-350-8361, Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. A minimum of 24 hours advanced notice is required to make service changes.
| Customer type | Official requirement | User tip |
|---|---|---|
| Residential renter | Email a copy of the lease to customerservices@tempe.gov. Renter deposit is $150 refundable. Administrative turn-on fee is $30 plus tax. | Call 480-350-8361 to pay the deposit online and confirm the start date. |
| Homeowner | Call with property address, mailing address, phone number, account holder name, and applicable deposit or title company/escrow number. | Homeowners who provide title company and escrow number are not charged a deposit unless prior delinquent account history exists. |
| Commercial customer | Commercial customers who provide a title company are not charged a deposit. Other commercial customers pay $300 or double the average bill for the property, whichever is higher. | Have title company or business documentation ready before calling. |
| Construction meter | Email completed construction meter application to customerservices@tempe.gov. The $850 deposit is added to the first bill, and customers must contact CMMS at 480-350-2837 the next business day to schedule installation. | Do not submit and wait silently; call for installation scheduling as instructed. |
| Stop service | Requests to stop service must be made at least one business day before the requested close date. Call 480-350-8361 and provide a forwarding address for the final bill. | There is no fee to terminate service, but customers remain responsible until Tempe receives the termination request. |
Deposits, Turn-On Fees and Refund Timing
Residential renter deposit
$150 refundable deposit is required when starting service at a rental property.
Homeowner deposit rule
Homeowners with title company and escrow number are not charged a deposit unless a prior delinquent account history has been established.
Turn-on fee
Tempe lists an administrative turn-on fee of $30 plus tax to establish an account.
Past-Due Utility Bills, Delinquency Fees and Service Interruption
| Account stage | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day after due date | A 1% delinquency fee is assessed on all amounts past due one day after the due date. | Pay immediately or call before more fees are added. |
| 36 days after due date | A $15.00 plus tax delinquency fee is assessed on any past due balance, and a Service Suspension Notice is mailed. | Call 480-350-8361 to make a payment or arrangement. |
| 50 days past due | Service will discontinue when payment is 50 days past due. | Do not rely on late mail or a pending transaction. Confirm account status with Customer Services. |
| Reinstatement after discontinuance | If service is discontinued due to delinquency or returned checks, once paid, the account may be reinstated the next business day. A $30 reconnection fee is assessed; additional fees may apply. | Ask what total amount must be paid for restoration and when service will be restored. |
| Unauthorized meter reactivation | Only an authorized City of Tempe employee may reconnect a meter. Unauthorized reactivation results in a $100 plus tax meter tampering fee. | Never turn the meter back on yourself. |
| Returned check | A $25 plus tax returned check fee is charged for any unpaid check; payment for a returned check must be made by cash, cashier’s check, credit card or money order. | If the returned check was for a deposit or delinquent account, service may be discontinued without further notice. |
Current Tempe Utility Rates: Water, Wastewater, Stormwater and Solid Waste
Tempe’s utility rate page lists current rates for customers within Tempe and Guadalupe. Rates can change by ordinance or council resolution, so use the official rate page for final billing decisions.
| Charge | Current posted detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Water fixed monthly service charge | 5/8-inch: $13.43; 3/4-inch: $15.10; 1-inch: $22.31; 1.5-inch: $46.45; 2-inch: $88.13. Larger meters have higher fixed charges. | Most single-family residential customers have 5/8-inch meter service, but fixed charge depends on meter size. |
| Single-family residential water usage | Tier 1: 0–8,000 gallons at $3.51 per 1,000 gallons. Tier 2: 8,001–16,000 at $5.74. Tier 3: 16,001–36,000 at $7.35. Tier 4: 36,001+ at $8.75. | Outdoor watering, leaks and pool fill can push usage into higher tiers. |
| Other water classifications | Multifamily $3.92; Commercial $4.47; Construction $5.35; Industrial $4.40; Landscaping $5.96 per 1,000 gallons. | Business, multifamily and landscape accounts do not use the single-family tier table. |
| Wastewater fixed monthly service charge | 5/8-inch: $11.94; 3/4-inch: $13.69; 1-inch: $21.08; 1.5-inch: $45.99; 2-inch: $89.02. Larger meters have higher fixed charges. | Sewer/wastewater fixed charge can remain even when water use is low. |
| Wastewater volume rates | Single-family residential $2.72; Multifamily $3.57; Commercial Low $3.88; Commercial High $6.01; Industrial has volume and strength charges. | Wastewater charge is calculated differently from water usage. |
| Stormwater/environmental fee | $3.00 per month per account. | This can appear even if water usage is low. |
| Residential solid waste | 96-gallon/shared 300-gallon garbage with 96-gallon recycling: $34.51. 65-gallon garbage: $31.28. 48-gallon garbage: $29.50. | Solid waste is part of the municipal utility bill, not a separate water-only charge. |
| Container fees | Each 96-gallon green organics container: $6.24. Additional 96-gallon garbage: $21.18. Additional 96-gallon recycling: $14.68. Replacement container fee: $68.25. | Extra containers or replacement charges can make the utility bill higher. |
How To Read Your Tempe Utility Bill
Total Amount Due
Tempe says this number includes all billed services: water, wastewater and solid waste. If you added a Together Tempe donation, that can also appear in the total.
Service Address
Check this field first if you own multiple properties, recently moved, or are paying from an old bookmark.
Usage At-A-Glance
The sample bill explains that the bill includes a graphic showing water usage for the past 13 months.
| Bill section | What Tempe says it means | High-bill use |
|---|---|---|
| Account number | The utility account number. | Needed for registration, payment, support and service changes. |
| Billing date | Date the bill was released. | Helps compare billing-cycle length. |
| Due date | Date current charges are due. | Used for delinquency timing and payment-plan urgency. |
| Balance forward and current charges | Past-due amount or credit plus current-service-period charge. | Separates a true current high bill from an old balance. |
| Water meter information | Meter number, current read, previous read and usage measured in hundreds of gallons. | Most important section for leak and usage analysis. |
| Water service fees and tax | Monthly service charge plus consumption charges. | Service charge is fixed by meter size; consumption changes with usage. |
How Tempe Calculates Wastewater / Sewer Charges
Tempe’s current rate page says wastewater volume usage for single-family residential customers is calculated at 80% of the three-month winter average of water usage from January–March billing statements, with a cap of 12,000 gallons. New residential customers are assigned an assumed monthly winter average of 10,000 gallons until an actual winter average can be obtained.
Winter months matter
January–March billing statements affect the single-family wastewater average. Fix leaks before and during winter averaging.
Single-family factor
Single-family wastewater volume is calculated at 80% of the three-month winter average, capped at 12,000 gallons.
Multifamily / commercial
Multifamily and commercial customer classifications are calculated at 95% of water usage.
High Tempe Water Bill Checklist
Indoor leak checks
- Running toilet or bad flapper.
- Faucet or shower drip.
- Water heater leak.
- Water softener cycling.
- Appliance or under-sink leak.
Outdoor desert-water checks
- Irrigation timer running too long.
- Broken drip line or sprinkler head.
- Pool auto-fill leak.
- Hose bib left on.
- Wet soil near service line or meter.
Bill and portal checks
- Compare gallons, not just dollars.
- Review usage at-a-glance for 13 months.
- Check winter sewer averaging months.
- Look for trash, stormwater or container fees.
- Register for WaterSmart alerts.
| Bill symptom | Likely cause | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| Water usage rose sharply | Leak, irrigation, pool fill, service-line issue or longer billing cycle. | Use WaterSmart/AMI usage if available, then run the meter leak test. |
| Total bill rose but gallons did not | Solid waste, stormwater/environmental fee, past-due fee, container fee, deposit or sewer calculation. | Separate each line item before assuming water usage caused the increase. |
| Winter bill affects later sewer | January–March water usage can influence wastewater charges. | Check winter usage and ask Customer Services about your sewer average. |
| Payment made but account still shows due | Posting delay, wrong account, old bookmark, returned payment or pending authorization. | Do not pay twice until Customer Services confirms payment status. |
WaterSmart and AMI Meters: Track Usage Before It Becomes a Big Bill
WaterSmart portal
Tempe describes WaterSmart as a water management resource available at no additional cost to Tempe water utility customers.
High usage and leak alerts
Tempe’s low-income resource page says WaterSmart can provide usage information and high usage, high bill or leak notifications.
AMI meter data
Tempe’s AMI meter page says endpoints transmit hourly read data and the meter data system supports customer and staff portals.
| AMI benefit listed by Tempe | How it helps customers |
|---|---|
| Consistent billing cycles and accurate bills | Reduces meter-reading timing confusion and improves usage visibility. |
| Early leak detection | Helps catch continuous water use before the next big bill. |
| User dashboards | Customers can monitor and reduce consumption through portal-style tools. |
| Fast response times and reduced truck rolls | City staff can access data without relying on every manual read. |
| No opt-out | Tempe says customers are not able to opt out of this type of meter. |
Find and Fix Leaks: Tempe’s Meter-Based Process
Tempe’s leak page recommends using the isolation method to find ongoing, hard-to-find residential leaks. Before starting, make sure everything inside and outside that uses water is turned off. If there are bees flying in or out of the meter lid, stop immediately and call Customer Services at 480-350-8361.
Turn off water uses
Shut off faucets, irrigation, pool fill, washing machines, dishwashers and other water-using fixtures or appliances.
Locate the meter
Tempe says the water meter is generally in front of the home near the street with a metal or black plastic lid.
Check the red dial
Open the meter lid carefully, flip up the meter-face cap and locate the red dial. If the red dial is moving while all water is off, water is flowing somewhere on the property.
Isolate irrigation, pool or service line
Tempe’s leak guidance includes separate checks for pool leaks, irrigation-system leaks and home/service-line leaks.
Document before calling
Take photos of the meter, leak area, irrigation controller and repair receipts. These details help when you call Customer Services or request a water consultation.
Tempe Utility Bill Assistance and Payment Help
Payment plans
Tempe says customers can call 480-350-8361 to make a payment plan for Tempe utility bills. The City describes flexible options.
Rent and utility assistance
Tempe Community Action Agency Program offers emergency relief for rent, mortgage and utility payments for households in financial crisis. Hotline: 480-389-1375.
Arizona 2-1-1
Tempe says 2-1-1 operates 24/7 in English and Spanish and can connect callers with utility assistance and local resources.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Tempe Community Action Agency provides light home maintenance and minor home/plumbing repairs for Tempe seniors in need. Service line: 480-381-8336.
Water consultations
Residents may receive personalized water consultations for leak detection, irrigation controller settings and high-bill causes.
Computer access
Tempe notes that WaterSmart works best on desktop. Internet and computer access is available at the Tempe Public Library.
Water Quality and Conservation Resources
Water quality
Use Tempe’s Water Quality page for official water-quality information, reports and department-level resources.
Landscape watering
Tempe provides landscape watering guidance, conservation library resources and programs that can reduce outdoor water waste.
Rebates and upgrades
Tempe’s residential conservation pages connect customers to irrigation efficiency and fixture-saving resources when available.
Local Tempe Tips That Prevent Utility Bill Problems
Use gallons before dollars
Tempe’s bill shows water usage in hundreds of gallons and a 13-month usage graph. Compare usage first, then rates, fees and prior balance.
Call early for service changes
Start/transfer service needs at least 24 hours advanced notice; stop service needs at least one business day notice. Moving out without calling can leave you responsible.
Watch January–March usage
Single-family wastewater is based on a winter average. A leak during the winter averaging period can affect sewer charges later.
Do not reconnect a meter yourself
Unauthorized meter reactivation creates a $100 plus tax tampering fee and can make account restoration more expensive.
Tempe Customer Services Map and Visit Planning
Use the map for the Customer Services office at 20 E. Sixth St., First Floor. The office is just west of City Hall near Mill Avenue and Sixth Street. Call 480-350-8361 before visiting for deposits, documents, payment plans or account-specific instructions.
Customer Services office
20 E. Sixth St., First Floor, Tempe, AZ. Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., except city holidays.
Mailing address for payments
City of Tempe – Customer Services, P.O. Box 52166, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2166.
Bring or prepare this
Account number, Mailing ZIP Code, service address, current bill, lease/escrow details, payment confirmation, photo ID if needed, and deposit/fee payment method.
Official Tempe Utility Links Used in This Guide
City of Tempe Water Bill FAQs
Where do I pay my City of Tempe water bill online?
Use the City of Tempe Payment Options page or the City-linked Paymentus online payment page. Tempe says online payments are available anytime and there is no charge for credit card payments.
What is the Tempe utility billing phone number?
Call Customer Services at 480-350-8361 for utility billing, phone payments, start/stop service, deposits, payment arrangements and account questions.
What is the Tempe utility billing email?
Email customerservices@tempe.gov for utility account questions, lease documents and service paperwork follow-up.
Where is the Tempe Customer Services office?
Customer Services is at 20 E. Sixth St., First Floor, northeast corner of Mill Avenue and Sixth Street, just west of City Hall.
What are the Customer Services office hours?
The office is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except city holidays.
What number do I call for a water leak or main break?
Call 480-350-2837 for water leaks or main breaks.
Where do I mail a Tempe utility bill payment?
Mail payment with the bottom portion of the bill to City of Tempe – Customer Services, P.O. Box 52166, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2166.
Where are the Tempe utility payment drop boxes?
Tempe lists drop boxes at Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Avenue, and 5440 S. McClintock Dr.
Can I set up automatic utility bill payment?
Yes. Tempe offers SurePay automatic checking-account withdrawal. Complete the SurePay application and mail it with a voided check to City of Tempe Customer Services Division, P.O. Box 5002, Tempe, AZ 85280-5002.
How do I start or transfer Tempe water, sewer and solid waste service?
Call Customer Services at 480-350-8361. Tempe requires a minimum of 24 hours advanced notice to make service changes.
What deposit does a residential renter pay?
Tempe requires residential renters to pay a $150 refundable deposit when starting service. A copy of the lease should be emailed to customerservices@tempe.gov.
What is the Tempe utility turn-on fee?
Tempe lists an administrative turn-on fee of $30 plus tax to establish an account.
How do I stop Tempe utility service?
Call 480-350-8361 at least one business day before the requested close date and provide a forwarding address for the final bill. Tempe says there is no fee to terminate service.
What happens if my Tempe utility bill is past due?
A 1% delinquency fee is assessed one day after the due date. At 36 days past due, a $15 plus tax delinquency fee is assessed and a Service Suspension Notice is mailed. Service discontinues when payment is 50 days past due.
What is the Tempe reconnection fee?
If service is discontinued due to delinquency or returned checks, a $30 reconnection fee is assessed, and additional fees may apply.
What is the meter tampering fee?
Unauthorized reactivation of a meter results in a $100 plus tax meter tampering fee. Only an authorized City of Tempe employee may reconnect a meter.
How does Tempe calculate wastewater charges for single-family homes?
Tempe calculates single-family residential wastewater volume at 80% of the January–March winter average water usage, capped at 12,000 gallons. New residential customers are assigned an assumed 10,000-gallon winter average until actual data is available.
Why is my Tempe utility bill high?
Common causes include leaks, irrigation, pool auto-fill, higher water tier, sewer winter average, solid waste charges, stormwater/environmental fee, past-due fees, deposit or container charges. Compare gallons and line items before assuming water use is the only issue.
What is WaterSmart?
WaterSmart is a water management resource available at no additional cost to Tempe water utility customers. It can help customers view water usage and receive high usage, high bill or leak notifications.
Is WaterBillsPay.org the official City of Tempe website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use Tempe.gov and the official City-linked payment page for live balances, payments, service changes, fees and account decisions.
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.