Madison Municipal Services Bill Pay Guide
Need to pay a Madison water bill? The City of Madison uses one Municipal Services payment portal for the bill that can include water, sewer, stormwater, urban forestry, resource recovery and landfill charges.
This guide gives the practical route: online pay, guest pay, account registration, eCheck vs card fee, phone payment, mail, in-person payment, drop box, MadCAP assistance, leak adjustments, water-use alerts and start/stop service.
Start Here: Pick Your Madison Bill Situation
Create an account or pay as a guest through the Municipal Services payment portal.
Pay onlineUse eCheck online or by phone, pay by mail with check, or pay in person with cash/check/card.
Compare payment feesMadCAP may give eligible households up to a $30 monthly credit on the Municipal Services bill.
Apply for MadCAPCheck hourly/daily water use, leaks, toilets, irrigation and one-time courtesy leak adjustment rules.
Leak adjustment helpPay Your Madison Water Bill: Practical Steps With Official Links
Open the official Municipal Services payment portal
Madison uses one online Municipal Services payment portal for bill pay. You can create an account or pay as a guest.
Register if you want AutoPay, e-billing or usage alerts
You need a portal account for e-billing, AutoPay and water-use notifications. The account setup uses your Account Number and Customer Number from the top right corner of your bill.
Choose eCheck if you want to avoid the online card fee
Madison lists a $2.95 service fee for credit/debit card payments online or by phone. eCheck payments from checking or savings accounts have no fee.
Use phone, mail or in-person only when it fits timing
Phone payment is available at 1-877-822-8414. Mail works for non-urgent check payments. In-person payment is useful if you need staff help or want no in-person card fee.
Save proof and contact billing if something looks wrong
Keep the confirmation, date, amount, payment method and account number. For account/customer number help or billing questions, contact Madison Water Utility Billing.
Madison Water Bill Payment Methods, Fees and Best Use
| Payment route | Official detail | Best for | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal | Create an account or pay as a guest. Portal supports e-billing and AutoPay. | Most current bills and customers who want self-service tools. | Pay online |
| eCheck online or phone | Checking and savings account payments have no fee. | Customers who want the lowest-cost digital route. | Fee details |
| Credit/debit card online or phone | $2.95 service fee. Credit cards have a $500 payment maximum; debit cards have no maximum listed. | Fast card payment when the fee is acceptable. | Pay online |
| Pay by phone | Call 1-877-822-8414. Same card/eCheck fee rules apply. | When you cannot use the online portal. | Call 1-877-822-8414 |
| Make check payable to City Treasury. Mail check and bill stub to City of Madison Treasury, P.O. Box 2997, Madison, WI 53701-2997. | Non-urgent check payments. | Mail instructions | |
| In person: Water Utility | 119 E. Olin Ave., Madison, WI 53713. Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. After-hours payment box is checks only. | Billing help, in-person payment, or drop box check payment. | Water Utility payment info |
| In person: City Treasury | City Treasury, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 101. Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Downtown in-person municipal bill payment. | Treasury payment info |
Portal Account, AutoPay, e-Billing and Water-Use Alerts
Create account
Use your Account Number and Customer Number from the top right corner of your bill. The account number starts with “000,” and the customer number begins with “1.”
Account setup guideEnroll in AutoPay
After login, use “Enroll in auto pay.” Choose a payment day and payment method. eCheck AutoPay has no fee.
AutoPay stepsUsage notifications
The portal can show household water usage and let users set threshold notifications so sudden increases are easier to catch.
View water usePhone, Mail, In-Person, Drop Box and Billing Help
Water Utility
119 East Olin Ave., Madison, WI 53713. Staff hours Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Verify office infoAfter-hours box
After-hours payment box is at 119 E Olin Avenue. Madison lists this as checks only.
Drop box detailsWhat Your Madison Municipal Services Bill Can Include
Water
Water Utility charges for water service and usage. These are part of the Municipal Services bill.
Sewer and stormwater
Madison Water Utility says sewer and stormwater charges are handled by City Engineering.
Other city services
The bill can also include urban forestry, resource recovery and landfill charges.
Current Madison Water Rates: Quick Reader
Rates can change, so use the official rate page before making a detailed cost calculation. These are the current residential examples listed by Madison Water Utility.
| Residential water charge | Current listed amount | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Water base charge | $14.00 | Monthly base charge before usage tiers. |
| First 3,000 gallons | $5.70 per 1,000 gallons | Lowest listed residential usage tier. |
| Next 3,000 gallons | $7.71 per 1,000 gallons | Higher use starts raising the water part of the bill. |
| Next 3,000 gallons | $9.47 per 1,000 gallons | Often where irrigation or leaks become more noticeable. |
| Next 5,000 gallons | $13.74 per 1,000 gallons | Heavy usage tier. |
| Over 14,000 gallons | $17.67 per 1,000 gallons | Highest listed residential tier shown on the official page. |
Start or End Madison Water Service
Call to start or end
Madison Water Utility says to call 608-266-4641 to start or end water service. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Start/end service infoHomeowners
If a title company handles the closing, it normally arranges transfer to the new owner. You can still verify by calling Water Utility Customer Service.
Call 608-266-4641Tenants
If your lease makes you responsible for the Municipal Services bill, call to start service and call again when you move to end service. A final bill is required to close an account.
Tenant instructionsNeed Help Paying? Madison Customer Assistance Program
MadCAP provides eligible households with a monthly credit of up to $30 on the Madison Municipal Services bill. The credit is not automatic; eligible customers need to apply and re-apply every year.
Who may qualify?
MadCAP is for income-eligible residential customers who pay their own Municipal Services bill.
What proof helps?
Gather income documents such as tax return, Social Security benefits statement or documents showing FoodShare, Section 8, WIC or similar eligibility.
Homeowner extra step
Homeowners may need to show participation in a water conservation program, such as a toilet rebate or home water conservation program.
High Madison Water Bill: Usage Alerts, Leaks and Courtesy Adjustment
Check hourly usage
Use the online portal to view hourly, daily or weekly water use and set threshold notifications for sudden increases.
View water useCheck fixtures first
Broken fixtures, irrigation equipment or pipes can create unintentional water loss. Toilets, humidifiers, irrigation and outside spigots are common places to check.
Leak adjustment rulesApply only after repair
Courtesy leak adjustments require the cause of the leak to be repaired before approval. Adjustments can cover no more than two consecutive months.
Apply / learn rules| High-bill situation | What Madison’s rules suggest | Useful action |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden water spike | Use portal water-use tools and check plumbing before the issue gets worse. | Review usage |
| Leak repaired | Submit a Courtesy Leak Adjustment application. Approved wasted water above normal consumption is billed at the lowest rate possible. | Leak adjustment |
| Leak lasted 3+ months | No adjustment for the third or later month of a continuing leak. | Repair first, then ask billing what documentation is needed. |
| Seasonal water use | No adjustments for sod watering, gardening, pool/whirlpool filling, washing vehicles and similar seasonal activities. | Use the bill calculator and usage portal to plan future water use. |
Water Emergency, Main Break and Water Quality Contacts
After-hours emergency
For a water main leak in the street or other emergency, City pages direct customers to the 24-hour operator at 608-266-4665.
Call 608-266-4665Main break line
Madison Water Utility also lists main break/emergency contact at 608-266-4661.
Call 608-266-4661Water quality
For water quality questions, Madison lists the Water Quality Section at 608-266-4654.
Well quality lookupGeneral water office
Water Utility office line: 608-266-4651. Billing questions use 608-266-4641.
Water Utility homeLocal Madison Tips Users Actually Need
Do not confuse Madison, WI with other Madison utilities
Search results may show Madison Utilities in Alabama or other cities. This page is for City of Madison, Wisconsin Municipal Services bills.
Use eCheck if you want the cleanest no-fee online route
Card payments online or by phone have a $2.95 service fee, but eCheck payments from checking or savings accounts have no fee.
Use the Water Utility office for bill support
119 E Olin Ave. handles in-person Municipal Services bill payments and billing support; downtown Treasury is another in-person payment option.
Register if you care about leaks
Guest pay is fast, but a registered account gives access to water-use notifications that can catch a leak before the next bill shocks you.
Madison Water Bill Route Tool
Use this quick helper before choosing a payment or billing route. It does not collect account numbers, card data or personal information.
Madison Water Utility Map and Visit Planning
Use this map for the Water Utility billing office at 119 East Olin Avenue. Verify hours before visiting, especially on holidays or during payment-system notices.
Water Utility billing office
119 East Olin Ave., Madison, WI 53713.
Staff hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
After-hours box
After-hours payment box at 119 E Olin Avenue; checks only.
Official Madison Water Bill Links Used in This Guide
Madison Water Bill Payment FAQs
Where do I pay my Madison water bill online?
Use the City of Madison Municipal Services payment portal at cityofmadison.com/epayment/water. You can create an account or pay as a guest.
What is the Madison Water Utility billing phone number?
Call 608-266-4641 for Madison Water Utility billing and payment customer service. Email: municipalbilling@cityofmadison.com.
Is there a fee to pay a Madison municipal services bill?
Online or phone card payments have a $2.95 service fee. eCheck payments from checking or savings accounts have no fee. In-person credit/debit, cash and check payments are listed as no-fee.
What number do I call to pay by phone?
Call 1-877-822-8414 to pay by phone. The same card and eCheck fee rules apply.
Where do I mail a Madison water bill payment?
Make the check payable to City Treasury and mail the check with the bill stub to City of Madison Treasury, P.O. Box 2997, Madison, WI 53701-2997.
Where can I pay in person?
You can pay at Madison Water Utility, 119 E. Olin Ave., Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., or at City of Madison Treasury, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 101, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
How do I set up AutoPay?
Create or log in to the Municipal Services payment portal, then use “Enroll in auto pay.” eCheck AutoPay has no fee.
How do I start or stop Madison water service?
Call Madison Water Utility Customer Service at 608-266-4641. Tenants responsible under a lease should call to start service and call again when moving to end service.
What should I do if my Madison water bill is high?
Check hourly/daily usage in the portal, look for leaks, repair the cause, and review the one-time Courtesy Leak Adjustment rules. Seasonal use such as watering sod, gardening, pool filling or vehicle washing does not qualify for adjustment.
Does this page collect Madison water bill payments?
No. This is an informational guide. Use official City of Madison links for live payment, balance, AutoPay, service status, rates, assistance and customer support.
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.