South Bend Water Bill Help: Pay, Log In, Call 311 or Report a Water Emergency
Use this page like a utility desk: pay without logging in, create an online account, find your balance, start or stop service, protect service from shutoff, check a high bill, request lead testing, and reach the right South Bend Water Works contact.
Quick Answer Board
| Searcher need | Best official action | Have ready | Critical detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay now without login | Use Quick Pay | Account number from your bill. | Quick Pay accepts credit card, debit card or eCheck. No registration required. |
| Create login / manage account | Register online | Account number and telephone number in the utility system. | Online accounts can download PDF statements and manage account information. |
| Pay by phone | Call 311 or 574-233-0311 | Account number or phone number associated with account. | Official 311 article says no additional fee for phone payment. |
| Get balance / due date | Call 311 / 574-233-0311 or access account online. | Account number or account phone number. | IVR balance/due-date service is available 24/7 at no charge. |
| Water emergency | Call 574-235-9464 | Address, nearest cross street, issue type, time started. | Use for urgent water service concerns and after-hours water trouble. |
| Billing dispute | Email utilitybillingdisputes@southbendin.gov | Account number, service address, bill copy, exact disputed charge. | For general account/service questions, use 311 or 311@southbendin.gov. |
Third-party warning: South Bend Municipal Utilities says it is not affiliated with online third-party paying agents and is not responsible for delays caused by outside services. Start from the official portal when paying.
Official South Bend Water Works Details
City Service Center
Address:
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 100
South Bend, IN 46601
Lobby hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5:00 PM.
Water Works facts
South Bend Water Works uses groundwater, has nine well fields, serves more than 112,000 customers, and maintains 550+ miles of water main.
Water quality
Use for lead testing, hard water, discolored water, taste/odor, and water-quality questions.
Water concerns
Use for drinking-water concerns that are not immediate emergencies.
Customer service
SBMUcustomerservice@southbendin.gov
Use for Water Works customer service questions, account routing, and service follow-up.
Official pages:
Pay or Log In: Use the Right Route
Quick Pay
No login required. Use account number. Pay by credit card, debit card or eCheck.
Online account
Register to manage account details and download PDF bill statements.
Phone payment
Call 311 or 574-233-0311. Use IVR prompts. No additional phone-payment fee listed.
Due date rule
All payments are due by 5:00 PM on the due date shown on the bill.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Before using it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quick Pay | Pay online at utilities.southbendin.gov; MasterCard, Discover, Visa credit/debit card; eCheck; no additional online fee listed. | Fast one-time payment without account registration. | Have account number available and save confirmation. |
| Online registered account | Register online using account number and phone number in the system. | Managing bills, downloading PDF statements, tracking account details. | Use the phone number already associated with the account. |
| Pay by phone | Call 311 or 574-233-0311 and follow IVR prompts. | 24/7 balance, due date and payment access. | Account number or account phone number required. |
| South Bend Municipal Utilities, PO Box 7125, South Bend, IN 46634-7125. | Normal bills with enough time before due date. | Include bill stub. Not safest near shutoff deadline. | |
| In person | City Hall Service Center, 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Customers who need in-person help or deposit/payment handling. | Lobby hours: 7:30 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. |
| Payment kiosks | La Casa De Amistad and Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center. | Community payment access. | Kiosks do not give change and cannot accept cashier’s checks or money orders. |
| CheckFreePay | 40+ locations such as Dollar General, Speedway, Walmart and more. | Cash-style in-person payment near your neighborhood. | Find a current CheckFreePay location before going. |
| Automatic bank draft | Download application or pick one up at City Hall. | Recurring payments without manual monthly action. | Confirm when draft starts before relying on it. |
Shutoff-account payment rule: the city utilities page says payments will not be accepted for shutoff accounts left in the night drop box or mail unless a money order is used. Starter or counter checks are not accepted.
Payment Kiosks and Walk-In Locations
| Location | Address | Hours / note | Use for |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Hall Service Center | 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 | Lobby: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5:00 PM. | In-person payment, start service, deposits, payment arrangements, forms. |
| La Casa De Amistad kiosk | 3423 S. Michigan St. | Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM-noon and 1:00 PM-6:00 PM. | Kiosk payment near front desk. |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center kiosk | 1522 Linden Ave. | Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. | Kiosk payment near lobby entrance. |
| CheckFreePay locations | 40+ locations across the city. | Examples include Dollar General, Speedway, Walmart and more. | In-person neighborhood payment route. |
Kiosk warning: bring the account number and exact payment plan. Kiosks do not give change and cannot accept cashier’s checks or money orders.
Find Balance, Due Date or Old Bill Copy
Fastest balance route
Call 311 or 574-233-0311. Use account number or phone number associated with the account.
24/7 IVR access
Balance and due-date access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no charge.
Old bill copies
Online accounts can download PDF statements. Without online account, use Public Records Request.
| Task | Best route | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Check current balance | Call 311 / 574-233-0311 or log into the utilities portal. | Have account number or account phone number ready. |
| Check payment deadline | Use IVR or online account. | Payment is due by 5 PM on the due date shown on the bill. |
| Get PDF statement | Download through online account. | PDF statements contain detailed charges and water usage, though not identical to mailed bills. |
| Request bill copy without portal | Submit Public Records Request. | Printed copy is $0.10/page; emailed copy has no charge. |
Past Due, Shutoff Balance or Restoration
Prevent shutoff
Pay disconnection amount plus unpaid deposits by 5:00 PM on the date printed on the disconnection notice.
After 5 PM risk
The utility may accept payment after 5:00 PM, but it cannot guarantee that payment prevents disconnection.
Restore service
If payment is made by 4:00 PM, same-day restoration may be possible. If not, restoration may be next business day.
| Situation | What to do | Ask this exact question |
|---|---|---|
| Received red disconnect notice | Call 311 or 574-233-0311 before paying. | “What exact disconnection amount and unpaid deposit amount must be paid by 5 PM?” |
| Need extension/installment plan | Make arrangement in Customer Service Office or call 311 by 5 PM on the disconnection date. | “Am I eligible for a payment extension or installment plan before disconnection is processed?” |
| Already disconnected | Pay entire past-due balance or ask 311 about special installment plan/down payment option. | “What amount restores service, and can restoration happen today if I pay by 4 PM?” |
| No adult can be present | Complete waiver of liability online, by email, or at City Hall. | “Is there already a waiver on file, or do I need to complete one before restoration?” |
| Field rep returns because no one was home | Call 311 and ask about scheduling and fees. | “Will a $15 return trip fee apply if nobody is present?” |
| Returned payment | Pay returned amount by cash or credit card. | “Does a returned payment remove installment-plan eligibility for avoiding shutoff?” |
Start, Transfer or Terminate Utility Service
Start service
- Apply online through utilities.southbendin.gov or visit City Hall Service Center.
- Submit valid lease or proof of ownership.
- Provide valid picture ID.
- Pay any required deposit if determined during application.
Cost to start
- All past-due bills must be paid before new/reinstated service.
- Water service has a $30 start service fee billed to first statement.
- Trash service may add a $10 administrative fee.
- Deposit can range from $0 to two months’ estimated water/sewer bills.
Terminate service
- Complete termination form or call 311.
- Provide forwarding address.
- Provide service termination date.
- Final bill should generate within one week of termination.
Refund note: any deposit billed is automatically refunded against the final bill. If a net credit over $3 remains, a refund check is issued to the last known billing address within 90 days after final-bill payment.
Official service links:
High Bill or Water Leak: What South Bend Tells Customers to Check
Base charges
Inside-city 5/8" meter customers may pay about $38 monthly in water/sewer charges even with no water use.
Leak test
Turn off all water. If meter dial/numbers move, water is registering and a leak is likely.
Free dye tablets
Pick up one free dye tablet package from City Hall Service Center for suspected toilet leaks.
No indoor repair
The utility does not investigate indoor leaks. Customers must hire a plumber if a leak is detected.
| Check | Official guidance | What to document |
|---|---|---|
| Meter movement | Turn off washer, dishwasher, shower, faucets and make sure toilets were not recently flushed. Locate meter in basement, crawl space or utility room. | Photo/video of meter before and after everything is off. |
| Common indoor leaks | Dripping faucets, running toilets, running water softeners, water heater leaks. | Repair date, plumber invoice, parts receipt, photos. |
| Residential leak adjustment | Utility charges for all water through the meter and does not offer residential leak adjustments, but may assist with payment arrangements. | Ask about payment arrangement, not a water-credit promise. |
| Winter sewer maximum | Residential sewer charges are maximized based on average use during most recent winter quarter. Winter leaks may affect the rest of the year. | Submit written request to review/adjust winter consumption if leak increased winter usage. |
| Non-residential sewer adjustment | May be eligible only if evidence shows leaked water did not enter sewer system. | Issue dates, repair proof, contact info, service address, evidence water did not enter sewer. |
| Eligibility threshold | Non-residential adjustment requires consumption at least double average, at least 20 CCF above average, and total consumption at least 30 CCF. | Two-cycle follow-up may be used to confirm usage returned to normal. |
South Bend Utility Assistance Program and Payment Help
UAP discount
The Utility Assistance Program may reduce water and sewer bills by up to $25.50/month for one year.
Who can apply
Homeowners and tenants can apply if at or below 80% AMI and receiving sewer service from the City.
Processing time
Approval notice can take 2-3 weeks. Credit can take up to two billing cycles to appear.
| AMI tier | Monthly credit listed | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| >60% – 80% AMI | $8.00 | Must receive sewer service from the city. |
| >45% – 60% AMI | $14.25 | Discount lasts one year; reapply every year. |
| >30% – 45% AMI | $19.25 | Look for “Utility Assistance Program” line item on your bill. |
| >0% – 30% AMI | $25.50 | Funded by a monthly charge on residential sewer customers. |
Official help routes:
Water Quality, Lead Testing and Service Line Survey
2026 CCR facts
South Bend Water Utility delivered 5.58 billion gallons in 2025 and treated/distributed an average 15.3 million gallons daily to 115,000 customers.
Water source
Groundwater comes from the St. Joseph Tributary Valley System and St. Joseph and Hilltop aquifers.
Free lead test
Email waterquality@southbendin.gov or call 311 to request a free lead test.
| Water concern | Useful official fact | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | 2026 CCR lead/copper table: 238 lead samples, 6 over action level, 90th percentile 4.7 ppb, no violation. | Request free lead test and complete service line survey. |
| Copper | 2026 CCR copper table: 238 samples, 0 over action level, 90th percentile 0.202 ppm, no violation. | Review CCR and ask water quality staff if concerned. |
| PFAS | 2026 report lists UCMR 5 sampling results for several PFAS compounds and says 21 other PFAS compounds and lithium were analyzed and not detected in finished water samples. | Use the official CCR for exact contaminant table and ranges. |
| Hard water / white flakes | South Bend says white flakes are naturally occurring calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate from very hard water. | Use softener carefully, filter for cooking/ice/coffee, clean mineral build-up with vinegar. |
| Service line material | New EPA rules require public utilities to identify drinking water service line materials. | Visit southbendin.gov/serviceline and click “Take the City Service Line Survey.” |
| Wellhead protection | South Bend’s entire water supply is from groundwater wells; protecting wellhead areas prevents pollution. | Review wellhead protection areas before handling chemicals, fuel, or potential contaminants near wells. |
Lead exposure step: the 2026 water report advises flushing taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking when water has been sitting for several hours.
Official water quality links:
Water Tap, New Main Connection or Construction Work
Engineering phone
For system development charge/water tap questions, call South Bend Engineering at 574-235-9254.
Documents
Licensed plumber affidavit and safe excavation form are obtained at 915 S. Olive Street.
Timing
After all six water-tap items are complete, the tap is usually scheduled for the following Wednesday, with at least five working days generally elapsing.
| Water tap step | What official 311 article says |
|---|---|
| Excavation permit | Contractor must secure excavation permit from City or County Engineering and provide number to South Bend Municipal Utilities. |
| County address | If address is in county and street number is five digits, Annexation Waiver must be signed through Engineering. |
| New account/building/business use | System Development Charge must be paid; call Engineering at 574-235-9254. |
| Licensed plumber | Plumber signs affidavit and supplies license number and phone number. |
| Excavator | Excavator signs Safe Excavation form at 915 S. Olive Street. |
| Payment | Contractor, developer or owner pays for the water tap. |
Wastewater, Mercury and Household Hazardous Waste
Wastewater plant address
3113 Riverside Drive
South Bend, IN 46628
Mercury warning
Mercury can enter wastewater from broken mercury-containing products and is difficult for treatment plants to fully remove.
HHW facility
Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 828 Kerr Street. South Bend residents show ID. Phone: 574-235-9971.
Do not pour mercury products down drains. Use Household Hazardous Waste disposal for mercury-containing items such as old thermometers, certain bulbs, switches, instruments and batteries.
Video Help / Portal Walkthrough
Use the official portal instead of a random video
I did not find a clearly official current South Bend Water Works bill-pay video that is safer than the city’s own portal and 311 instructions. For publishing, use this clean resource card instead of embedding an unverified YouTube video.
South Bend Water Works Map and Office Locations
Use the map for City Service Center / City Hall at 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 100, South Bend, IN 46601.
| Location | Address | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| City Service Center / City Hall | 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 100, South Bend, IN 46601 | In-person payment, new service, deposits, automatic bank draft forms, termination forms, dye tablets. |
| Mailing address | South Bend Municipal Utilities, PO Box 7125, South Bend, IN 46634-7125 | Mail payments with bill stub; avoid for urgent shutoff cases. |
| La Casa De Amistad kiosk | 3423 S. Michigan St. | Payment kiosk near front desk. |
| MLK Jr. Dream Center kiosk | 1522 Linden Ave. | Payment kiosk near lobby entrance. |
| Wastewater Treatment Plant | 3113 Riverside Drive, South Bend, IN 46628 | Wastewater division location; not the main billing office. |
| Household Hazardous Waste Facility | 828 Kerr Street | Mercury-containing household hazardous waste disposal; residents show ID. |
South Bend Water Works Utilities FAQ
What is the South Bend Water Works phone number?
Inside South Bend city limits, dial 311. Outside city limits, call 574-233-0311. TTY is 574-235-5567.
What is the South Bend water emergency number?
For water emergencies and after-hours water service concerns, call 574-235-9464.
How do I pay my South Bend utility bill online?
Use the official South Bend Municipal Utilities portal. Quick Pay lets you pay by credit card, debit card or eCheck without registration. Have your account number ready.
Is there a fee to pay online?
The official 311 payment article says there is no additional fee for online payments and no additional fee for phone payments.
How do I pay by phone?
Call 311 or 574-233-0311 and follow the IVR prompts. You need the account number or phone number associated with your account.
Where do I mail South Bend Municipal Utilities payments?
Mail payment to South Bend Municipal Utilities, PO Box 7125, South Bend, IN 46634-7125. Include the bill stub to speed up processing.
Where is the City Service Center?
The City Service Center is at 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 100, South Bend, IN 46601. Lobby hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5:00 PM.
How do I check my account balance or due date?
Call 311 or 574-233-0311, or use the online utilities portal. The IVR balance/due-date service is available 24/7 at no charge.
What do I need to start utility service?
Complete a new service application online or at City Hall, submit valid lease or proof of ownership, provide valid picture ID, pay past-due utility amounts, and pay any required deposit.
What does it cost to start water service?
Customers getting water service are charged a $30 start service fee billed on the first statement. Trash service may add a $10 administrative fee. Deposit may range from $0 to two months’ estimated water and sewer bills.
How do I terminate South Bend utility service?
Complete the termination form or call 311. Provide forwarding address and termination date. The final bill should generate within a week of termination.
Can I get a leak adjustment?
Residential customers are charged for all water through the meter and the utility does not offer residential leak adjustments, but may assist with payment arrangements. Non-residential sewer-only adjustments may be possible with evidence that leaked water did not enter the sewer system.
What should I check if my bill is high?
Check dripping faucets, running toilets, water softeners, water heater leaks, and meter movement when all water is off. If the meter moves, water is registering and a leak is likely.
Why do I see white deposits or flakes from South Bend water?
South Bend says its water is very hard. White flakes or deposits are naturally occurring calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, especially after boiling, freezing or drying.
How do I request a free lead test?
Email waterquality@southbendin.gov or call 311 to request a free lead test through South Bend Water Works.
Is this the official South Bend Water Works website?
No. This is an informational guide. Confirm live balance, shutoff status, fees, forms, emergencies, account details and water quality updates with official City of South Bend and South Bend Municipal Utilities pages.
30-Second South Bend Water Checklist
Pay online: use official Quick Pay at utilities.southbendin.gov; no login needed; account number required.
Call: inside city dial 311; outside city call 574-233-0311; water emergency call 574-235-9464.
Office: City Service Center, 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 100, South Bend, IN 46601.
Past due: pay disconnection amount plus unpaid deposits by 5 PM on notice date; call 311 before paying late.
High bill: check meter movement, toilets, faucets, softener, water heater and winter sewer average.
Water quality: request free lead test by emailing waterquality@southbendin.gov or calling 311.