Polk Water Utilities 2026: Pay, Log In, Call or Fix a Bill Fast
Use this page like a Polk County Utilities action desk. Pick your task, open the correct official route, prepare the right account details, and avoid late-fee, posting-time, irrigation, or reconnection mistakes.
Polk Water Utilities Action Board
No long reading needed. Start with the exact problem below.
| Need | Use this official route | Have ready | Critical detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Login / pay online | Customer Portal | Account number, service address, balance, payment method. | Quick Pay is available without creating an account. Portal payments after 11:59 p.m. post the following day. |
| One-time card/e-check payment | Portal Quick Pay | Bill/account number, amount due, card/e-check info. | $2.75 convenience fee per $500 transaction; maximum one-time transaction is $500. |
| Automatic bank draft | Ways to Pay | Checking account, voided check if paper form, utility account. | No convenience fee, but setup can take up to 30 days and is not an immediate one-time bill-pay method. |
| Pay by phone | 863-298-4100 or 800-301-6039 | Account number and payment method. | Convenience fees apply. After 11:59 p.m., payment posts the following day. |
| After-hours water outage, leak or sewer backup | 863-534-7351 | Address, nearest cross street, issue type, time started. | Use this for field emergencies, not normal billing questions. |
| Past-due or shutoff notice | Call Customer Service | Notice, account number, amount due, payment proof. | Late fee is $6 or 5%, whichever is greater. Reconnection requires past-due balance plus applicable fees. |
| Water restrictions / irrigation day | Water Restrictions | Property address and last digit. | Modified Phase III schedule uses once-per-week watering for PCU customers. |
Fast warning: if today is the due date, pay before 11:59 p.m. Eastern and save the confirmation number. Payments after 11:59 p.m. on the due date may be late.
Official Polk County Utilities Phone, Address and Hours
Utilities office
Polk County Utilities Administration Building
1011 Jim Keene Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
After-hours emergency
Water outage, leak or sewer backup:
863-534-7351
Call when the issue needs field attention outside normal hours.
| Official detail | What it means for users | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Nearly 68,000 accounts | Polk County Utilities serves unincorporated communities throughout Polk County. | Confirm you are a PCU customer before using this bill-pay guide. |
| 19.7 million gallons/day drinking water | PCU produces and distributes drinking water across its service area. | Use water reports and regional service-area map for water-quality questions. |
| 9.4 million gallons/day wastewater | PCU collects and treats wastewater from served accounts. | Call after-hours line for sewer backup or urgent wastewater trouble. |
| 11 million gallons/day reuse water | Some service areas also receive reclaimed water for irrigation. | Check reclaimed-water rules and restrictions before watering. |
| Floridan Aquifer | PCU says Polk’s water is pumped from the Floridan Aquifer, treated, then delivered to homes/businesses. | Use conservation tools because future water supply is more expensive. |
Bill Pay and Login: Best Method by Situation
Best quick payment
Use “Quick Pay” inside the portal without creating an account.
Keep confirmation number.
Best no-fee recurring
Automatic Bank Draft from checking account.
Allow up to 30 days for setup.
Best cash option
Central Florida Amscot location.
Bring the bill so the account credits correctly.
| Payment option | Official details | Use when | Avoid this mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic bank draft | No convenience fee. Setup online through the portal or by paper form with a voided U.S. bank check. | You want recurring checking-account payment. | Setup can take up to 30 days; use another payment method while it processes. |
| Recurring credit card | Major credit card can be linked through the customer portal scheduler. | You want monthly card autopay. | $2.75 convenience fee per $500 transaction. If recurring payment is more than $500, it will not process. |
| One-time online payment | Debit/credit cards, e-check, Apple Pay for Quick Pay only, Google Pay, PayPal, PayPal Credit and Venmo. | You want to pay this month without bank draft. | Maximum amount per transaction is $500; $2.75 fee per $500 transaction. |
| Phone payment | Automated system at 863-298-4100 or 800-301-6039. | You prefer phone payment. | Convenience fees apply; payment after 11:59 p.m. posts next day. |
| Polk County Utilities, P.O. Box 2019, Bartow, FL 33831-2019. | Normal bills with enough time for delivery. | Include bottom portion of bill and account number on check/money order. | |
| In person | Lobby/drive-thru at 1011 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | You need drive-thru/lobby payment. | Payments after 4:30 p.m. post the next business day. |
| Drop box | 1011 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven or 330 W. Church Street, Bartow. | After-hours check/money order payment. | No cash. Drop boxes are checked once per day and post by next business day. |
| Amscot | Cash accepted at any Central Florida Amscot location. | You need a cash-payment route. | Bring your bill. Payments after 10:59 p.m. post next day; Amscot convenience fees apply. |
Past-Due Bill, Late Fee or Disconnection Notice
Late fee
Late payment fee is 5% of payment due or $6, whichever is greater.
Late fees occur on unpaid balance on the 21st business day.
Cutoff risk
Disconnection may occur any time after the due date on the past-due notice.
Previous unpaid balance can make the bill subject to immediate cut-off unless arrangements were made.
Reconnection
Service reconnects after Customer Service is contacted and the past-due balance plus applicable fees are paid.
Non-payment disconnect/reconnect fees can apply.
| Situation | Do this first | Ask exactly this |
|---|---|---|
| Due today | Pay before 11:59 p.m. Eastern and save proof. | “Will this payment post today or tomorrow?” |
| Past-due notice | Call 863-298-4100 before paying. | “What amount and payment method prevents disconnection?” |
| Service disconnected | Call Customer Service after paying. | “What fees are still required for reconnection?” |
| Large recurring card payment | Do not rely on recurring card autopay if bill exceeds $500. | “Should I use bank draft or split payments?” |
| Payment made after cutoff time | Keep confirmation and call next business day. | “Was this marked late because it posted after 11:59 p.m.?” |
Polk Water Utilities Rates and Fees: 2026 Details Users Need
The official rates page lists rates effective Oct. 1, 2025 and the next set effective Oct. 1, 2026. Use the current bill for exact service class, meter size and gallons used.
Residential water base
Oct. 1, 2025: $11.72
Oct. 1, 2026: $12.42
Residential sewer base
Oct. 1, 2025: $40.61
Oct. 1, 2026: $43.05
PWRI/AWS surcharge
Oct. 1, 2025: $0.80 per 1,000 gallons
Oct. 1, 2026: $1.05 per 1,000 gallons
| Rate item | Amount effective Oct. 1, 2025 | Amount effective Oct. 1, 2026 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential water base charge | $11.72 | $12.42 | Fixed water charge before usage. |
| 0-3 thousand gallons water | $2.24 per 1,000 gallons | $2.37 per 1,000 gallons | Lowest residential water usage tier. |
| 4-10 thousand gallons water | $2.96 per 1,000 gallons | $3.14 per 1,000 gallons | Common usage tier for many households. |
| 11-20 thousand gallons water | $5.87 per 1,000 gallons | $6.22 per 1,000 gallons | High indoor/outdoor use starts raising bill quickly. |
| 21-30 thousand gallons water | $8.84 per 1,000 gallons | $9.37 per 1,000 gallons | Check irrigation, pool fill, leaks, broken heads. |
| 31-40 thousand gallons water | $11.78 per 1,000 gallons | $12.49 per 1,000 gallons | Very high usage tier. |
| Over 40 thousand gallons water | $20.98 per 1,000 gallons | $22.24 per 1,000 gallons | Urgent leak/irrigation review recommended. |
| Residential wastewater base charge | $40.61 | $43.05 | Fixed sewer charge before usage. |
| Residential wastewater usage | $7.28 per 1,000 gallons up to 7,000 gallons | $7.72 per 1,000 gallons up to 7,000 gallons | Sewer usage is capped for residential billing. |
| Residential reclaimed base | $4.20 | $4.20 | Applies only where reclaimed service exists. |
Official rate source:
Fees People Usually Miss
| Fee / charge | Official amount | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| New account, 3/4" – 2" meter | $55 next working day service | Start service at an existing location. |
| New account, larger than 2" meter | $70 next working day service | Larger meter/commercial-size account setup. |
| Residential water deposit | $90 | Establishing water account. |
| Residential sewer deposit | $210 | Establishing sewer account. |
| Residential combined deposit | $300 | Water + sewer service setup. |
| Same-day service before 3 p.m. | $60 | Expedited service request during business hours. |
| Same-day after-hours service after 3 p.m. | $80 | Expedited after-hours request. |
| Premise visit charge | $60 | Field visit where charge applies. |
| Water audit or disputed meter reading | $75 | High-bill or meter-read dispute. |
| Non-payment disconnect/reconnect, less than 2" meter | $60 each; $120 total to re-establish residential service | Disconnected account restoration. |
| Non-payment disconnect/reconnect, 2"+ meter | $105 each; $210 total | Larger meter reconnection. |
| Tampering/theft first infraction | $250 | Never cut locks, bypass, damage, or use service without authorization. |
Do not tamper: Polk County lists meter tampering/theft penalties and warns that tampering can trigger charges, replacement costs, estimated usage and prosecution.
Start, Stop or Transfer Polk County Utility Service
Residential service
- Only one primary name can be listed on the account.
- A secondary name and contact number can be added.
- Verify service and mailing address before submitting.
- Deposit is required and is non-negotiable/non-transferable between individuals.
Commercial service
- Application must be completed and signed by authorized signer.
- Deposits are based on usage/capacity requirements.
- Deposits may be reviewed and adjusted.
- If actual usage exceeds estimate, additional fees may apply.
After account opens
- Stop and transfer service can be requested online through customer portal.
- Make checks payable to Polk County Utilities.
- Commercial applications can be scanned/emailed with required documents or faxed to 863-298-4111.
Official forms area:
2026 Water Restrictions: Know Your Irrigation Day
Modified Phase III rule: Polk County Utilities customers follow once-per-week watering with modified hours. The schedule applies to PCU residences, businesses and common areas, regardless of water source, including private wells and reclaimed water.
| Address ends in | Watering day | Allowed hours | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 or 1 | Monday | 12:01 a.m.-4 a.m. or 8 p.m.-11:59 p.m. | Properties under one acre may use only one of the two windows. |
| 2 or 3 | Tuesday | 12:01 a.m.-4 a.m. or 8 p.m.-11:59 p.m. | HOAs may not enforce standards requiring extra water use outside allowed schedule. |
| 4 or 5 | Wednesday | 12:01 a.m.-4 a.m. or 8 p.m.-11:59 p.m. | Restrictions apply to wells and reclaimed water too. |
| 6 or 7 | Thursday | 12:01 a.m.-4 a.m. or 8 p.m.-11:59 p.m. | Violations may result in fines. |
| 8 or 9 / common area / unknown address | Friday | 12:01 a.m.-4 a.m. or 8 p.m.-11:59 p.m. | Common areas follow Friday unless directed otherwise. |
New lawns and plants
- Days 1-30: any day allowed, but not during restricted times.
- Days 31-60: even addresses Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday.
- Days 31-60: odd addresses Monday/Wednesday/Saturday.
- Days 31-60: common areas Tuesday/Friday/Sunday.
- Written establishment watering schedule must be kept.
Car washing, pressure washing, fountains
- Annual pressure washing or prep for painting/sealing is allowed.
- Home car washing is allowed only on your watering day.
- Use a hose with shutoff nozzle for car washing.
- Aesthetic fountains are limited to four hours per day, with listed exemptions.
High Bill or High Water Use: Polk-Specific Checks
Regional use benchmark
PCU published 2025 single-family average gallons per day by region. Compare your usage before assuming the bill is wrong.
Free sprinkler check-up
High-volume users averaging at least 14,000 gallons per month over three months may qualify for a no-cost sprinkler evaluation.
Broken heads waste money
PCU warns broken sprinkler heads and leaky irrigation lines can waste thousands of gallons per cycle.
| PCU region | 2025 average single-family GPD | What to do if you are far above it |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Region | 221 GPD | Check irrigation days, broken heads, leaking lines and pools. |
| Southwest Region | 215 GPD | Compare seasonal outdoor use and bill chart. |
| Northwest Region | 214 GPD | Look for sprinkler timer errors and stuck zones. |
| Central Region | 182 GPD | Check toilets, irrigation and household changes. |
| Southeast Region | 161 GPD | Review meter, leaks and outdoor use. |
| East Region | 139 GPD | Large increases should trigger a leak/irrigation review. |
| High-bill check | Why it matters | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bill consumption chart | PCU bill shows month-to-month consumption data. | Find the month when usage jumped. |
| Irrigation timer | Wrong schedule can violate restrictions and increase bill. | Set to your once-per-week day and allowed window. |
| Broken sprinkler heads | PCU says they can waste thousands of gallons per cycle. | Run a short zone test and repair leaks. |
| Overwatering after rain | Rain may already meet plant needs. | Skip irrigation when landscape does not need water. |
| Meter dispute / water audit | Official fee page lists water audit/disputed meter reading fee. | Call Customer Service first and ask what evidence is needed. |
Water Quality Reports, Service Systems and Aquifer Source
15 public water systems
Polk County Utilities says safe drinking water is delivered from 15 public water systems throughout unincorporated Polk County.
Floridan Aquifer
Groundwater is pumped from the Floridan Aquifer, treated at water facilities, then delivered to homes and businesses.
Regulated testing
PCU says it complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act and is governed by EPA, Florida DEP and Florida Department of Health in Polk.
| Water report system | Use this when | Searcher tip |
|---|---|---|
| Babson Park | Your service area is Babson Park. | Use the CCR map if unsure. |
| Bradley Junction | Your account is served by Bradley Junction system. | Compare report name with address area. |
| Central | You are in the Central utility region/system. | Check water quality report for detected substances. |
| Country Class | Your system appears under Country Class. | Use report title exactly when searching. |
| East | East utility/service area. | Also compare region usage benchmark. |
| Foxwood | Foxwood service area. | Open the matching annual report. |
| Lake Garfield | Lake Garfield service area. | Check CCR map before calling. |
| Northeast | Northeast service area. | PCU lists 221 GPD residential average in 2025. |
| Northwest | Northwest service area. | PCU lists 214 GPD residential average in 2025. |
| The Pines | The Pines service area. | Use system-specific report. |
| Southeast | Southeast service area. | PCU lists 161 GPD residential average in 2025. |
| Southwest | Southwest service area. | PCU lists 215 GPD residential average in 2025. |
| Timbercreek | Timbercreek service area. | Open the matching annual CCR. |
| Walk In Water | Walk In Water service area. | Use system-specific annual report. |
| Waverly | Waverly service area. | Use the CCR map to confirm. |
Map, Payment Locations and Mail Address
| Location | Address | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Polk County Utilities Administration Building | 1011 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33880 | Office, lobby/drive-thru payments, drop box, customer service. |
| Mail payments | Polk County Utilities, P.O. Box 2019, Bartow, FL 33831-2019 | Mail checks/money orders with account number and bill stub. |
| County Administration Building drop box | 330 W. Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830 | Check/money-order drop box. No cash. |
| Northeast Government Center | 200 Government Center Blvd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850 | County government location; phone 863-534-4000. |
| Central Florida Amscot | Any Central Florida Amscot location | Cash utility payment; bring bill; convenience fee applies. |
Polk Water Utilities FAQ
What is the Polk Water Utilities phone number?
Call Polk County Utilities Customer Service at 863-298-4100. The toll-free number is 800-301-6039.
What is the after-hours emergency number for Polk County Utilities?
To report a water outage, leak or sewer backup after hours, call 863-534-7351.
Where is Polk County Utilities located?
The Polk County Utilities Administration Building is at 1011 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33880. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How do I pay Polk County Utilities online?
Use the official customer portal at billpay.polkutilities.net. You can log in or use Quick Pay without creating an account.
Is there a convenience fee to pay online?
Yes. Polk County Utilities lists a $2.75 convenience fee per $500 transaction for one-time online card/e-check style payments. The maximum one-time transaction is $500.
Can I set up automatic bank draft?
Yes. Automatic bank draft has no convenience fee. You can set it up through the customer portal or by paper application with a voided U.S. bank check. Setup may take up to 30 days.
Where do I mail a Polk County Utilities payment?
Mail payment to Polk County Utilities, P.O. Box 2019, Bartow, FL 33831-2019. Include the bottom portion of your bill and account number on your check or money order.
Can I pay in person?
Yes. Pay at the Polk County Utilities Administration Building, 1011 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33880. The lobby and drive-thru are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Can I pay with cash?
Cash payments are accepted at any Central Florida Amscot location. Bring your bill so the account is credited correctly. Amscot convenience fees apply.
What is the late fee?
The late fee is 5% of the payment due or $6, whichever is greater. Late fees occur on unpaid balances on the 21st business day.
What are Polk County Utilities 2026 residential water rates?
Effective Oct. 1, 2026, the residential water base charge is $12.42, the PWRI/AWS surcharge is $1.05 per 1,000 gallons, and residential water usage tiers range from $2.37 to $22.24 per 1,000 gallons depending on usage block.
What are Polk County Utilities 2026 residential sewer rates?
Effective Oct. 1, 2026, the residential wastewater base charge is $43.05 and usage is $7.72 per 1,000 gallons up to 7,000 gallons.
What watering day applies to my address?
Under the Modified Phase III schedule, addresses ending 0/1 water Monday, 2/3 Tuesday, 4/5 Wednesday, 6/7 Thursday, and 8/9 or common areas Friday, during 12:01 a.m.-4 a.m. or 8 p.m.-11:59 p.m.
How do I report a watering violation?
Use the official water restrictions page instructions. Provide violation address, date/time, nature of violation, and your name/contact information. Written communications may be public records under Florida law.
Where does Polk County Utilities water come from?
Polk County Utilities says its water is pumped from the Floridan Aquifer, treated at water treatment facilities, and delivered through 15 public water systems in unincorporated Polk County.
Is this the official Polk County Utilities website?
No. This is an informational guide. Confirm live account balance, payment posting, fees, service status, restrictions and forms with official Polk County Utilities sources.
30-Second Polk Water Utilities Checklist
Pay/login: use billpay.polkutilities.net; Quick Pay is available; save confirmation number.
Phone: customer service 863-298-4100; toll-free 800-301-6039; after-hours outage/leak/sewer backup 863-534-7351.
Fees: online convenience fee is $2.75 per $500; maximum one-time transaction is $500; late fee is $6 or 5%, whichever is greater.
Rates: 2026 residential water base is $12.42; sewer base is $43.05; check current bill for meter/service class.
Restrictions: Modified Phase III watering is once per week by address ending digit; wells and reclaimed water are included for PCU customers.