Manatee County Utilities Help Desk: Pay, Log In, Call or Fix a Water/Sewer Issue
This guide is for Manatee County Utilities customers in Florida, especially water, sewer, reclaimed water and solid waste accounts in unincorporated Manatee County.
Use it to pay online, sign in to CSS, call the right extension, report a water line break, handle a sewer backup, check 2026 rates, open a new account, request assistance, avoid payment scams, and find the official office map.
Fast Action Board
Start with the exact task. Manatee County uses the Customer Self-Service portal for many account actions, but emergencies and some account problems still need the phone route.
| Need | Use this official route | Have ready | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay or view bill online | Customer Self-Service Portal | New account number, email, password if registered. | Old CWA online access and old account number access were retired effective 2/14/2024. |
| Pay by phone | 833-425-2099 | New account number, card or bank details. | MasterCard/Visa have a processing fee; checking/savings payment avoids the processing fee. |
| Call customer service | 941-792-8811 | Account number, service address, bill date, issue type. | Phone hours are Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM, excluding holidays. |
| After-hours emergency | Call 941-792-8811 and select option 8 | Address, cross street, issue type, time started. | Use after normal business hours for emergencies. |
| Water line break / bubbling street water | 941-792-8811, ext. 5216 | Exact location, photos if safe, nearby landmarks. | Use this also for low or no water pressure. |
| Sewer backup | 941-792-8811, ext. 5411 | Address, fixture affected, whether wastewater is backing up. | Stop using water if backup worsens; avoid contact with sewage. |
| Need help paying | CSS payment plan request or local help agencies | Bill, notice, income/household details, agency contact. | Customer Assistance Commitment form is for help agencies to submit. |
| New residential account | Open a New Residential Utilities Account | Driver’s license/Florida ID, full SSN, lease or notarized landlord letter if tenant. | Single-family water/sewer/garbage deposit is listed as $165. |
Pay safely: Manatee County says to use payment options listed on your bill or at mymanatee.org. The county says it will never request payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
Official Contact, Address and Service Area Context
Main Utilities Contact
Manatee County Utilities
941-792-8811
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Online: 24/7 access through the CSS portal.
Utilities Administration Building
Address:
3647 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, FL 34210
Use for: official utility location, 24-hour drop box, customer service reference.
Service Context
Manatee County Utilities provides potable water, wastewater, reclaimed water and solid waste services to residences and businesses in Unincorporated Manatee County.
If your address is in an incorporated municipality, confirm provider before paying.
| Area / locality | Why searchers get confused | Best verification step |
|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated Manatee County | Manatee County Utilities serves unincorporated county customers for water/sewer/reclaimed/solid waste accounts. | Match the bill name and account number to the CSS portal. |
| Bradenton / West Bradenton / Cortez Road area | The Utilities Administration Building and drop box are in Bradenton at 3647 Cortez Road W. | Use the address only for official utility building/drop-box context, not to assume service provider. |
| Tax Collector payment location | County FAQ lists the Manatee County Tax Collector office as a payment option during lobby hours. | Use 819 301 Boulevard West, Bradenton, FL 34205 and verify current lobby hours before going. |
| Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Palmetto, Longboat Key | These incorporated municipalities can appear in county navigation and search results. | Check your actual bill/provider before using Manatee County Utilities bill pay. |
| Lakewood Ranch / Parrish / Ellenton / Bayshore Gardens / Palmetto-area addresses | Edge-area addresses can overlap county, city, CDD, HOA or separate utility contexts. | Confirm by service address, bill name and account number. |
Bill Pay and CSS Login: Correct Payment Route
CSS Portal
Use CSS to make payments, view statements, request paperless billing, view consumption history and manage account details.
Open CSS PortalMail Payment
MCUD
P.O. Box 25350
Bradenton, FL 34206-5350
Mailed payments only — no physical location.
Drop Box
24-hour walk-up drop box at 3647 Cortez Road West, north side of the Administration Building.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSS online payment | Make payments, view statements, request paperless billing, view residential garbage days, view billing/consumption history, order recycling bins and report missed collection. | Most account-management tasks. | CSS requires a new account. Previous CWA online access was retired effective 2/14/2024. |
| Secure digital payments | County lists e-check, credit/debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay and Pay by Phone as secure options. | Customers avoiding check-mail theft risk. | Use official CSS/bill routes only. |
| Pay by phone | 833-425-2099. MasterCard/Visa have processing fee; checking/savings avoids processing fee. | Customers who prefer phone payment. | Do not use phone numbers from texts or ads. |
| MCUD, P.O. Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350. | Normal bills with enough mailing time. | County warns mail/check theft is a growing concern; digital options may be safer. | |
| 24-hour drop box | 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210. | After-hours check/money order drop-off. | Do not use it for urgent same-day proof unless Customer Service confirms posting. |
| Tax Collector office | 819 301 Boulevard West, Bradenton, FL 34205, listed Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM lobby hours. | In-person payment option during lobby hours. | Verify current hours before going. |
| Amscot | Cash payments. Payments before 2 PM on business days post same business day; after 2 PM post next business day. Convenience fee applies. | Cash users needing authorized payment route. | Fees and processing time vary. |
| Walmart | Payments before 7 PM post next business day; after 7 PM post in 2 business days. Convenience fee applies. | Customers using Walmart bill payment. | Not instant; keep receipt. |
What You Can Do Inside the Customer Self-Service Portal
Billing tools
- Make payments.
- View statements.
- Download statements.
- Request paperless billing.
- Create payment plans.
Account tools
- 24/7 access to your utility account.
- Update contact information.
- Enable text reminders.
- View water usage.
- See billing and consumption history.
Service requests
- Log in to CSS.
- Click “Requests.”
- Click “+ New Request.”
- Choose the subject/request type.
- Complete the questionnaire and submit.
CSS shortcut: if you only need a duplicate bill, Manatee County FAQ says you can email CSS@mymanatee.org or call 941-792-8811.
Emergency and Issue-Specific Phone Routing
Water line break
Call: 941-792-8811, ext. 5216
Use for a broken line, bubbling water in the street, low water pressure or no water pressure.
Sewer backup
Call: 941-792-8811, ext. 5411
Use for sewer backing up, wastewater coming from drains or urgent sewer problems.
After-hours emergency
Call 941-792-8811 and select option 8 after normal business hours.
| Problem | Route | What to say | Prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water bubbling up from street | 941-792-8811 x5216 | “Water is bubbling/flowing at [location].” | Nearest address, cross street, photo/video only if safe. |
| Low/no pressure | 941-792-8811 x5216 | “My address has low/no pressure; neighbors [are/are not] affected.” | Start time, all taps or one tap, nearby work, water notice area. |
| Sewer backing up | 941-792-8811 x5411 | “Sewage/wastewater is backing up at [fixture/location].” | Fixture affected, time started, neighbors affected, stop water use. |
| Water color/odor | 941-792-8811 x5025 | “Water changed color/odor at [address] starting [time].” | Clear glass photo, hot/cold, one tap or all taps, nearby flushing/repair. |
| Meter problem | 941-792-8811 x5332 | “I have a meter/read/usage concern for account [number].” | Account number, service address, usage history, photos if relevant. |
| Backflow question | 941-792-8811 x5267 or x5283 | “I need help with backflow/cross-connection requirements.” | Account, property type, irrigation/fire system/backflow device info. |
| Water conservation | 941-792-8811 x5327 or water.conservation@mymanatee.org | “I need conservation, restriction, rebate or irrigation evaluation guidance.” | Address, irrigation schedule, usage, landscape type. |
2026 Water, Sewer and Reclaimed Water Rates: What Searchers Need
Rates below are from Manatee County’s water and wastewater rates effective June 1, 2026. Use them as a quick guide; always verify your actual bill in CSS.
Example bill
Single-family residential, 5/8" meter, both water and sewer, 6,000 gallons: $103.83 water/sewer + $23.65 curbside garbage = $130.48.
Two-part charge
Monthly water/sewer charges include base charge plus quantity charge based on water used.
Residential water tier
First 6,000 gallons: $3.11 per 1,000 gallons.
Sewer quantity
Residential/non-residential individual meters: $6.89 per 1,000 gallons; residential individual meters capped at 10,000 gallons/month.
| Rate item | 2026 amount / rule | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 5/8" x 3/4" individual meter base | Water $12.95 / Wastewater $30.88 | Common residential meter-size base charge. |
| 3/4" meter base | Water $17.50 / Wastewater $44.26 | Used for larger residential/small commercial connections. |
| 1" meter base | Water $26.65 / Wastewater $70.90 | Important for irrigation/commercial/higher-capacity services. |
| Residential water, first 6,000 gallons | $3.11 per 1,000 gallons | First tier in the residential potable-water quantity charge. |
| Residential water, next 9,000 gallons | $3.89 per 1,000 gallons | Applies after the first 6,000 gallons. |
| Residential water, next 5,000 gallons | $9.36 per 1,000 gallons | High usage becomes more expensive. |
| Residential water over 20,000 gallons | $14.07 per 1,000 gallons | Leak/irrigation problems can become costly fast. |
| Wastewater quantity charge | $6.89 per 1,000 gallons of potable water consumption | For residential individual meters, capped at 10,000 gallons per month. |
| Reclaimed water — individual metered residential/commercial/industrial | $1.22 per 1,000 gallons | Useful for reclaimed irrigation customers. |
| Reclaimed water — residential/commercial common areas | $0.49 per 1,000 gallons | Common-area irrigation may use different reclaimed-water rate. |
Open a New Residential Utilities Account
Deposit for single-family home
Manatee County Utilities lists a $165.00 deposit for a single-family home. Deposits on individually metered single-family homes are applied to the account after two years of continuous payment history.
Garbage-only account
Residential garbage-only single-family home deposit is listed as $30.00. Garbage-only accounts must stay in the owner’s name.
Documents may be required
- Driver’s license or Florida State ID.
- Full Social Security number.
- Rental lease or notarized landlord letter if tenant.
| Account task | What to prepare | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Start water/sewer/garbage | ID, SSN, lease/landlord letter if tenant, service address, start date. | “What deposit, start date, and CSS setup step applies to this address?” |
| Transfer deposit | Current account, new address, move date, proof account is current. | “Can my deposit transfer to the new unincorporated Manatee County address?” |
| Close account | Stop date, forwarding address, final bill address, deposit question. | “Will my deposit be applied to the final balance?” |
| Delinquency / bad check history | Payment history, returned-item details, notices. | “Is any additional deposit required because of account history?” |
High Water Bill: Checks That Actually Matter
Toilet dye test
Manatee County says to add food coloring or a dye tablet to the toilet tank and wait 10–15 minutes without flushing. Color in the bowl indicates a leak that may need repair.
Pool-fill adjustment
If you recently filled your pool, you may qualify for a credit on the sewer portion of your bill. Request it in CSS: Request → Adjustment → General Adjustment.
No seasonal rate
Manatee County Utilities says it does not offer a seasonal rate. If there is no usage, the account is charged only base rates.
| Check | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet leak | Dye test tank for 10–15 minutes without flushing. | Silent leaks often cause unexplained high bills. |
| Outdoor irrigation | Check irrigation timers, broken heads, stuck zones and reclaimed-water pressure notices. | Outdoor use can drive tiered water charges higher. |
| Pool fill | Request sewer adjustment through CSS if eligible. | Pool water may not enter sewer, so sewer credit may apply. |
| Meter concern | Call 941-792-8811 ext. 5332. | Meter/read questions need the meter route. |
| WaterWise smart meter work | Watch for county postcard before neighborhood installation. | County says meter replacement may interrupt service for about 10 minutes and has no charge. |
Water Notices, Boil Water Notices and Service Interruptions
Water notices include
- Water service interruptions.
- Low or reduced water pressure.
- Scheduled service shutoffs.
- Emergency water shutoffs.
- Precautionary or mandatory boil water notices.
Current notice map/page
Use the official Utilities Water Notices page, not social media screenshots, to check whether your address is inside an affected area.
Open Water NoticesCall if unsure
For water line breaks, low/no pressure or service interruption confusion, call 941-792-8811, ext. 5216.
Boil notice rule: follow the specific official notice for your affected area until Manatee County issues a rescission notice. Do not stop boiling based on neighbor comments or old posts.
Water Quality, Testing, Color/Odor and Conservation
Water testing
Call 941-792-8811, ext. 5032.
Water color/odor
Call 941-792-8811, ext. 5025.
Water conservation
Call 941-792-8811, ext. 5327 or email water.conservation@mymanatee.org.
Water quality report
Manatee County’s Water Division page lists the 2025 Water Quality Report and related water-quality documents.
| Concern | Best route | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| Water smell or taste | Water Color/Odor extension 5025. | Tap affected, hot/cold, time started, color/odor description. |
| Water testing question | Call 941-792-8811 ext. 5032. | Address, concern, whether neighbors are affected, photos if visible. |
| Water conservation / irrigation | Water Conservation ext. 5327 or water.conservation@mymanatee.org. | Irrigation schedule, landscape type, high-bill issue, rebate interest. |
| Landscape irrigation evaluation | UF/IFAS Mobile Irrigation Lab resources linked by the county. | Address, irrigation zones, watering schedule, high-use months. |
| Modified water shortage restrictions | Use official Manatee County watering restriction page. | Address, irrigation source, allowed day/time and exemption questions. |
Bill Assistance, Payment Plans and Local Help
Payment arrangement
Manatee County Utilities Customer Service may assist with a possible payment arrangement. You can request a payment plan through your CSS account.
Customer Assistance Commitment
The Customer Assistance Commitment Application allows help agencies to assist Manatee County Utilities customers. The agency must submit the form and agree to make payments toward the customer account.
Get proof ready
- Latest bill or notice.
- Account number.
- Amount due.
- Household income information.
- Agency contact details.
| Resource | Phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Manatee County Utilities Customer Service | 941-792-8811 | Payment arrangement and account-specific balance questions. |
| United Way | 941-308-4357 or dial 211 | Referral and local assistance routing. |
| Salvation Army | 941-748-5110 | Possible emergency assistance depending on availability. |
| Step Up Suncoast | 941-827-0188 | Community assistance / support resources. |
| Catholic Charities | 941-355-4680 | Possible assistance/referral route. |
Solid Waste Actions Inside Your Utilities Account
Collection days
CSS lets customers view residential garbage collection days. The Resident Information Tool can also help with collection-day lookup.
Recycle cart
CSS route listed by the county: Request → Solid Waste → Recycle Cart.
White goods pickup
County FAQ says appliances should be scheduled in advance through CSS or by calling 311. Up to two same-type items may be placed at curb once per month on the designated zone-based collection day.
Why this belongs here: Manatee County Utilities accounts can combine water/sewer billing with curbside garbage and solid waste service requests, so bill-pay users often need both utility and solid-waste answers on the same page.
WaterWise Manatee Smart Meter Program
150,000 customers
Manatee County announced WaterWise Manatee as a smart meter upgrade for 150,000 customers.
Installation timeline
Installations began April 21, 2025 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
What customers should expect
The county says customers will be notified by postcard before neighborhood work, water service may be interrupted for about 10 minutes, customers do not need to be present, and there is no charge for the meter upgrade.
Future benefit: the county says Phase II enhancements are expected to let customers monitor use online and receive alerts for water flow/consumption, helping conserve water and detect issues earlier.
Payment Safety: Avoid Utility Bill Scams
Gift card / crypto / wire
Manatee County says it will never request payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
Use trusted channels
Use the payment options on your bill or at mymanatee.org. Do not follow unexpected payment links.
Check theft warning
The county’s payment-safety post notes increasing reports of checks stolen from mail and encourages secure digital options.
| Scenario | Safe response | Do not do this |
|---|---|---|
| Unexpected text/email says pay now | Open CSS manually or call 941-792-8811. | Do not click unknown links or enter card/bank data. |
| Caller demands gift card/crypto/wire | Hang up and call the official number. | Do not share redemption codes, screenshots or receipts. |
| Payment site looks different | Go back to mymanatee.org or CSS from the official site. | Do not pay through ad-looking pages or old bookmarked CWA login pages. |
| Mailing a check | Consider secure online payment if time-sensitive. | Do not mail close to a shutoff/deadline without confirming timing. |
Google Map: Manatee County Utilities Administration Building
Use the map for the Utilities Administration Building and 24-hour drop box at 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210.
| Location | Address | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Manatee County Utilities Administration Building | 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210 | Main utility location, official contact address, 24-hour walk-up drop box on north side of building. |
| Payment mailing address | MCUD, P.O. Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350 | Mailed payments only; not a physical location. |
| Manatee County Tax Collector Office | 819 301 Boulevard West, Bradenton, FL 34205 | Listed in FAQ as a payment option during lobby hours Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM. |
| County Administration Building | 1112 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205 | County government address, not the utility payment drop box. |
Manatee County Water Utilities FAQ
What is the Manatee County Utilities phone number?
The main phone number is 941-792-8811. Customer Service is available by phone Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM, excluding holidays.
How do I pay my Manatee County Utilities bill online?
Use the Customer Self-Service portal at css-prod.mymanatee.org. CSS lets you make payments, view statements, request paperless billing, view billing and consumption history, and manage account services.
What is the Manatee County Utilities pay-by-phone number?
The automated phone payment number is 833-425-2099. You need your new account number. MasterCard and Visa payments have a processing fee; checking or savings payments avoid the processing fee.
Where do I mail a payment?
Mail payments to MCUD, P.O. Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350. This is for mailed payments only and is not a physical location.
Where is the 24-hour drop box?
The 24-hour walk-up drop box is at Manatee County Utilities Administration Building, 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210, on the north side of the building.
How do I report a water line break?
If you see a broken line or water bubbling up from the street, call Manatee County Utilities at 941-792-8811, extension 5216.
Who do I call if my sewer is backing up?
Call Manatee County Utilities at 941-792-8811, extension 5411 for sewer issues or sewer backup.
How do I report low or no water pressure?
Call Manatee County Utilities at 941-792-8811, extension 5216. Also check the official Utilities Water Notices page for service interruptions or boil water notices.
What if I have a water color or odor problem?
Call 941-792-8811, extension 5025 for water color or odor questions. Record the address, tap affected, hot/cold water, time started and whether neighbors are affected.
How do I get help paying my utility bill?
Manatee County Utilities may assist with a possible payment arrangement through CSS. The county also lists United Way at 941-308-4357 or 211, Salvation Army at 941-748-5110, Step Up Suncoast at 941-827-0188 and Catholic Charities at 941-355-4680.
What deposit is required for a new residential account?
Manatee County Utilities lists a $165.00 deposit for a single-family home. For a residential garbage-only single-family home, the listed deposit is $30.00.
What documents may be needed to open service?
The county says it may require a driver’s license or Florida State ID, full Social Security number, and a rental lease or notarized landlord letter if the applicant is a tenant.
Does Manatee County Utilities have a seasonal rate?
No. Manatee County Utilities says it does not offer a seasonal rate. If there is no usage on the account, the customer is charged only the base rates.
Can I get a sewer credit if I filled my pool?
If you recently filled your pool, you may qualify for a sewer-portion credit. The county says to request an adjustment through CSS: Request → Adjustment → General Adjustment.
How do I know if my area has a boil water notice?
Use the official Manatee County Utilities Water Notices page. Notices include service interruptions, scheduled/emergency shutoffs, precautionary boil water notices, mandatory boil water notices and other water-related notices.
30-Second Manatee County Utilities Checklist
Pay/login: use CSS at css-prod.mymanatee.org or pay by phone at 833-425-2099.
Customer service: call 941-792-8811, Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM.
After hours: call 941-792-8811 and select option 8 for emergencies.
Water line break / low pressure: 941-792-8811 x5216.
Sewer backup: 941-792-8811 x5411.
Office/drop box: 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210.