Pay Your Iowa City Water Bill, Manage Utilities & Get Service Help
Iowa City Water Utilities provides municipal drinking water service to customers in Iowa City, University Heights and surrounding service areas. The City’s Revenue Division handles water billing, sewer charges, utility payments, account changes and automatic payments.
If you need to pay a bill, keep your account number and customer ID ready. If you have a water leak or service emergency, contact the Water Division instead of the billing office.
Iowa City, IA 52240
9 AM–5 PM
How to Pay an Iowa City Water Bill Online
The City of Iowa City offers an online utility payment service. Customers use their account number and customer ID to access the payment process.
- Open the official utility page. Visit Iowa City Revenue & Utilities.
- Find Pay Utility Bills. Select the City’s online bill payment link. This takes you to the authorized payment system.
- Enter your account information. Use the account number and customer ID printed on your utility statement.
- Verify the account. Confirm the service address and amount due before proceeding.
- Complete the payment. Select an available payment method and review any charges or instructions shown in the system.
- Save the confirmation. Keep the payment receipt until the payment is reflected in your account.
The official utility page also provides a video showing how to make an online payment.
Iowa City Utility Account Login and Customer ID Help
Residents searching for an Iowa City water utility login should use the payment link published by the City of Iowa City. This avoids confusing the municipal utility with Iowa American Water, which is a different provider.
What You Need
- Utility account number from the latest statement.
- Customer ID associated with the account.
- Amount due or recent billing information for verification.
- Available payment information if you intend to pay.
Account Not Found?
- Check the account number and customer ID against your latest bill.
- Make sure you opened the payment system through icgov.org.
- If the account was recently opened, verify that service enrollment has been completed.
- Contact the Revenue Division at 319-356-5066 for account assistance.
Billing email: revutilityonline@iowa-city.org.
Other Ways to Pay Your Iowa City Utility Bill
| Payment Method | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Online | Use the authorized payment link on the City’s Revenue & Utilities page. |
| By phone | Call 319-356-5066. A customer service representative can help process payment or answer billing questions. |
| In person | Visit the Revenue Division at City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240. |
| SurePay | Enroll in automatic payments directly from your financial institution using the City’s application. |
| Other payment arrangements | Contact the Revenue Division to confirm accepted methods and processing details before sending money. |
The Revenue Division counter is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, excluding applicable City closures.
How to Set Up SurePay Automatic Water Bill Payments
Iowa City’s SurePay program allows utility bills to be paid automatically from a customer’s financial institution. This can help avoid late payments and repeated manual transactions.
- Open the official Revenue & Utilities page.
- Find the section named Surepay: Automatic Bill Pay.
- Choose the online application or printable authorization form.
- Provide the requested utility account and bank information securely.
- Submit the authorization following the City’s instructions.
- Continue checking your statements until automatic payment enrollment is confirmed.
Customers can also call 319-356-5066 to request SurePay assistance.
Important: Review the upcoming payment date before assuming a newly submitted SurePay application covers the current bill.
When Are Iowa City Water Bills Due?
Iowa City bills municipal utility accounts monthly. According to the Revenue Division, payments are due 15 days after the bill date.
The City uses separate billing zones, so customers do not all have the same monthly due date.
| Billing Zone | October 2026 Due Date | 10% Fee Date |
|---|---|---|
| Zone A | October 22, 2026 | October 29, 2026 |
| Zone B | October 29, 2026 | November 5, 2026 |
| Zone C | October 1, 2026 | October 8, 2026 |
| Zone D | October 8, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
These dates come from the City’s published billing schedule. They are examples of why the due date varies by zone, not universal deadlines for every customer.
For upcoming payment deadlines, consult the official Iowa City Utility Bill Schedule.
Iowa City Water and Sewer Rates Effective July 1, 2026
Iowa City’s water rates increased by 3% and wastewater rates by 5% beginning July 1, 2026. The change was approved by the City Council and took effect with fiscal year 2027.
Water Rates
| Water Charge | 2026 Rate |
|---|---|
| 5/8-inch residential meter minimum monthly charge | $9.31 |
| 3/4-inch meter minimum | $10.18 |
| 1-inch meter minimum | $11.98 |
| 1½-inch meter minimum | $23.89 |
| 2-inch meter minimum | $32.12 |
| Water usage, 101–3,000 cubic feet monthly | $4.34 per 100 cubic feet |
| Water usage over 3,000 cubic feet monthly | $3.12 per 100 cubic feet |
The monthly minimum water charge includes the first 100 cubic feet of water used. One hundred cubic feet equals approximately 748 gallons.
Sewer Rates
- Minimum monthly sewer charge: $9.17, including the first 100 cubic feet.
- Additional sewer usage: $4.48 for each additional 100 cubic feet.
These charges do not include applicable solid waste, recycling, stormwater or other utility fees.
See the complete official Iowa City Utility Fees for meter-specific rates and other charges.
Start or Stop Iowa City Water and Sewer Service
Residents moving into or out of Iowa City can request utility service changes through the Revenue Division. The City’s utility accounts may also include curbside garbage, recycling and yard or food waste collection for eligible residential properties.
Start a New Utility Account
- Visit Iowa City Revenue & Utilities.
- Find the Start or Stop Service section.
- Select the online service registration option.
- Provide your service address, contact information and requested starting date.
- Complete any additional information required by the application.
- Confirm that the City received your request and verify your account details.
You can also complete the service request through the Revenue Division at City Hall or call 319-356-5066 for assistance.
Stop Service Before Moving
- Locate your utility account number.
- Decide on the final date for service.
- Use the City’s online stop-service option or contact the Revenue Division.
- Provide forwarding contact information if requested.
- Confirm the closing date and any final balance.
Iowa City Utility Discount Program: Who Qualifies?
The City offers financial relief through its Utility Discount Program for eligible customers receiving certain government assistance benefits.
Qualifying accounts can receive:
- 75% off minimum water and sewer charges.
- 75% off the monthly stormwater charge.
- 75% off applicable refuse, recycling and organics charges.
Eligibility
The City lists participation in programs such as SNAP, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Family Investment Program, Title XX Childcare Assistance, Elderly Tax Credit or Rent Reimbursement.
All household residents must meet the City’s program eligibility requirements.
How to Apply
- Open the official Utility Discount Program page.
- Review eligibility and the benefit programs accepted.
- Complete the Authorization for Release of Information form.
- Print and sign the form as instructed.
- Mail or deliver the signed authorization to the appropriate agency identified by the form.
- Wait for eligibility verification by the appropriate agency.
Approved discounts take effect after eligibility is verified. The City requires periodic renewal, and applicants may need to reapply between March 1 and May 31.
What to Do if Your Iowa City Water Bill Is Too High
An unexpectedly high utility bill may be caused by actual water consumption, leaks, sewer calculations or billing errors.
Check These First
- Compare your water use with the previous month.
- Check toilets for continuous running or slow leaks.
- Inspect outdoor faucets, irrigation lines and exposed plumbing.
- Compare the current meter reading with the amount shown on your statement.
- Check whether your bill includes additional garbage or stormwater charges.
Request a Water Usage Review
Iowa City allows customers to submit a Water Usage Administrative Review when a malfunctioning plumbing fixture causes unusually high water consumption and a larger wastewater bill.
- Fix the defective plumbing fixture and retain evidence of the repair.
- Visit the official Iowa City Online Payments and Services page.
- Find the Water Usage Administrative Review Form.
- Complete the online or PDF form with the requested account and problem details.
- Submit the form according to the City’s instructions.
- Keep any repair documents and wait for the review decision.
Dispute an Incorrect Bill
The City’s Account Maintenance guidance states that adjustments can be made for verified incorrect water, wastewater or garbage/recycling billing, subject to the applicable adjustment period and rules.
For a suspected error, call 319-356-5066 and request a review of the specific billing period.
Iowa City Water Emergencies, Leaks and Service Interruptions
Water Division
319-356-5160
General water system questions, meter appointments and water service information.
Water Emergency Line
Report suspected water main breaks and urgent municipal water problems.
What to Do if You Have No Water
- Check whether the problem affects all faucets or only one fixture.
- Ask nearby neighbors whether they are experiencing the same interruption.
- Check for an official water service notice.
- If you suspect a public water main break or utility system problem, call 319-356-5166.
- Follow any official boil-water advisory or temporary service instructions.
The Water Division is located at 80 Stephen Atkins Drive, Iowa City. General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Official information: Iowa City Water Division.
Local Iowa City Water Service Tips
Winter Pipe Protection
Iowa winters can expose plumbing in unheated areas to freezing temperatures. Disconnect outdoor hoses, protect exposed plumbing and maintain adequate indoor heat during cold weather.
If a pipe freezes, avoid using open flames or unsafe heating methods. Contact a qualified plumber when necessary.
Outdoor Irrigation and Sewer Charges
Iowa City offers single-purpose water meters for certain outdoor uses, such as irrigation, gardening and pool filling. Water measured by these meters does not enter the sanitary sewer system and is not charged the normal sewer consumption rate.
However, the property owner must pay for the meter and installation. Contact the Water Division at 319-356-5160 to discuss whether a separate meter makes financial sense for your property.
University Heights and Nearby Communities
Iowa City’s Water Division also serves University Heights and surrounding service areas. Nevertheless, do not assume every Johnson County address receives the same utility bill. Check the actual provider before using the City’s payment system.
Iowa City Water Utilities Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my Iowa City water bill online?
Visit the City’s official Revenue & Utilities page and select Pay Utility Bills. Enter your account number and customer ID to use the authorized payment system.
What is the Iowa City utility billing phone number?
Call 319-356-5066 for utility payments, account questions, billing issues and service requests.
Where is the Iowa City utility billing office?
The Revenue Division is located at City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240.
When is my Iowa City water bill due?
Bills are generally due 15 days after the bill date. The actual deadline depends on your billing zone and is shown on your statement and the official utility bill schedule.
Does Iowa City offer automatic water bill payments?
Yes. SurePay allows customers to pay their monthly utility bills automatically through their financial institution.
How much is the Iowa City water minimum charge in 2026?
Effective July 1, 2026, the minimum monthly water charge for a typical 5/8-inch residential meter is $9.31, covering the first 100 cubic feet of water.
Can I get a discount on my Iowa City water bill?
Eligible customers may qualify for a 75% discount on certain minimum water, sewer, stormwater and waste collection charges through the City’s Utility Discount Program.
How do I start water service at a new address?
Use the Start or Stop Service option on the official Revenue & Utilities website, or contact the Revenue Division at 319-356-5066.
What should I do about a high water bill?
Check for plumbing leaks and unusual consumption. If a malfunctioning fixture caused high usage, review the City’s Water Usage Administrative Review process.
What number should I call for an Iowa City water emergency?
Call the Water Division emergency number, 319-356-5166. For ordinary billing questions, use 319-356-5066.
Official Iowa City Water Utility Resources
- Iowa City Revenue & Utilities — Payments, SurePay and Service
- 2026 Water, Sewer and Other Utility Fees
- 2026 Utility Billing Dates and Due Dates
- Utility Discount Program and Application
- Billing Adjustments and Account Maintenance
- Iowa City Water Division and Emergency Contacts
- Online Payments and Water Usage Review
Independent information guide: WaterUtilities.org is not affiliated with the City of Iowa City or its Water Division. This article explains publicly available utility procedures and does not process payments, access accounts or dispatch emergency services. Fees, schedules and policies may change. Official information reviewed October 24, 2026.