Manatee Water Utilities Help: Pay, Log In, Call or Fix a Utility Problem
Use this guide like a county utility help desk. Pick your issue, use the official Manatee County route, prepare the right details, and avoid delayed payments, wrong phone extensions, or missed emergency routing.
Fast Answer Board
| Searcher intent | Official route | Prepare first | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay or log in | Customer Self-Service Portal | New account number, login email, payment method. | Old CWA online access was retired effective 2/14/2024; CSS requires a new account. |
| Pay by phone | 833-425-2099 | New utility account number, card or bank details. | MasterCard/Visa has a processing fee; checking/savings avoids the processing fee. |
| Billing help / payment arrangement | 941-792-8811 or CSS | Bill, account number, due date, balance, notice, payment proof. | Payment plans can be requested through the online CSS account. |
| Water line break / low pressure | 941-792-8811, ext. 5216 | Address, cross street, pressure issue, bubbling water, time started. | After hours, call customer service and select option 8. |
| Sewer backup / sewer issue | 941-792-8811, ext. 5411 | Address, fixture affected, backup location, neighbors affected. | Avoid wastewater contact; stop using water if backup worsens. |
| Water color / odor | 941-792-8811, ext. 5025 | Glass photo, tap affected, cold/hot, smell description, time started. | For water testing, call ext. 5032. |
| New residential account | Open a New Residential Utilities Account | Service address, applicant details, deposit, account setup info. | Single-family residential deposit listed at $165. |
| Drop off payment | 24-hour drop box at 3647 Cortez Road West | Bill stub, check or money order, account number. | Lobby is permanently closed; phone hours remain Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM. |
Provider warning: Manatee County Utilities serves unincorporated Manatee County. If you live inside Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, or Longboat Key, check your bill before paying because your provider may be a city or town utility.
Official Manatee County Utilities Contact Box
Utilities Administration Building
Manatee County Utilities
3647 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, FL 34210
Main phone: 941-792-8811
Hours & access
Phone hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Online access: 24/7 through Customer Self-Service.
After hours: call 941-792-8811 and select option 8 for emergencies.
Service area
Manatee County Utilities provides potable water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and solid waste services to residences and businesses in Unincorporated Manatee County.
| Local area / district | Why searchers get confused | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated Manatee County | Most likely Manatee County Utilities customer for county water/sewer/solid waste. | Use CSS, 941-792-8811, and the County payment/drop-box routes. |
| Bradenton address | Some Bradenton-area addresses are county; some may be city utility or another provider. | Check provider name on bill before paying. |
| Palmetto / Anna Maria / Holmes Beach / Bradenton Beach / Longboat Key | These incorporated municipalities can have separate local utility relationships or routing. | Use the provider shown on your bill, not only the search result title. |
| Lakewood Ranch / Parrish / Ellenton / Bayshore Gardens / West Bradenton | These can appear in county utility searches, but service can vary by address and development. | Use the service address and bill provider name when calling or logging in. |
Official county utility links:
Bill Pay & CSS Login: Exact Steps
CSS login
Use to pay, view statements, go paperless, view usage and billing history.
Mail payment
Manatee County Utilities Department
PO Box 25350
Bradenton, FL 34206-5350
Drop box
24-hour walk-up drop box:
3647 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, FL 34210
Check the account number first
Manatee’s newer CSS system requires the new utility account number. Old online access under the previous CWA system was retired effective 2/14/2024.
Use CSS for account control
CSS lets customers make payments, view statements, request paperless billing, view billing and consumption history, order recycling bins, sign in to manage the account, and report missed collection.
Choose the safest payment method
County guidance promotes official CSS and trusted channels. It says Manatee County Utilities will never request payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
Save proof before closing the page
Keep confirmation number, date/time, amount, account number, payment method, and screenshot. A confirmation number does not always mean the money was immediately drawn from the account.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSS online | css-prod.mymanatee.org / mymanatee.org/css. | Payments, statements, autopay, paperless billing, usage history and payment plans. | Register with the new account number. |
| Phone payment | Automated system: 833-425-2099. | Pay without browser access. | MasterCard/Visa has processing fee; checking/savings avoids processing fee. |
| PO Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350. | Regular bills with time before due date. | County says checks in the mail have theft risk; digital options reduce interception risk. | |
| 24-hour drop box | 3647 Cortez Road West, north side of Administration Building. | After-hours check/money-order drop-off. | Do not expect lobby service; lobby is listed as permanently closed. |
| Amscot | Amscot accepts Manatee County Utility payments; only cash; convenience fee applies. | Cash payment route. | Before 2 PM on business days posts same business day; after 2 PM posts next business day. |
| Walmart | Walmart accepts Manatee County Utility payments; convenience fee applies. | Retail payment route. | Before 7 PM posts next business day; after 7 PM posts in 2 business days. |
| Tax Collector Office | 819 301 Boulevard West, Bradenton, FL 34205, during lobby hours Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM. | In-person payment route listed by the County. | Confirm payment type and posting before going if account is urgent. |
Past Due, Payment Arrangement or Assistance
Payment arrangement
Manatee County Utilities Customer Service may assist with a possible payment arrangement. Customers can request a payment plan through CSS.
Help agency form
The Customer Assistance Commitment Application lets help agencies commit payments toward a customer’s utilities account.
Returned payment risk
Payments may fail after confirmation because of bank rejection, input error, returned item, or other issues.
| Need | Official route / number | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Payment plan | Log in to CSS or call 941-792-8811. | Balance, due date, hardship reason, amount you can pay today. |
| Help agency assistance | Customer Assistance Commitment. | The agency must submit the form and agree to make payments toward the account. |
| United Way | 941-308-4357 or dial 211. | Bill, ID, household details, income/assistance documents. |
| Salvation Army | 941-748-5110. | Ask what utility-assistance documents are currently required. |
| Step Up Suncoast | 941-827-0188. | Ask about available funding and appointment requirements. |
| Catholic Charities | 941-355-4680. | Ask whether utility assistance is available for Manatee County Utilities customers. |
Emergency Routing: Water, Sewer, Reclaimed, Color/Odor, Meter
Water line break
941-792-8811
Ext. 5216
Use for broken line, bubbling water in street, low/no pressure.
| Problem | Call / extension | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Water bubbling in street | 941-792-8811 ext. 5216 | “Water is bubbling/flowing at [address/cross street]. It started around [time].” |
| No water / low pressure | 941-792-8811 ext. 5216 | “My address has low/no pressure. It affects [all taps/one area]. Neighbors [are/are not] affected.” |
| Sewer backing up | 941-792-8811 ext. 5411 | “Wastewater is backing up at [fixture/location]. I have stopped using water.” |
| Reclaimed water issue | 941-792-8811, follow prompts or email UCSnewservices@mymanatee.org | “My reclaimed line has [low pressure/no water/other issue] at [address].” |
| Backflow question | Ext. 5267 or 5283; water.saver@mymanatee.org | “I received a backflow notice / need test guidance for [address].” |
| Meter question | Ext. 5332 | “I need help with my meter read, smart meter, or leak-test reading.” |
| Water testing | Ext. 5032 | “I want to ask about water testing for [color/odor/taste/location].” |
Sewer safety: avoid wastewater contact, keep children and pets away, stop running water if backup worsens, and document damage only when safe.
Open, Transfer or Close Service
New residential account
- Call or use the official new residential account service page.
- Single-family residential deposit is listed at $165.
- Deposits may be applied after two years of continuous payment history.
- Deposits are transferable within unincorporated Manatee County if the account is current.
Extra deposit triggers
- Account delinquent three or more times.
- Two or more bad checks in a 12-month period.
- Deposit interest is credited to the account.
- All deposits apply to final balance if not transferred or previously applied.
Garbage-only account
- Driver license or Florida ID required.
- Full Social Security number required.
- Garbage-only account must stay in the owner’s name.
- Residential garbage-only single-family deposit listed at $30.
2026 Water & Sewer Rates: What Users Actually Need
Effective date
Manatee County posted water and wastewater rates effective June 1, 2026.
Example bill
Single-family example with 5/8-inch meter, water + sewer, 6,000 gallons: water/sewer $103.83 + curbside garbage $23.65 = total $130.48.
Bill structure
Monthly water/sewer charges have two parts: base charge and quantity charge based on usage.
| Rate item | 2026 official amount | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 5/8" x 3/4" individual meter base charge | Water $12.95 / Wastewater $30.88 | Common single-family base line before usage. |
| 3/4" individual meter base charge | Water $17.50 / Wastewater $44.26 | Useful if bill base charge looks higher than neighbor’s. |
| 1" individual meter base charge | Water $26.65 / Wastewater $70.90 | Often affects larger homes/businesses. |
| Residential water usage | First 6,000 gallons: $3.11 per 1,000 gallons. | First tier for individual residential meters. |
| Next residential tier | Next 9,000 gallons: $3.89 per 1,000 gallons. | Where irrigation or leaks can push the bill upward. |
| High residential usage | Next 5,000 gallons: $9.36 per 1,000 gallons; over 20,000 gallons: $14.07 per 1,000 gallons. | High tiers make leaks/sprinklers expensive. |
| Wastewater quantity charge | $6.89 per 1,000 gallons of potable water consumption. | Residential individual meters are capped at 10,000 gallons per month. |
| Reclaimed water — individual metered residential/commercial/industrial | $1.22 per 1,000 gallons. | Useful for reclaimed irrigation accounts. |
High Water Bill: Meter, Toilet, Leak and Irrigation Checks
Digital meter check
Open the meter lid, clear debris, open the flip top and shine a flashlight so the light-activated display appears.
Read vs flow rate
The digital display toggles between meter read and flow rate. Read left to right like a car odometer.
Toilet dye test
Add food coloring/dye to tank and wait 10-15 minutes without flushing. Color in bowl means a leak likely needs repair.
No seasonal rate
County FAQ says there is no seasonal rate. If no usage, only base rates are charged.
| Check | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Compare statement read | Subtract bill read from current meter read to estimate usage. | Confirms whether usage continued after the bill period. |
| Look at flow rate | With all water off, any active flow can suggest a leak or running fixture. | Helps catch invisible leaks. |
| Toilets | Dye test every toilet; do not flush during waiting period. | Silent toilet leaks are common high-bill causes. |
| Irrigation | Check schedule, broken sprinkler heads, stuck zones, rain sensor, reclaimed pressure notices. | Irrigation can push usage into higher rate tiers. |
| Reclaimed line low pressure | Check County reclaimed-water notices and phone prompts. | Seasonal demand can affect reclaimed water pressure. |
| Smart meter project | WaterWise Manatee is adding smart meters to about 150,000 customers; service interruption during installation is about 10 minutes and there is no charge. | Customers may receive postcards before neighborhood installation. |
Water Quality, Odor, Taste, Testing and Boil Notices
Color / odor
Call 941-792-8811, ext. 5025.
Prepare color, smell, affected tap, time started and photo.
Water quality report
The Water Division page links the 2025 Water Quality Report, Water Usage Report Card, boil water notices, rescission notices and additional water quality documents.
| Searcher question | Helpful answer | Official action |
|---|---|---|
| Why does my water smell or taste different? | County odor/taste guidance says odor and taste are subjective and can be affected by dissolved constituents even when water meets safety standards. | Call ext. 5025 with details and check current notices. |
| Where are boil water notices? | The Water Division page lists active/recent Precautionary Boil Water Notices and rescission notices. | Check your exact street/address and confirm when a notice is rescinded. |
| Can I get water tested? | County FAQ says to call Manatee County Utilities at 941-792-8811, ext. 5032. | Prepare address, symptom, tap, and timing. |
| Who handles conservation? | Water Conservation: 941-792-8811 ext. 5327 or water.conservation@mymanatee.org. | Use for irrigation evaluation, rebate and conservation questions. |
| Can I get a toilet rebate? | County offers rebates for replacing older high-flush toilets with 1.28 GPF or less models; eligible customers can receive $50-$100, max two toilets per household. | Keep old toilets until application approval. |
Garbage, Recycling, Bulk, White Goods and Waste Wizard
Collection day
Use the Resident Information Tool to find garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup days for your address.
Recycling bin
Request a 64-gallon recycling bin through CSS: Request → Solid Waste → Recycle Cart.
Waste Wizard
Use Waste Wizard to look up disposal rules and sign up for Household Hazardous Waste and E-Scrap reminders.
| Solid waste need | Official detail | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk pickup | Beginning May 1, 2026, the Bulk Collection Pilot lets unincorporated residential customers place up to two bulk items at curb once per month on a zone-based collection day, for 12 pickups per year, no rate change. | Check Resident Information Tool and bulk rules. |
| White goods / appliances | Up to two same-type items may be placed at curb once per month on the designated zone-based collection day, but appliances must be scheduled in advance. | Schedule in CSS or call 311. |
| Damaged bin | Request repair/replacement in CSS: Request → Solid Waste → Maintenance Request for County Provided Garbage Bin. | Use CSS instead of calling if you want to track the request. |
| Holiday week | If collection day falls on listed holidays, pickup is delayed one day for the rest of that week; regular service resumes Monday. | Watch for New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. |
Digging, Utility Locates, Backflow and Infrastructure Maps
Before digging
Use Sunshine 811 for utility locates before excavation, fence posts, landscaping, irrigation or trenching.
County records
Utility Mapping and Locates handles record drawings and infrastructure maps for potable water, sanitary sewer, reclaimed water, fiber optic conduit, traffic signals and interconnects.
Mapping contact
Phone: 941-792-8811
Email: utilities_records@mymanatee.org
Backflow note: backflow questions route to ext. 5267 or 5283, or water.saver@mymanatee.org. Cross connections can let non-potable water or hazardous substances link to drinking water, so backflow devices protect the public water supply.
Map, Payment Address and Drop-Off Locations
Use this map for the Utilities Administration Building and 24-hour walk-up payment drop box at 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210.
| Location | Address | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities Administration Building | 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210 | Main utility address, 24-hour drop box on north side, map location. |
| Mail payment only | Manatee County Utilities Department, PO Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350 | Mail utility bill payments; no physical location. |
| Tax Collector payment option | 819 301 Boulevard West, Bradenton, FL 34205 | Payment option during lobby hours Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. |
| Manatee County Administration Building | 1112 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205 | County administration reference address, not the utility payment mailing PO box. |
| Amscot / Walmart | Use location search through Amscot or Walmart | Retail payment options with convenience fees and different posting times. |
Manatee Water Utilities FAQ
What is the Manatee County Utilities phone number?
The main Manatee County Utilities phone number is 941-792-8811. Customer service phone hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. After hours, call the same number and select option 8 for emergencies.
Where do I log in to pay a Manatee County utility bill?
Use the official Customer Self-Service Portal at css-prod.mymanatee.org or mymanatee.org/css. CSS lets customers make payments, view statements, request paperless billing, view consumption history and manage service requests.
What is the pay-by-phone number?
The automated phone payment number is 833-425-2099. You need the new account number. MasterCard and Visa have a processing fee; checking or savings account payment avoids the processing fee.
What is the Manatee County Utilities address?
The Utilities Administration Building is at 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210. The 24-hour drop box is outside the building on the north side.
Where do I mail a utility payment?
Mail payments to Manatee County Utilities Department, PO Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350. This is for mailed payments only and is not a physical payment office.
Can I drop off my water bill payment?
Yes. Manatee County lists a 24-hour walk-up drop box at 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210. The pay page also lists the Tax Collector’s Office at 819 301 Boulevard West during lobby hours, and Amscot/Walmart retail options with fees.
What happened to the old CWA online account?
Manatee County says online account access under the previous CWA system with the old account number was retired effective February 14, 2024. CSS access requires creating a new account with the new account number.
Who do I call for a water line break?
Call 941-792-8811, extension 5216, for a water line break, bubbling water in the street, or low/no water pressure.
Who do I call for a sewer backup?
Call 941-792-8811, extension 5411, for sewer issues or sewer backup. Avoid contact with wastewater and stop using water if the backup worsens.
How do I ask about water color, odor or testing?
For water color or odor, call 941-792-8811 extension 5025. For water testing, call extension 5032. Have your address, affected tap, timing and a clear photo ready.
How much is a new residential utilities deposit?
Manatee County lists a $165 deposit for a single-family home. Deposits may be applied after two years of continuous payment history and can transfer within unincorporated Manatee County if the account is current.
Why is my Manatee County utility bill high?
County FAQs say bills include base rates and usage charges. Check the digital meter, flow rate, toilet dye test, irrigation schedule, leaks and higher usage tiers before calling.
Is there a seasonal rate if I am away?
No. Manatee County FAQ says there is no seasonal rate. If there is no usage on the account, only base rates are charged.
How do I get help paying a Manatee County utility bill?
Contact Customer Service about possible payment arrangements or request a payment plan through CSS. The County also lists United Way, Salvation Army, Step Up Suncoast and Catholic Charities as possible local assistance organizations.
Is this the official Manatee County Utilities website?
No. This is an informational guide. Confirm live balance, notices, fees, payment posting, emergency routing and service changes with official Manatee County Utilities sources.
30-Second Manatee Utility Checklist
Pay/login: CSS Portal → new account number → payment method → save confirmation.
Phone payment: 833-425-2099; checking/savings avoids the processing fee listed for card payments.
Main number: 941-792-8811; after hours select option 8 for emergencies.
Water break/pressure: ext. 5216. Sewer: ext. 5411. Color/odor: ext. 5025. Water testing: ext. 5032.
Address/drop box: 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210. Mail payment: PO Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350.