Madison Water Bill: Pay Online, Phone, Auto-Pay, Mail, MadCAP Assistance and Leak Adjustment
Madison’s water bill is part of the broader Municipal Services bill, so customers may see water, sewer, stormwater, urban forestry, resource recovery and landfill charges together. This guide explains the official payment portal, Quick Pay, phone payment, mail address, in-person options, auto-pay, e-billing, customer assistance, start/stop service, water-use alerts and leak adjustment in one practical place.
Quick Pay
Use Quick Pay in the Municipal Services portal when you only need to pay and have your account number ready.
Auto-pay
Create or sign into a portal account to set up auto-pay, e-billing and water-use notifications.
Phone payment
Call 1-877-822-8414 to pay by phone. eCheck has no fee; card payments have a service fee.
Emergency
Call 608-266-4661 for main break/emergency and 608-266-4665 for after-hours emergency.
Main Official Madison Water Bill Links
How to Pay Your Madison Water Bill Online, by Phone, Mail or In Person
Madison water charges are paid through the Municipal Services bill. The City allows online, phone, mail and in-person payment, with different fees depending on payment method.
| Payment method | Official detail | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Online Quick Pay | Use the Municipal Services portal. Quick Pay only needs your account number and does not require login. | Open the official payment portal. |
| Online account login | Create an account to view details, manage multiple accounts, use multi-bill pay and e-billing. | Register if you want e-bills, auto-pay, usage history or threshold notifications. |
| Phone payment | Call 1-877-822-8414 to pay by phone. | Use eCheck to avoid the card service fee, if available for your account. |
| Mail payment | Make check payable to City Treasury and mail with bill stub to City of Madison Treasury, P.O. Box 2997, Madison, WI 53701-2997. | Mail early and include the bill stub so the payment matches your account. |
| In person at Water Utility | Madison Water Utility, 119 E. Olin Ave., Madison, WI 53713, Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. | Use this for in-person payment or water utility customer service. |
| In person at City Treasury | City of Madison Treasury, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 101, Madison, WI 53703, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. | Use this if you are already downtown or need Treasury payment support. |
| After-hours drop box | Madison Water Utility lists an after-hours drop box for checks only. | Do not place cash in the drop box. Include your bill stub/account number. |
Madison Municipal Services Payment Portal: Quick Pay, Sign In, Auto-Pay, E-Billing and Usage Alerts
Madison moved to a new Municipal Services payment portal in 2022. Existing accounts from before that move were not transferred for banking security reasons, so customers who want e-billing, auto-pay or water-use notifications need to create a new portal account.
Quick Pay
Use Quick Pay when you just need to pay the bill and have your account number ready. No login is necessary.
Sign in / register
Create an account if you want to manage bill details, multiple accounts, multi-bill pay and e-billing.
Usage notifications
The portal can show water usage and lets customers set threshold notifications for sudden usage changes.
| Portal item | What you need | Helpful note |
|---|---|---|
| Register account | Email address, Municipal Service Account Number and Customer Number. | The new Customer Number is a “1” followed by the old customer number. |
| Lost account details | Email municipalbilling@cityofmadison.com with name and service address. | Use subject line “Requesting Account and Customer ID.” |
| eCheck payment | Checking or savings account details. | The portal warns eCheck bank values must contain only numbers; dashes or spaces can cause failure. |
| Auto-pay | Portal account plus saved payment method. | Confirm the first auto-pay draft before assuming it is active. |
What Is Included on a Madison Municipal Services Bill?
Many people call it the Madison water bill, but the City labels it as a Municipal Services bill because it can include several services on one statement.
Water and sewer
Water Utility charges and sewer charges may appear together, so compare both sections when reviewing a high bill.
Stormwater and urban forestry
Your bill may include stormwater and urban forestry charges approved through the City’s rate and fee structure.
Resource recovery and landfill
Resource recovery and landfill charges may also be included, depending on the property and service type.
Start or End Madison Water Service When Moving
If you are a tenant responsible for the Municipal Services bill, or a homeowner handling a sale or purchase, service changes should be handled directly with Madison Water Utility Customer Service.
| Situation | Official guidance | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Start water service | Call 608-266-4641 during office hours. | Have service address, move-in date and customer details ready. |
| End water service | A final bill is required to close an account. | Call before moving and confirm final bill timing. |
| Tenant account | If your lease makes you responsible for the bill, call to start service and again when moving out. | Do not rely only on the landlord to close your account. |
| Real estate closing | Title companies often arrange transfer, but customers may verify by calling Water Utility Customer Service. | Confirm the final bill or transfer before closing day. |
| Special billing | The City lists special charges for certain final bills, special readings, real estate closing documentation and missed appointments. | Ask about fees before requesting special service outside normal billing. |
MadCAP: Madison Customer Assistance Program for Municipal Services Bills
MadCAP provides eligible households with a monthly credit of up to $30 on the Municipal Services bill. The credit is not automatic; customers must apply, and qualifying households need to re-apply every year.
| MadCAP item | Official detail | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly credit | Eligible households may receive up to $30 monthly credit. | Apply if the Municipal Services bill is in your name and you meet income rules. |
| Annual re-apply | Households that qualify need to re-apply every year. | Set a reminder before your current approval period ends. |
| Income proof | The City accepts income verification such as tax return, Social Security benefit statement or proof of FoodShare, Section 8, SNAP or WIC. | Prepare proof before starting the application. |
| Apply online | The City provides an online application and printable forms. | Open the official MadCAP application. |
| Confirmation | The City says an email confirmation is sent within 7–14 days after receiving the application. | Watch email or mail for approval and credit amount. |
Madison Courtesy Leak Adjustment for High Water Bills
Broken plumbing fixtures, irrigation equipment or pipes can cause unintentional water loss. Madison Water Utility offers a one-time courtesy leak adjustment if the account meets the rules and the leak has been repaired.
| Leak adjustment rule | Official detail | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Application required | Customers must submit a Courtesy Leak Adjustment application. | Download or submit the form after repair. |
| Repair required | The cause of the leak must be repaired before an adjustment can be approved. | Keep repair proof, invoices, receipts and photos. |
| Time covered | Leak adjustments cover no more than two consecutive months. | Do not wait if the leak continues. |
| One per premise | Only one billing adjustment is allowed per premise. | Use the adjustment carefully and fix the cause fully. |
| Credit timing | Approved adjustment appears as a credit on the bill following approval. | Keep checking the next bill after approval. |
| Not allowed for seasonal use | No adjustment for high use from sod watering, gardening, filling pools/whirlpools or washing vehicles. | Seasonal outdoor usage usually does not qualify. |
Madison Water Quality, Main Break and Emergency Contacts
Use billing support for account and payment questions. Use the emergency numbers for main breaks, urgent water service problems and after-hours emergencies.
Main break and emergency
Main Break/Emergency: 608-266-4661
After Hours Emergency: 608-266-4665
Give the nearest address, cross street, visible water flow and whether the issue affects a road, basement, sidewalk or property.
Madison Water Bill Phone Number, Mail Address, Office Address and Map
Use these official Madison contacts for payment, billing questions, account number help, start/stop service, leak adjustment, water quality and emergency reporting.
Madison Water Utility
Office: 608-266-4651
Billing / start-stop service: 608-266-4641
Email: water@madisonwater.org
Address: 119 East Olin Avenue, Madison, WI 53713
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, closed official City holidays.
Payment and billing support
Phone payment: 1-877-822-8414
Billing support email: municipalbilling@cityofmadison.com
Mail check:
City of Madison Treasury
P.O. Box 2997
Madison, WI 53701-2997
Map shows Madison Water Utility at 119 East Olin Avenue, Madison, WI 53713. For fastest payment, use the official Municipal Services payment portal.
Common Madison Water Bill Mistakes That Cause Payment or Account Problems
Most billing issues can be avoided by using official payment links, entering the correct account details, checking fees, confirming auto-pay and acting early when water use suddenly increases.
| Mistake | Why it creates trouble | Better action |
|---|---|---|
| Using unofficial payment links | Payment may be delayed, misdirected or connected to unnecessary third-party fees. | Start from cityofmadison.com or the official Municipal Online Payments portal. |
| Assuming old portal settings transferred | The City says older account banking information was not moved to the new portal. | Create a new account and re-sign up for e-billing, auto-pay and alerts if needed. |
| Typing eCheck details with dashes or spaces | The portal warns special characters may cause eCheck payment failure. | Use numeric values only for bank account/routing entries. |
| Ignoring hourly usage alerts | Leaks can continue for days or weeks before the next bill arrives. | Use portal usage notifications to catch sudden water-use changes early. |
| Waiting too long to request leak help | Courtesy leak adjustment is limited and does not cover ongoing leaks beyond the allowed period. | Repair the leak quickly and submit the official application. |
| Not closing service when moving | A final bill is required to close an account. | Call 608-266-4641 before move-out and confirm final bill status. |
Madison Water Bill FAQs
These answers cover common searches about Madison water bill payment, Municipal Services bills, Quick Pay, phone payment, eCheck fees, card fees, auto-pay, MadCAP, leak adjustment, start/stop service and emergency reporting.
QHow do I pay my Madison water bill online?
Use the official Madison Municipal Services payment portal. You can use Quick Pay if you only need to pay with your account number, or sign in/register if you want e-billing, auto-pay and usage notifications.
QWhat is included in a Madison Municipal Services bill?
The City says the bill can include water, sewer, stormwater, urban forestry, resource recovery and landfill charges.
QCan I pay my Madison water bill without logging in?
Yes. Use Quick Pay in the Municipal Services payment portal. You will need your account number, but no login is required for a simple payment.
QWhat is the Madison water bill phone payment number?
Call 1-877-822-8414 to pay your Municipal Services bill by phone.
QWhat is the Madison Water Utility billing phone number?
Call 608-266-4641 for billing, start/stop service and leak adjustment questions.
QIs there a fee to pay my Madison water bill online?
eCheck payments from checking or savings accounts have no fee. Credit and debit card payments have a $2.95 service fee. Credit cards also have a $500 payment maximum.
QWhere do I mail my Madison Municipal Services payment?
Make a check payable to City Treasury and mail it with the bill stub to City of Madison Treasury, P.O. Box 2997, Madison, WI 53701-2997.
QCan I pay my Madison water bill in person?
Yes. Pay at Madison Water Utility, 119 E. Olin Ave., Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, or at City Treasury, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 101, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
QHow do I set up Madison water bill auto-pay?
Create or sign into your Municipal Services payment portal account, add your bill account and payment method, then enroll in auto-pay. If your account existed before the 2022 portal change, you may need to create a new account and re-enroll.
QHow do I find my Madison account number or customer number?
If you do not know your Account or Customer numbers, email municipalbilling@cityofmadison.com with the subject “Requesting Account and Customer ID” and include your name and service address.
QHow do I start or end water service in Madison?
Call Madison Water Utility Customer Service at 608-266-4641, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The City says a final bill is required to close an account.
QWhat is MadCAP?
MadCAP is the Madison Customer Assistance Program. It provides eligible households with a monthly credit of up to $30 on the Municipal Services bill. Customers must apply and re-apply yearly.
QCan I get a Madison leak adjustment for a high water bill?
Possibly. Madison Water Utility offers a one-time courtesy leak adjustment if the account qualifies, the leak is repaired, and the customer submits the required application. The adjustment covers no more than two consecutive months.
QWhat does the leak adjustment not cover?
The City says no adjustment is granted for seasonal activities such as sod watering, gardening, filling swimming pools or whirlpools, washing vehicles, or leak usage that continues for the third or later month.
QWho do I call for a Madison water main break?
Call 608-266-4661 for main break or emergency reporting. For after-hours emergency, call 608-266-4665.
QWhere is Madison Water Utility located?
Madison Water Utility is located at 119 East Olin Avenue, Madison, WI 53713. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, except official City holidays.
QIs Water-Department.org the official Madison Water Utility website?
No. This is an independent guide. Official payments, account service, assistance decisions, leak adjustment decisions, water quality questions and emergency reporting must be handled through City of Madison and Madison Water Utility official resources.
Official Sources for Madison Water Bill Customers
Use these official Madison resources for final confirmation before paying, registering for auto-pay, requesting service changes, applying for assistance, checking rates or reporting emergencies.
| Official source | Use it for | Open |
|---|---|---|
| Billing & Rates | Bill contents, online/phone/mail/in-person payment, fees, mail address and rates. | Open Billing & Rates |
| Municipal Services Payment Portal | Quick Pay, Sign In/Register, e-billing, auto-pay, usage notifications and payment history. | Open payment portal |
| City Payment Center | Official City payment hub and Municipal Services bill access. | Open Payment Center |
| Online Payment Portal Guide | Registration details, account/customer number guidance, e-billing, auto-pay and usage alerts. | Open portal guide |
| Start or End Service | Starting service, ending service, tenant account handling, final bill and special charges. | Open service page |
| MadCAP | Monthly bill credit, eligibility, income proof, application process and annual re-application. | Open MadCAP |
| Courtesy Leak Adjustment | One-time leak adjustment rules, application, repair requirement and billing contact. | Open leak adjustment |
| Current Rates & Fees | Current residential rates, water rate references and municipal fee information. | Open rates & fees |
| Madison Water Utility | Water Utility contact, emergency numbers, main department resources and service information. | Open Water Utility |
| Water Quality | Water quality reports, water quality phone number and water-related public health questions. | Open Water Quality |
Pay Smarter, Check High Bills, Start Service, Avoid Shutoff and Find Official Water Department Links
Use this free tool before paying a water bill, setting up autopay, starting or stopping service, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, or looking for the official water department portal. It gives practical next steps without collecting your account number or personal details.
What water bill or service problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check first.
Start from the official water department, city, county or utility website before entering account details. Avoid random payment ads and look-alike bill pay sites.
Before paying a very unusual bill, check meter reads, toilet leaks, irrigation use, estimated bills, late fees, and whether your utility offers a leak adjustment.
Water Bill Payment Route Helper
Choose how you want to pay. The tool will tell you what to prepare and the safest payment path.
High Water Bill Checker
Compare your normal bill with the new bill and get a practical investigation path before calling customer service.
Leak Check and Adjustment Checklist
Use this before requesting a leak adjustment, disputing a bill, or calling the water department about high usage.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Helper
Use this before moving, opening a new account, closing an old account, or transferring service to another address.
Past Due, Shutoff and Reconnection Helper
Use this if your account is late, disconnected, at risk of shutoff, or you need a payment plan or assistance program.
Simple Water Usage Cost Estimator
Estimate a rough bill from base charge, usage units, rate per unit, sewer charge, stormwater fee and service fees. Official tiered rates may be different.
Official Water Department Resource Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for the official water bill portal, phone number, outage page, assistance, start service, leak adjustment, and Water-Department.org guide.
Water Department vs Payment Processor
- Water department: account help, service start/stop, leaks, repairs, shutoff, assistance.
- Payment processor: card/eCheck payment screen, payment fee, confirmation number, posting time.
Best sitewide placement
Add this tool after the main payment section or before FAQs. It helps users solve the next problem after reading the article.
Important safety note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, phone numbers, account balance, assistance rules and reconnection steps with the official water department or utility.