Port Arthur Water Utility Desk: Pay, Log In, Call or Report Water Trouble
Use this page when you need the official Port Arthur water bill portal, CID/account login help, phone payment number, Utility Billing office, water or sewer repair line, new service application, late/reconnect rules, estimated bill help, rates or water quality report.
Start Here: What Do You Need From Port Arthur Water?
Need |
Official action |
Have ready |
Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay bill online |
CID, Account ID, service address, amount due, card/eCheck. |
Card payments have a 3% service/convenience fee. |
|
Use Quick Pay |
Open utility portal and choose Quick Pay. |
Account number from bill. |
Quick Pay needs the account number and no login is required. |
Log in / register |
Use Sign In / Register in the payment portal. |
Username/password or registration details. |
Portal supports account details, single/multi-account management, multi-bill pay and e-Billing. |
Pay by phone |
Account number and payment method. |
City notice says phone payments are for accounts in the system; older notice said American Express not accepted, while the current portal displays card logos. Confirm at checkout. |
|
Billing, turn on/off, moving |
Account number, service address, ID, lease/deed, move date. |
City FAQ routes water bill, turn-on/off and moving-service questions to Water Billing. |
|
Water leak or sewer trouble |
Exact address, cross street, issue type, time started. |
Water Utilities Administration says this is the water and sewer repair number. |
|
Estimated bill question |
Call 409-983-8230 or email waterutilities@portarthurtx.gov. |
Bill with “E” by usage, photos if meter was blocked, prior usage. |
Estimated bills are based on prior six-month usage and corrected when actual read is taken. |
Fast payment warning: the City’s payment page explains the account format as CID before the dash and Account ID after the dash. If your bill shows 1234-00056789, enter CID 1234 and Account ID 00056789. Include all zeros.
Official Port Arthur Utility Billing Contact Box
Utility Billing Office
Address:
444 4th Street
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Phone: 409-983-8230
Email: waterutilities@portarthurtx.gov
Mailing Address
Utility Billing
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Use for mailed check, money order or cashier’s check payments when time is not urgent.
City Hall Hours
City hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Main City phone: 409-983-8100
Payment portal note: office hours Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM.
Contact route |
Use for |
Before contacting |
|---|---|---|
Water bill, turn on/off, moving service, estimated bill, payment question, leak adjustment question. | Account number, service address, bill date, confirmation number. | |
Water and sewer repair, water leaks, sewer trouble, service issue. | Address, cross street, problem type, when it started. | |
Utility billing phone payments. | Account number and payment method. | |
Utility billing questions or concerns. | Include full name, account number, service address and one clear question. | |
Pretreatment division questions. | Commercial/industrial facility address, process, grease/interceptor information. | |
Water Plant / water quality report questions. | Tap issue, date/time, color/odor/taste, affected area. | |
Spanish assistance listed in water quality report. | Account or water-quality question details. |
Bill Pay and Login: What to Click and What to Enter
Quick Pay
No login required.
Needs account number.
Sign In / Register
Use for account details, multi-account tools, multi-bill pay and e-Billing.
CID + Account ID
CID is before the dash; Account ID is after the dash. Enter all zeros.
Card fee
3% fee applies to card transactions online and at the counter.
Open the official utility payment portal
Use the City Pay A Bill page or go directly to Port Arthur Municipal Online Payments.
Choose Quick Pay or Sign In
Choose Quick Pay for a one-time payment. Choose Sign In / Register to view account details, manage multiple accounts, use multi-bill pay or set up e-Billing.
Split the account number correctly
For a bill shown as 1234-00056789, CID is 1234. Account ID is 00056789. Type leading zeros exactly.
Check fee and proof before submitting
Card transactions carry a 3% fee. Save confirmation number, payment amount, date, time, account number, payment method and screenshot.
Payment method |
Official detail |
Best for |
Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
Online Quick Pay | Use utility billing portal; account number required; no login necessary. | Fast single payment. | Split CID/account correctly and enter all zeros. |
Online login | Sign in or register to manage account details, multi-accounts, multi-bill pay and e-Billing. | Residents, landlords, businesses and multi-account users. | Use current Municipal Online Payments portal, not old bookmarks. |
Phone payment | Call 1-877-817-9859. | Pay without visiting City Hall. | Have account number ready before calling. |
In-person cash/check/card | City lists in-person cash, check and credit card payment options. | Cash payments, payment help or receipt needs. | Card transactions have a 3% fee beginning January 1, 2025. |
Drive-through | City lists drive-through payment as an alternate method. | Customers who prefer not to go inside. | Confirm current access/location if City offices are temporarily moved. |
Mail | Money order, check or cashier’s check to P.O. Box 1089, Port Arthur, TX 77640. | Normal bills with time before due date. | Do not mail if your account is already delinquent or near cutoff. |
Official payment links:
Late Charge, Delinquency, Reconnect and Adjustments
Late charge
The new service form says bills not paid by the due date become past due and a 10% late charge is added to the past-due amount.
Reconnect fee
Accounts turned off for non-payment or waste are assessed $25 reconnection fee, or $35 after 3 PM.
Delinquency timing
The online form says unpaid bills become delinquent 10 days after the due date, and a delinquent notice appears in red on the billing statement.
Issue |
Official rule |
Action to take |
|---|---|---|
Past-due bill | 10% late charge added to past-due amount. | Pay fast and keep confirmation. |
Delinquent account | Service can be discontinued and not restored until delinquent amounts are paid in full or acceptable arrangements are made. | Call Billing before cutoff and ask what payment protects service. |
Reconnection | $25 reconnect; $35 after 3 PM. | Ask if fee applies before assuming current balance is enough. |
Did not receive bill | Failure to receive bill or notice does not prevent discontinuance. | Use portal/email/phone to confirm balance if bill is missing. |
Hearing request | Customers may request a hearing with the Utilities Office Manager. | Ask before service is discontinued. |
Water/sewer adjustment | Adjustment request must be made in writing on City forms within six months of billing. | Use Water/Sewer Adjustment form and attach leak/repair proof. |
Adjustment limits | Adjustments are limited to sewer-charge difference from average sewer bill; higher limits may require authorization. | Do not expect water usage to be fully removed automatically. |
Start, Transfer or Disconnect Water Service
Start service
- Picture ID or driver’s license.
- Proof of address: lease, contract, mortgage or deed.
- Social Security card or required last-four SSN information.
- Completed online or in-office application.
- Non-refundable connection fee due before connection.
Transfer service
- Call Water Billing at 409-983-8230.
- Give current and new service address.
- Provide transfer date.
- Be present when water is turned on.
- Ask if previous balance must be paid first.
Disconnect / final bill
- Call to give termination date.
- Do not assume a new tenant/owner stops your bill.
- Give forwarding address.
- Ask when final bill will be issued.
- You remain responsible until final-billed.
Service step |
Official detail |
Practical user note |
|---|---|---|
New-service application | Service will not be rendered unless all information is complete. | Submit all documents at once to avoid delay. |
Required documents | Valid driver’s license or US ID card, Social Security card, lease agreement if applicable, deed if applicable. | Online form also asks for upload of driver’s license and mortgage/deed or proof of address. |
Previous balances | Balances owed at prior addresses found by name/SSN may become payable before service is established. | Ask before move-in if you had old Port Arthur service. |
Connection timing | City FAQ says next business day service can be provided if you come in by 5 PM on a business day to connect new service or call for transfer. | Plan before Friday/weekend moves. |
Someone present | FAQ says someone is required at the location when water is turned on. | Check for leaks/open faucets immediately. |
Leak/open-faucet notice | City says it is not responsible for damage from leaks or open faucets when service is turned on at the meter. | Turn off indoor fixtures before appointment. |
Water Leak, Sewer Trouble, Hydrant Flushing or Pressure Issue
Water / sewer repair
Call: 409-983-8550
Use for water leaks, sewer trouble, water/sewer repair and urgent utility operations issues.
Open hydrant
Hydrant flushing can be normal maintenance to clean sediment, clear stale water and maintain pressure.
Water color/taste
During flushing, short-term water-quality changes can happen. Let cold water run a few minutes and avoid hot water during flushing.
Problem |
What to say |
Useful details |
|---|---|---|
Water main / street leak | “Water is flowing at [address/cross street].” | Direction of flow, pavement damage, time started, photos only if safe. |
No water / low pressure | “My property has no water/low pressure at [address].” | All taps or one tap? neighbors affected? any city work nearby? |
Sewer trouble | “Sewer is backing up or stopped at [fixture/location].” | Stop using water if backup worsens, keep children/pets away. |
Water discoloration after flushing | “Water is [brown/cloudy] after nearby flushing.” | Use cold-water flush; avoid hot water until clear. |
Billing leak adjustment | Use Water/Sewer Adjustment form, not just repair call. | Repair receipt, photos, date leak fixed, high-bill month. |
Estimated Bill, High Bill or Leak Adjustment
Estimated mark
Look for an E next to usage in gallons.
Six-month basis
Estimated bills are based on previous usage from the past six months.
Actual read correction
The next actual read can correct underbilling or overbilling.
Adjustment form
Leak/known-reason adjustments must be requested in writing on City forms.
Estimated-bill cause |
What it means |
What user should do |
|---|---|---|
Meter obstructed or covered | Meter reader could not access/read normally. | Clear obstruction and ask if a re-read is possible. |
Meter flooded | Water around meter prevented safe or accurate reading. | Report standing water if it may be leak-related. |
Locked gate | Reader could not access the meter. | Provide access before next read. |
Dog present | Safety prevented meter reading. | Secure pet on read day if needed. |
Alley overgrown | Access problem for reader. | Clear path to meter. |
Damaged meter | Meter issue may need City review. | Call Billing or repair line depending on condition. |
Inclement weather | Weather prevented normal read. | Compare next actual read carefully. |
High estimate after leak | Prior high leak usage can raise estimated amount. | Submit repair proof and written adjustment request if eligible. |
2026 Water and Sewer Rate Basics
The City code rate schedule says updated water and wastewater/sewer rates are effective October 1, 2025 unless otherwise noted. Always compare with the latest bill because meter size and location affect totals.
Tier 1
0-10,000 gallons/month.
Tier 2
10,001-50,000 gallons/month.
Tier 3
Over 50,000 gallons/month.
Inside-city residential item |
Official rate detail |
What it means |
|---|---|---|
Minimum usage fee, up to 1 inch meter | Water $11.32; wastewater/sewer $12.29. | Common small residential meter base/minimum fee. |
Minimum usage fee, 1½ inch meter | Water $12.83; wastewater/sewer $12.29. | Larger meter raises water minimum. |
Minimum usage fee, 2 inch meter | Water $15.08; wastewater/sewer $12.29. | Meter-size driven charge. |
Minimum usage fee, 3 inch meter | Water $37.74; wastewater/sewer $12.29. | Usually larger service. |
Minimum usage fee, 4 inch meter | Water $52.82; wastewater/sewer $12.29. | Large account. |
Minimum usage fee, 6 inch meter | Water $83.03; wastewater/sewer $12.29. | Large commercial/institutional context. |
Residential Tier 1 | Water $7.63 / 1,000 gallons; wastewater/sewer $7.63 / 1,000 gallons. | 0-10,000 gallons/month. |
Residential Tier 2 | Water $8.00 / 1,000 gallons; wastewater/sewer $8.00 / 1,000 gallons. | 10,001-50,000 gallons/month. |
Residential Tier 3 | Water $8.41 / 1,000 gallons; wastewater/sewer $8.41 / 1,000 gallons. | Over 50,000 gallons/month. |
Bill comparison tip: do not compare only the final amount. Separate minimum usage fee, consumption tier, wastewater/sewer, solid waste, fees, late charge and card convenience fee.
Water Quality, Source Water and Boil-Notice Awareness
Water sources
Port Arthur drinking water comes from surface-water sources: Neches River Basin, Lower Neches Valley Authority Canal System and Port Arthur Reservoir.
Water quality contact
Water Plant: 409-983-3846
Use for water-quality report or unusual water quality problems.
Spanish assistance
The water quality report lists Spanish assistance at 409-983-8232.
Water-quality issue |
Official detail |
What to do |
|---|---|---|
Water main flushing nearby | Flushing removes sediment, clears stale water and helps maintain disinfectant, oxygen, taste and smell. | Avoid tap use during flushing if possible; run cold water a few minutes after. |
Brown/cloudy water after flushing | Short-term water-quality changes can occur in neighborhoods during flushing. | Run cold water at full velocity for a few minutes; avoid hot water to prevent sediment in water heater. |
Unusual taste, odor or color | Report says taste/odor/color issues are not necessarily health concerns but should be reported if unusual. | Call Water Plant 409-983-3846 with address and symptoms. |
Lead exposure reduction | Report says flush tap 30 seconds to 2 minutes after water has been sitting for several hours. | Use cold water for drinking/cooking and consider testing if concerned. |
Safe Drinking Water Hotline | EPA hotline listed: 800-426-4791. | Use for general drinking-water health questions. |
Water leaks or sewer trouble | Water quality report lists 409-983-8550 for water leaks or sewer trouble. | Use the repair line, not the billing-only number. |
Billing inquiry from CCR | Water quality report lists 409-983-8230 for billing inquiries. | Use billing phone for account/payment issues. |
Why Property Taxes Do Not Pay the Water Bill
Enterprise fund
City FAQ says Port Arthur Water Utilities operates as an enterprise fund and does not receive tax-dollar support.
Bill revenue use
Water and sewer revenue is used to operate, maintain, expand and improve the potable water and sanitary sewer systems, and to support other City services through franchise fees and indirect overhead payments.
User intent solved: paying property taxes to the City does not replace the utility bill. Water and sewer charges are separate because the utility must operate from utility revenue.
Business, Grease Trap and Pretreatment Questions
Pretreatment contact
Phone: 409-983-8278
Use for commercial/industrial wastewater pretreatment questions.
Grease trap
A smaller indoor plumbing device, usually under a sink and often 250 gallons or less.
Grease interceptor
A larger pre-cast concrete tank, often up to 5,000+ gallons, commonly with two compartments.
Business issue |
Official FAQ guidance |
Practical step |
|---|---|---|
Pretreatment meaning | Treatment of wastewater by commercial and industrial facilities to remove harmful pollutants before discharge. | Ask whether your business needs pretreatment review. |
Inspector duty | Protects sewer collection system and WWTP from harmful pollutant discharges. | Keep permits, testing and discharge records organized. |
Food establishment | Grease trap/interceptor required if facility poses direct or potential danger of discharging fats, oils or grease. | Ask before opening, remodeling or changing kitchen equipment. |
Grease waste disposal | Must be transported to permitted disposal site by a TCEQ-licensed liquid waste hauler. | Keep trip ticket manifests for up to the past three years. |
Commercial container service | Form Center lists a Commercial Container Service Contract. | Use form center for commercial container questions. |
Locality and Service-Area Notes
Local search context |
What matters |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|
City of Port Arthur | Utility Billing at 444 4th Street handles city water and solid waste billing for more than 18,000 customers. | Use City utility portal or 409-983-8230. |
Jefferson County / Gulf Coast area | Some nearby addresses may have another provider, district or landlord-billed utility. | Use the provider name printed on the bill before paying online. |
Apartment tenants | Tenants may pay property owner/manager if the master account is in owner name. | Confirm who is legally responsible before paying City directly. |
Pleasure Island / lake or coastal areas | Service, sewer, stormwater and solid waste issues can route differently depending on address and service account. | Call Billing with exact service address. |
Commercial / industrial corridor | Pretreatment, grease interceptors and wastewater permits can matter. | Call Pretreatment at 409-983-8278 before discharge changes. |
Hydrant flushing areas | Flushing can temporarily affect taste, smell or color. | Run cold water after flushing; call Water Plant if problem continues. |
Map: Port Arthur Utility Billing Office
Location |
Address |
Use for |
|---|---|---|
Utility Billing / City Hall | 444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640 | Water bill, payments, new service, transfer, final billing, Utility Billing questions. |
Payment mailing address | P.O. Box 1089, Port Arthur, TX 77640 | Mailed utility payments and account correspondence when directed. |
Water Utilities Operations mailing reference | P.O. Box 1089, Port Arthur, TX 77641 | Operations page mailing detail; use billing page for billing mail if paying. |
Main City contact | 444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640; 409-983-8100 | General City routing and City Hall information. |
Office-move check: city offices can temporarily relocate after building issues or repairs. Before driving to City Hall for a cashier issue, confirm current office availability by phone or City alerts.
City of Port Arthur Water Utilities FAQ
What is the City of Port Arthur Water Billing phone number?
Call Utility Billing at 409-983-8230 for water bill questions, turning water on/off, moving service, estimated bills and customer service.
What is the Port Arthur water and sewer repair number?
Call 409-983-8550 for water and sewer repair, water leaks, sewer trouble and urgent utility operations issues.
Where do I pay my Port Arthur water bill online?
Use the official City Pay A Bill page or the Port Arthur Municipal Online Payments utility billing portal. Quick Pay needs an account number and no login.
How do I log in to the Port Arthur utility billing portal?
Open the utility portal and use the login tab in the upper right corner. The portal supports account details, single and multi-account management, multi-bill pay and e-Billing.
How do I identify CID and Account ID?
On a bill showing 1234-00056789, CID is the first set before the dash, 1234. Account ID is the second set after the dash, 00056789. Enter all zeros.
What is the Port Arthur phone payment number?
For utility billing phone payments, call 1-877-817-9859 and have your account number ready.
Is there a card fee?
Yes. The City payment page and portal state that credit/debit card transactions are assessed a 3% fee.
Where is the Port Arthur Utility Billing office?
Utility Billing is at 444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640. The mailing address for Utility Billing is P.O. Box 1089, Port Arthur, TX 77640.
How do I start water service in Port Arthur?
Use the online new-service application or visit the office. Required documents include picture ID or driver’s license, proof of the service address such as lease/contract, and Social Security card information. A non-refundable connection fee is due before connection.
How soon can I get water connected?
The City FAQ says next business day service can be provided if you come in by 5 PM that business day to connect new service or call for a transfer. Someone is required to be at the location when water is turned on.
What does an E on my Port Arthur water bill mean?
An E next to usage in gallons means an estimated bill. Estimated bills may happen when the meter is blocked, flooded, behind a locked gate, near a dog, in an overgrown alley, damaged or unreadable because of weather.
Can I get a water or sewer adjustment for a leak?
The City form language says adjustments for unusually high consumption or documented leaks must be requested in writing on City forms within six months of the billing date, and adjustment limits apply.
What is the late charge?
The new-service form says bills not paid by the due date become past due and a 10% late charge is added to the past-due amount.
How much is the reconnect fee?
The City form states a $25 reconnection fee for accounts turned off for non-payment or waste, and $35 after 3 PM.
Where does Port Arthur drinking water come from?
The 2024 Water Quality Report says Port Arthur drinking water comes from surface-water sources including the Neches River Basin, Lower Neches Valley Authority Canal System and Port Arthur Reservoir.
30-Second Port Arthur Water Checklist
Pay/Login: Municipal Online Payments → Quick Pay or Sign In → CID before dash + Account ID after dash → enter all zeros → save confirmation.
Call: billing/moving/turn on/off 409-983-8230; water/sewer repair 409-983-8550; phone payments 1-877-817-9859.
Visit/Mail: Utility Billing, 444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640; mail payments to P.O. Box 1089, Port Arthur, TX 77640.
Late/Reconnect: 10% late charge; unpaid delinquent accounts may be disconnected; reconnect fee is $25 or $35 after 3 PM.
High bill: check for E estimated read, blocked meter reasons, leak proof, and use the written Water/Sewer Adjustment form within the allowed window.

Editorial Team
WaterBillGuide.us
The content on WaterBillGuide.us is researched and prepared by our editorial team. Our writers and researchers review publicly available information from official utility websites and service portals to create clear, step-by-step informational guides.
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