Howard County Water Utility Desk: Pay, Log In, Call or Check Your Bill Fast
Use this guide when your bill says Howard County, Maryland water and sewer. It explains the official Utilli portal, Quick Pay, account login, Customer Service email, Water-Sewer Billing phone, Bureau of Utilities phone, 2026 online payment fees, current water and sewer rates, late charge, meter charges, outage lookup, high-bill troubleshooting, water-quality report contacts and the correct Ellicott City office map.
Start Here: Choose the Right Howard County Water Route
Need |
Official action |
Have ready |
Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay online or log in |
Use Howard County Utilli. |
Utility account number, service address, email/login and payment method. |
Utilli lets you review utility account details, consumption history, payment history and submit Customer Service inquiries. |
Pay without registration |
Use Quick Pay inside the Utilli portal. |
Account number and payment information from the bill. |
Quick Pay is for immediate payment without login or registration. |
Billing question |
Call 410-313-2058 or email billing@howardcountymd.gov. |
Account number, service address, payment proof, bill date and usage concern. |
Use billing for balance, late charge, account access and payment-posting questions. |
Water main, sewer, operations or repair concern |
Call the Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900. |
Exact address, cross street, problem type, time started and callback number. |
Use this route for field/utility operations rather than payment login issues. |
Evening, weekend or holiday utility issue |
Use 24-hour Central Dispatch at 410-313-2929. |
Exact location, visible leak/backup/no-water details and callback phone. |
Call 911 first if there is immediate danger to life or property. |
Water quality question |
Call 410-313-4997 or review the annual water quality report. |
Service address, taste/odor/color concern, date/time and whether neighbors are affected. |
Howard County posts annual Consumer Confidence Reports through County/MDE resources. |
Pay in person or use drop box |
Use George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. |
Bill, account number, payment method and envelope if using drop box. |
Payments are generally applied by date received; do not rely on postmark when deadlines matter. |
Unsure if Howard County serves your property |
Verify the bill/provider name before paying. |
Service address and current bill. |
Some properties use private wells/septic, WSSC-area service, municipal providers or landlord/submetered billing. |
Provider check: this page is for Howard County, Maryland public water and sewer customers using the County Utilli portal. It is not for Consolidated PWSD No. 1 of Howard County in Missouri, private well/septic service, WSSC Water, landlord submeter billing or HOA utility pass-through charges.
Official Howard County Water and Sewer Contact Box
Water-Sewer Billing
Phone: 410-313-2058
Email: billing@howardcountymd.gov
Use for: balance, Utilli account help, payment posting, late charge, name/address questions, usage and customer-service inquiries.
Bureau of Utilities
Phone: 410-313-4900
Office listed in emergency materials:
8250 Old Montgomery Road
Columbia, MD 21045
Use for operations, maintenance and field utility questions.
After-Hours Utility Issue
24-hour Central Dispatch:
410-313-2929
Use for: evening, weekend or holiday water/sewer issue that cannot wait for regular business hours.
Contact route |
Use for |
Best user action |
|---|---|---|
Water-sewer billing, account balance, payment-posting issues, Utilli help, late charge and bill explanation. | Have utility account number, service address and payment confirmation ready. | |
Non-urgent billing questions and Customer Service inquiries. | Include account number, service address, phone number and a clear subject line. | |
Bureau of Utilities, maintenance, repairs, public water/sewer operations and field concerns. | Describe exactly what is happening and where. | |
Water-quality questions from annual report contacts. | Use for taste, odor, color, lead/copper or report questions. | |
Evening, weekend and holiday 24-hour Central Dispatch for utility concerns. | Use after business hours for urgent water/sewer trouble. | |
3430 Court House Drive | George Howard Building cashier/drop-box reference for County payments. | Use when in-person/drop-box payment is needed; include account information clearly. |
Bill Pay and Login: Utilli, Quick Pay, Govolution Fees and Mobile App
Utilli login
Review account, consumption history, payment history and Customer Service inquiries.
Quick Pay
Pay instantly without full login or registration.
2026 card fee
2.45% convenience fee with $2.00 minimum for credit/debit card payments.
2026 e-check fee
$1.50 convenience fee for e-check payments through Govolution.
Open the official Utilli portal
Go to utilli.howardcountymd.gov. Confirm the page says Howard County before entering account or payment information.
Choose login or Quick Pay
Use login if you want consumption history, payment history, inquiries and saved account access. Use Quick Pay for a one-time payment without registration.
Review the Govolution fee before submitting
Howard County states Govolution is the third-party payment service for online transactions and that the County does not receive the convenience fee.
Save proof
Save the confirmation number, date, amount, account number and payment method. If a deadline, late fee or tax-sale issue exists, call Water-Sewer Billing to confirm posting.
Payment / login route |
Official detail |
Best for |
Avoid this mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
Utilli portal login | Secure 24/7 account access for utility account review, consumption/payment history, online payment and Customer Service inquiries. | Regular customers who want history and account management. | Do not confuse Utilli with county tax payment, permit payment or third-party bill-pay sites. |
Quick Pay | Instant payment without login or registration. | Fast one-time payment when you have the account number. | Verify account and service address before submitting. |
Credit/debit card | Govolution convenience fee effective February 4, 2026: 2.45%, $2.00 minimum. | Fast payment when speed matters. | Fee is charged by Govolution, not retained by Howard County. |
E-check | Govolution e-check convenience fee: $1.50. | Lower-fee online payment when bank information is available. | Make sure routing/account numbers are correct. |
Mobile app | Utilli is also available on smart devices. | Customers who prefer phone app access and account review. | Download only the official Howard County Utilli app from app stores. |
Customer Service inquiry | Utilli allows online inquiries to Customer Service. | Non-urgent billing or account questions. | Do not use inquiry form for active water-main emergencies. |
In-person/drop-box payment | George Howard Building payment/drop-box route may be available for County payments. | Customers who need paper payment or local drop-off. | Payments apply by date received; do not rely on postmark near deadline. |
Official payment links:
FY2026 Howard County Water and Sewer Rates
The FY2026 water and sewer schedules were adopted for the Metropolitan District and utility service charges effective July 1, 2025, continuing until changed by later resolution. The key customer-facing items below focus on the rate lines most residential and small commercial customers usually need.
Winter water
$2.56 per 100 cubic feet.
Summer water
$2.87 per 100 cubic feet.
Sewer volume
$4.13 per 100 cubic feet.
Late charge
10% of net bill when unpaid 30 days after billing date.
FY2026 bill line |
Amount |
Plain-English note |
|---|---|---|
Water service charge, 5/8″ to 1″ meter | $14.57 quarterly account user charge | Common small-meter quarterly fixed charge. |
Water service charge, 1 1/2″ to 3″ meter | $47.04 quarterly account user charge | Larger account/meter fixed charge. |
Water service charge, 4″ and over | $239.20 quarterly account user charge | Large commercial/institutional meter fixed charge. |
Winter water usage | $2.56 per 100 cubic feet | 100 cubic feet equals about 748 gallons. |
Summer water usage | $2.87 per 100 cubic feet | Higher seasonal water rate line. |
Sewer quarterly account charge | $11.13 per account | Fixed sewer account line. |
Sewer volumetric charge | $4.13 per 100 cubic feet | Usage-based sewer charge. |
Reclaimed water volumetric charge | $1.22 per 100 cubic feet | Special reclaimed-water service line where applicable. |
Unmetered sewer service | $81.23 per quarter per residential unit | Flat sewer-only charge when no water meter is used for billing. |
Late charge | 10% of net bill | Applied when bill is unpaid 30 days after billing date. |
FY2026 special / connection item |
Amount shown |
When it matters |
|---|---|---|
Bad check handling | $35.00 per check | Returned check issue. |
Bypass meter | $300.00 all sizes | Unauthorized bypass/tampering situation. |
Water meter setting 5/8″ | $171 | Small meter setting line; 5/8″ connection listed as no longer available in some schedules. |
Water meter setting 3/4″ | $186 | Common small meter setting line. |
Water meter setting 1″ | $208 | Larger residential/small commercial meter setting. |
Water meter setting 1 1/2″ | $752 | Larger account meter setting. |
Water meter setting 2″ | $932 | Large meter setting. |
Water meter setting 3″ and larger | At cost | Large commercial/institutional meter setting. |
Water connection, 1″ with 3/4″ meter under certain capital-project/older application rules | $2,400, meter not included | Connection fee situation; verify with County before planning. |
Sewer connection, 4″ and 6″ under certain capital-project/older application rules | $4,500 | Connection fee situation; larger sizes at cost/minimum. |
Rate-check tip: Howard County bills in 100-cubic-foot units. One unit equals about 748 gallons. A “high bill” may come from more water units, sewer volume, late charge, returned-payment fee, meter setting, connection fees, shared septic charges, fire protection, reclaimed water or seasonal summer/winter rate differences.
Late Bill, Property Lien, Tax Sale Risk and Payment Posting
30-day late trigger
Rate schedule lists a 10% late charge when bill is unpaid 30 days after billing date.
Property lien
Unpaid water/sewer charges can be associated with the property and tax-sale process.
Date received
County tax-sale materials warn that postmarks are not accepted for deadline payments.
Call before deadline
Use 410-313-2058 to verify payoff and posting before a serious deadline.
Situation |
Why it matters |
Best action |
|---|---|---|
Bill unpaid 30 days after billing date | FY2026 schedule lists late charge as 10% of net bill. | Pay before the 30-day mark and keep confirmation. |
Old water/sewer balance | Unpaid water/sewer can become part of property lien/tax-sale risk. | Call Water-Sewer Billing for exact payoff and oldest balance. |
Mail payment near deadline | County deadline materials say payments are applied by date received, not postmark. | Use online/phone/in-person/drop-box route if deadline is close. |
Mortgage escrow confusion | Some owners assume escrow pays water/sewer, but water/sewer may not be handled like tax escrow. | Verify with mortgage servicer and County before deadline. |
Payment not showing | Bank bill pay, mail or payment processor timing can create delay. | Save receipt and call 410-313-2058 with confirmation. |
Property sale/settlement | Water/sewer bills are commonly prorated/verified during settlement. | Buyer/seller should confirm final balance and service responsibility. |
Account access locked | Utilli has forgot-password route and Customer Service email. | Use portal reset or email billing@howardcountymd.gov. |
Start, Stop, Transfer or Update a Howard County Water/Sewer Account
New owner / settlement
- Verify the property is on Howard County public water/sewer.
- Confirm account number and final balance during settlement.
- Use the newest bill or settlement records for account details.
- Update billing name and mailing address promptly.
- Check whether private well/septic or shared septic applies.
Tenant or property manager
- Check lease to see who pays water/sewer.
- Use Utilli property-manager tools if applicable.
- Confirm account access permissions with owner/manager.
- Keep move-in meter/account details.
- Do not pay another unit’s account without matching service address.
Move-out or sale
- Confirm final balance with Water-Sewer Billing.
- Keep proof of payment for settlement.
- Give forwarding contact information if needed.
- Remove saved payment methods if appropriate.
- Save confirmation after account update.
Owner responsibility note: water/sewer charges can follow the property. Buyers, sellers, landlords and property managers should verify the service address, account number, unpaid balance and final bill at settlement or lease change.
High Bill, Meter Reading, Leak Check and Seasonal Usage
Check units first
Compare 100-cubic-foot usage units, not only the dollar total.
Seasonal rate
Water rate schedule separates winter and summer water charges.
Sewer line
Sewer volume charge can make a leak more expensive than water alone.
Portal history
Utilli lets you review consumption and payment history.
High-bill clue |
Fast check |
What to ask Howard County |
|---|---|---|
Usage units jumped | Compare this bill’s 100-cubic-foot units with prior quarter and same quarter last year. | Was the meter read actual, estimated, corrected or affected by meter work? |
Toilet leak | Put dye in toilet tank and check whether color appears in bowl without flushing. | Does the usage pattern suggest continuous flow? |
Irrigation or hose use | Check sprinklers, hose bibs, pool fill, pressure washer, car washing and outdoor spigots. | Did the extra usage fall under summer water rate? |
Private service-line leak | Turn off all water and watch whether meter movement continues if accessible and safe. | Where does County responsibility end and private plumbing responsibility begin? |
Sewer charge seems high | Separate water volume from sewer volume and fixed account charges. | Can any sewer billing review apply after a documented leak or unusual use? |
Payment issue rather than usage | Look for late charge, returned check, old balance or posting delay. | Which part of bill is current usage and which is prior/fee? |
Property manager/tenant mismatch | Confirm service address and account number exactly. | Am I looking at the correct unit/property account? |
Water quality concern tied to usage | Record taste/odor/color concern and whether neighbors notice it. | Should I call Water Quality at 410-313-4997 or Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900? |
Outages, Water Main Breaks, Sewer Problems and Water Quality
Water quality
Water Quality: 410-313-4997
Use for annual report, taste, odor, color, lead/copper or water-quality questions.
Outage Center
Utilli includes an Outage Center that can be viewed without login or registration.
Use it to check posted outage information before submitting a duplicate inquiry.
Problem |
What to say |
Helpful details |
|---|---|---|
Water main break / street leak | “Water is flowing at [address/cross street].” | Flow direction, pavement damage, water depth, time started and photos only if safe. |
No water / low pressure | “My property has no water/low pressure at [address].” | Whole property or one fixture? neighbors affected? current bill? outage notice? |
Sewer backup | “Sewer is backing up at [fixture/location].” | Stop water use if backup worsens; keep people and pets away from wastewater. |
Meter box leak | “Water appears near the meter at [address].” | Meter location, amount of water and whether it reaches sidewalk/street. |
Billing-related shutoff or balance issue | “My issue is billing/payment, not a main break.” | Call 410-313-2058 with account number and payment confirmation. |
Taste, odor or discolored water | “Water is [brown/cloudy/chlorine odor/metallic] at [address].” | Cold only or hot too? after flushing? neighbors affected? time started? |
Annual water report question | “I need help understanding the Howard County water-quality report.” | Call Water Quality and reference the contaminant/table or page. |
Local Notes: Columbia, Ellicott City, Public Water, Wells and Sewer
Local issue |
Why it matters |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|
Public water vs private well | Not every Howard County property uses County public water. | Check bill/provider name and property records before using Utilli. |
Public sewer vs private septic | Some properties may have septic or shared sewage disposal rather than standard public sewer billing. | Verify service type before estimating sewer charges. |
Metropolitan District | Water/sewer charges and ad valorem/system benefit charges relate to the Metropolitan District framework. | Ask billing if a property tax/water-sewer assessment line is unclear. |
Shared sewage disposal facilities | Some named developments have annual operation, maintenance, repair and replacement fees. | Look for shared septic fee lines if your subdivision has that system. |
Property managers | Utilli includes a property-manager portal option. | Use correct portal/account linking for multiple rental properties. |
Water/sewer tied to property | Unpaid water/sewer charges can matter at sale, settlement or tax sale. | Buyers and sellers should request current payoff before closing. |
Fee confusion | Govolution payment fees are separate from County water/sewer rates. | Compare base bill, usage, late fee and processor fee separately. |
Seasonal usage | Outdoor watering, pools and irrigation can raise summer water use. | Review Utilli consumption history before assuming a meter error. |
Map: Howard County Water-Sewer Billing / County Payment Office
Location / route |
Address or phone |
Use for |
|---|---|---|
George Howard Building | 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 | County cashier/payment/drop-box reference for water/sewer, taxes and related County payments. |
Water-Sewer Billing phone | 410-313-2058 | Billing, account, payment-posting and Utilli questions. |
Billing email | billing@howardcountymd.gov | Non-urgent account questions and online Customer Service inquiries. |
Bureau of Utilities | 8250 Old Montgomery Road, Columbia, MD 21045 / 410-313-4900 | Utility operations, maintenance and field concerns. |
After-hours Central Dispatch | 410-313-2929 | Evening, weekend and holiday urgent utility contact. |
Water Quality | 410-313-4997 | Water-quality report, taste, odor, color and lead/copper concerns. |
Howard County Water Utility FAQ
What is the Howard County water bill phone number?
Call Water-Sewer Billing at 410-313-2058 for Howard County, Maryland water/sewer billing, account balance, payment-posting, Utilli login, late charge and bill explanation questions.
Where do I pay my Howard County water bill online?
Use the official Howard County Utilli portal at utilli.howardcountymd.gov. The portal supports account review, consumption history, payment history, online payment, Quick Pay and Customer Service inquiries.
Can I pay without creating a Howard County Utilli login?
Yes. Utilli includes a Quick Pay option for instant payment without login or registration. Use the account number and service-address details from your bill before submitting payment.
What is the 2026 Howard County online payment fee?
Effective February 4, 2026, Govolution charges a 2.45% convenience fee with a $2.00 minimum for water and sewer credit/debit card payments. E-check payments through Govolution are charged a $1.50 convenience fee.
Who do I call for a Howard County water or sewer emergency?
Call the Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900 during normal routing. For evening, weekend and holiday utility issues, emergency-contact materials list 24-hour Central Dispatch at 410-313-2929. Call 911 first for immediate danger.
What are key FY2026 Howard County water and sewer rates?
FY2026 rates show water at $2.56 per 100 cubic feet for winter and $2.87 per 100 cubic feet for summer. Sewer volumetric charge is $4.13 per 100 cubic feet, with an $11.13 quarterly sewer account charge.
What is the quarterly water account charge?
The FY2026 water service schedule lists a $14.57 quarterly account user charge for 5/8-inch to 1-inch meters, $47.04 for 1 1/2-inch to 3-inch meters and $239.20 for 4-inch and larger meters.
How much is the Howard County water/sewer late charge?
The FY2026 utility special charges list a late charge of 10% of the net bill when a bill is unpaid 30 days after the billing date.
Who do I call about water quality in Howard County?
Howard County water-quality report contacts list Water Quality at 410-313-4997. Use that number for questions about the annual report, taste, odor, color, lead/copper information or water-quality concerns.
Is this the right page if I have a private well or septic system?
No. This guide is for Howard County, Maryland public water and sewer customers using the County billing system. If your property has a private well, septic system, shared septic facility, WSSC service, HOA billing or landlord submetering, verify the provider before paying through Utilli.
30-Second Howard County Water Checklist
Pay/Login: use utilli.howardcountymd.gov → log in or choose Quick Pay → confirm service address → review Govolution fee → save confirmation.
Call: Water-Sewer Billing 410-313-2058; Bureau of Utilities 410-313-4900; Water Quality 410-313-4997; after-hours Central Dispatch 410-313-2929.
Email: billing@howardcountymd.gov for non-urgent billing or portal-help questions.
Visit/drop box: George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Rates: FY2026 water is $2.56 winter and $2.87 summer per 100 cubic feet; sewer is $4.13 per 100 cubic feet; late charge is 10% of net bill after 30 days unpaid.
High bill: compare usage units, seasonal water rate, sewer volume, prior balance, Govolution fee, late charge and leak indicators before disputing the total.
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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