Manatee Water Utilities Help Desk: Pay, Log In, Call or Fix a Utility Issue
Use this page like a Manatee County Utilities counter: pay your bill, log in to Customer Self-Service, use phone payment, find the correct mailing and drop-box addresses, open a new account, request a payment arrangement, check 2026 rates, troubleshoot a high bill, report a water line break, and understand current watering restrictions.
Quick Answer: Manatee Water Utilities Phone, Login and Address
Need |
Official route |
Prepare first |
Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay or log in online |
New account number, login credentials, payment method. |
CSS lets you make payments, view statements, request paperless billing, view billing/consumption history, view garbage collection days, order recycling bins and report missed collection. |
|
Pay by phone |
New account number and payment method. |
MasterCard/Visa has a processing fee; checking/savings payment avoids the processing fee. |
|
Customer Service |
Account number, service address, bill date, payment proof, issue details. |
Phone support is Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM, excluding holidays. |
|
Email bill/account question |
Name, account number, service address, phone, clear request. |
Use for duplicate bill/account questions when not urgent. |
|
Mail payment |
Manatee County Utilities Department, PO Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350. |
Check/money order and bill stub/account number. |
This is a mailed-payments-only address, not a physical office. |
24-hour drop box |
Utilities Administration Building, 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210. |
Envelope, account number and check/money order. |
The lobby is permanently closed, but the 24-hour walk-up drop box remains listed. |
Tax Collector payment option |
819 301 Boulevard West, Bradenton, FL 34205. |
Bill/account number and payment method. |
Listed lobby hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM. |
Water line break |
941-792-8811, extension 5216. |
Exact address/cross street, visible water, safety risk, time started. |
Use when water is bubbling up from the street or a broken line is visible. |
After-hours emergency |
941-792-8811, option 8. |
Address, issue type, risk, callback number. |
Use after normal business hours for emergency utility issues. |
Provider check: this page is for Manatee County Utilities customers, mainly in unincorporated Manatee County. If your bill says City of Bradenton, City of Palmetto, City of Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Sarasota County, HOA/submeter company or private provider, use that provider’s portal instead.
First Check: Manatee County Utilities or Another Local Provider?
Manatee County Utilities bills potable water, wastewater, reclaimed water and solid waste for many unincorporated county customers. A Bradenton mailing address alone is not proof that the County is your utility provider.
Bill says Manatee County Utilities
Use CSS, 941-792-8811, 833-425-2099, PO Box 25350 and the Cortez Road drop box.
Bill says a city or island provider
City of Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria, Longboat Key and other providers may use different portals, rates and phone numbers.
HOA, condo or apartment
Water may be included, master-metered, submetered, billed by the landlord or billed through the County depending on the property setup.
Clue |
Likely route |
What to verify before paying |
|---|---|---|
Bill says Manatee County Utilities / MCUD |
Manatee County CSS, phone payment and County customer service. |
New account number, service address and balance in CSS. |
Address is in unincorporated Manatee County |
Often County Utilities, but verify. |
Provider name printed on bill and address served by County infrastructure. |
Address is in Bradenton city limits |
May be City of Bradenton utilities, County utilities or another arrangement. |
Bill logo, portal URL, phone number and remittance address. |
Condo/apartment/mobile home park |
May be master-metered or billed through property management. |
Lease, HOA packet, owner statement and whether garbage is included. |
New construction or never had service |
County Utilities Customer Service and possible facility/connection fees. |
Parcel/address, meter status, required deposit and utility availability. |
Pay or Log In to Manatee County Utilities CSS
The Customer Self-Service portal is the main online route for managing a Manatee County Utilities account. Older CWA access was retired in 2024, so many customers need to use the newer account number and create a fresh CSS login.
Open the official CSS portal
Start from mymanatee.org/css or the County’s Pay Your Utility Bill page, then sign in or create an account.
Use the new account number
The County says all online account access under the previous CWA system with the old account number was retired effective February 14, 2024. Use the new account number shown on your current bill.
Choose your payment route
Pay online through CSS, call 833-425-2099, mail to the PO box, use the Cortez Road drop box, or use listed third-party payment locations such as Amscot and Walmart when appropriate.
Do not trust confirmation alone
County FAQ notes that automated phone and website payments use batch processing and may not draw from the bank account immediately. Save proof and verify if a late/disconnect risk exists.
Set paperless and reminders
CSS can request paperless billing, download statements, enable text reminders, update contact information and create payment plans.
Payment route |
Use when |
Need ready |
Processing / fee note |
|---|---|---|---|
CSS online payment |
You want account access, statements, history, paperless billing, payment plans or service requests. |
CSS login, new account number and payment method. |
Batch processing means confirmation does not always mean funds cleared immediately. |
Phone payment |
You want automated payment without logging in. |
New account number and card or checking/savings information. |
MasterCard/Visa includes processing fee; checking/savings avoids the processing fee. |
Mail |
Routine bill with enough mailing time. |
Check/money order and account number. |
Mail to PO Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350. |
24-hour drop box |
You want physical payment drop-off without lobby service. |
Envelope, account number and check/money order. |
Drop box is outside the Utilities Administration Building at 3647 Cortez Road West. |
Amscot |
You want a cash payment option at an accepted location. |
Bill/account number and cash. |
Amscot accepts cash only; payments before 2 PM on business days post same day, after 2 PM next business day; convenience fee applies. |
Walmart / Green Dot |
You use retail payment options. |
Bill/account number and accepted payment method. |
Fees and posting times vary by location and time of day. |
Tax Collector office |
You need another in-person payment route. |
Bill/account number and payment method. |
819 301 Boulevard West, Bradenton, Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM. |
Start, Transfer or Close a Manatee County Utilities Account
Residential account
Single-family residential water/sewer/garbage account deposit is listed as $165.
Documents
Residential setup may require driver’s license or Florida ID, full Social Security number, and lease or notarized landlord letter if tenant.
Commercial account
Commercial deposits depend on meter size and number of units; call Customer Service to confirm amount.
Task |
Official route |
Prepare |
Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
Open residential account |
Customer Self-Service or Customer Service at 941-792-8811. |
Driver’s license or Florida ID, full SSN, service address, lease/notarized landlord letter if tenant, deposit. |
Single-family residential deposit is $165. |
Garbage-only residential account |
Customer Service / CSS. |
Driver’s license or Florida ID and full SSN. |
Garbage-only accounts must stay in the owner’s name; single-family garbage-only deposit is $30. |
Transfer deposit |
Call Customer Service before moving. |
Old address, new address, account number, move date. |
If the account is current, deposits can transfer from one address to another within unincorporated Manatee County. |
Close account / final balance |
Use CSS or call Customer Service. |
Account number, final date, forwarding address, payment/refund details. |
Deposits not transferred or already applied are applied to the final balance. |
Open commercial account |
Customer Self-Service or Customer Service. |
Articles of Incorporation and Tax ID if incorporated; driver’s license; owner full SSN if not incorporated, or business license. |
Commercial deposit depends on meter size and number of units. |
Need new meter/connection |
Call 941-792-8811. |
Property address, parcel, meter status, service type, construction details. |
Connection to County utility system may involve facility investment fees, connection fees and line fees. |
Deposit warning: additional deposits may be required when the account is delinquent three or more times, or when two or more bad checks are presented in a 12-month period. Ask Customer Service before move-in if your prior account history could affect a transfer.
Payment Arrangement, Agency Help and Returned Payment Problems
Payment plans in CSS
The CSS portal guide lists “Create Payment Plans” as a portal feature.
Agency commitment
The Customer Assistance Commitment form lets a help agency commit payment toward a Manatee County Utilities account.
Confirmation is not final
Batch processing means a payment confirmation may still fail due to bank rejection, input error, returned item or other issue.
Situation |
Best action |
Ask this |
|---|---|---|
Need more time to pay |
Log in to CSS or call 941-792-8811 before the account reaches disconnection risk. |
“Can this account qualify for a payment plan or arrangement?” |
Agency/church/nonprofit will help |
Ask the agency to submit the Customer Assistance Commitment Application. |
“Will the agency submit the commitment form and payment by the deadline?” |
Submitted agency commitment |
Watch for review email and confirm account hold status. |
“Has a hold been placed, and when does the 30-day extension expire?” |
Payment returned or rejected |
Call Customer Service with confirmation, payment method and bank details. |
“Was this a returned item, input error or bank rejection?” |
Input error caused returned item |
Ask whether the one-time fee waiver review is available. |
“Can this account be reviewed for the one-time returned-item fee waiver?” |
Close to cutoff |
Use a faster official payment route, then call Customer Service. |
“What payment route protects service fastest today?” |
2026 Manatee County Water, Sewer, Reclaimed Water and Garbage Rates
The County’s 2026 water and sewer rates are effective June 1, 2026. A sample single-family residential monthly bill with a 5/8-inch meter, both water and sewer, and 6,000 gallons of water use is listed as $103.83 for water/sewer plus $23.65 for curbside garbage, totaling $130.48.
5/8" water base
$12.95 monthly individual-meter water base charge.
5/8" sewer base
$30.88 monthly individual-meter wastewater base charge.
First 6,000 gallons
$3.11 per 1,000 gallons for individual residential potable water.
Garbage
Curbside garbage sample rate: $23.65 per month.
2026 rate item |
Official amount shown |
What it means for customers |
|---|---|---|
Example monthly bill |
6,000 gallons, 5/8" meter, water and sewer: $103.83; curbside garbage: $23.65; total: $130.48. |
Useful benchmark, but actual bills vary by meter size, usage, sewer status, garbage account and adjustments. |
Individual meter base, 5/8" x 3/4" |
Water $12.95; wastewater $30.88. |
Common residential base charge before usage. |
Individual meter base, 1" |
Water $26.65; wastewater $70.90. |
Larger meter has higher base cost. |
Master-meter detached single family base per unit |
Water $9.74; wastewater $27.87. |
Applies to certain master-metered residential units. |
Master-meter condo/apartment base per unit |
Water $6.96; wastewater $18.64. |
Important for apartments and condos. |
Individual residential water, first 6,000 gallons |
$3.11 per 1,000 gallons. |
First usage tier. |
Individual residential water, next 9,000 gallons |
$3.89 per 1,000 gallons. |
Middle tier after first 6,000 gallons. |
Individual residential water, next 5,000 gallons |
$9.36 per 1,000 gallons. |
Higher-use tier; irrigation and leaks can push bills here. |
Individual residential water, over 20,000 gallons |
$14.07 per 1,000 gallons. |
Very high usage tier. |
Wastewater quantity charge |
$6.89 per 1,000 gallons of potable water consumption. |
Residential individual-meter wastewater charge is capped at 10,000 gallons per month. |
Individual metered reclaimed water |
$1.22 per 1,000 gallons. |
Different from potable irrigation and not the same as drinking-water usage. |
Why base rates appear even with low use: Manatee County Utilities says base rates are charged to any occupied or unoccupied property connected to County water and/or sewer infrastructure, plus a mandatory solid waste charge for residential accounts.
High Bill, Leak Test, Pool Fill or Water/Wastewater Adjustment
Toilet dye test
Add food coloring to the toilet tank, wait 15-30 minutes without flushing, and check whether color appears in the bowl.
Digital meter check
Turn off all water and shine a flashlight on the meter. If flow shows anything besides current read and 0.00, water may still be moving.
Adjustment proof
Repair adjustments require documentation such as repair invoice or replacement/material receipts.
High-bill check |
How to check |
What to do next |
|---|---|---|
Compare meter to bill |
Locate the meter, compare current read to last utility bill, and subtract the old read from current read. |
Take a clear photo of current read and bill page. |
Flow indicator test |
Turn off all water inside and outside, then watch dial/triangle/digital flow indicator. |
If moving, isolate water usage. |
Home shutoff isolation |
Turn off the home’s main shutoff valve and check the meter again. |
If indicator stops, issue is likely inside home; if it continues, issue may be between meter and home or a backflow issue. |
Common indoor causes |
Running toilets, faulty flappers, dripping faucets, water heaters, washing machines, refrigerator supply lines and water softeners. |
Repair and save receipts. |
Outdoor causes |
Irrigation zones, broken sprinkler heads, timers offset by power surge, pool auto-fill systems, hose bibs, wet spots and yard depressions. |
Document repairs and water-use dates. |
Adjustment request |
Submit Water/Wastewater Adjustment Request through CSS after repairs are complete. |
Requests must be received no later than 6 months from the billing date. |
Pool fill / repair adjustment limit |
A property may receive one pool fill adjustment and one repair adjustment per calendar year. |
If already used, request may be denied. |
Not eligible |
No adjustments for new sod, landscape irrigation, pressure washing, reclaimed usage or accidental hose/water left on. |
Continue paying normal bills while review is pending. |
Water Line Break, Sewer Issue, Meter Problem or After-Hours Emergency
After hours
Call 941-792-8811 and select option 8 for emergency utility issues outside normal business hours.
Water line break
If water is bubbling up from the street or a broken line is visible, call 941-792-8811, extension 5216.
Specific extensions
Sewer, meter, water odor/color, water conservation and backflow issues have specific routing through the main phone line.
Problem |
Official route |
Say this |
Have ready |
|---|---|---|---|
Water bubbling from street / broken line |
941-792-8811 ext. 5216. |
“Water is bubbling or flowing at [address/cross street].” |
Exact location, flow direction, road hazard, time started, photos if safe. |
After-hours water/sewer emergency |
941-792-8811 option 8. |
“This is an after-hours utilities emergency at [address].” |
Address, issue type, property/street risk, callback number. |
Sewer issue |
941-792-8811 ext. 5411. |
“I need to report a sewer issue at [address].” |
Backup location, affected fixtures, manhole/street issue, neighbors affected. |
Meter issue |
941-792-8811 ext. 5332. |
“I need help with a meter issue at [address].” |
Meter photo, access issue, leak, read question, account number. |
Water color/odor |
941-792-8811 ext. 5025. |
“My water has [color/odor/taste] at [address].” |
Hot/cold comparison, fixtures affected, time started, neighbors affected. |
Backflow question |
941-792-8811 ext. 5267 or 5283; water.saver@mymanatee.org. |
“I received a backflow letter or need backflow test information.” |
Backflow ID, service address, tester info, letter date. |
Water conservation / restrictions |
941-792-8811 ext. 5327; water.conservation@mymanatee.org. |
“I need help confirming watering restrictions for [address].” |
Address ending digit, irrigation source, landscape status. |
Water Quality Report, Boil Water Notices and Reclaimed Water
24/7 drinking water program
The potable water program covers protection, quality control, operation and maintenance from source to tap, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2025 reports
The County posts a 2025 Water Quality Report, 2025 Water Usage Report Card and additional water-quality information.
Reclaimed water pressure
In 2026, the County advised that reclaimed irrigation pressure may be lower than normal during high seasonal demand, but potable drinking-water pressure is not affected by that reclaimed-water notice.
Question |
Official route / fact |
What customers should do |
|---|---|---|
Where is the annual water quality report? |
Water Quality Information page links the 2025 Water Quality Report and related documents. |
Download the latest report before quoting test results. |
Water color, odor or taste concern |
Call 941-792-8811 ext. 5025. |
Compare hot vs cold water, note affected fixtures and whether neighbors have the same issue. |
Request water testing |
Customer FAQ says call 941-792-8811 ext. 5032. |
Have service address, concern details and sample timing ready. |
Precautionary boil water notice |
County posts water notices and rescission notices when affected areas are cleared. |
Search your address/street and follow notice instructions until rescinded. |
Reclaimed water pressure is low |
Seasonal high demand can reduce reclaimed pressure, while potable water remains unaffected. |
Voluntarily follow potable irrigation schedule during extended dry periods if asked. |
Backflow testing |
Backflow preventers must be tested every year; results can be checked through the online account. |
Use a County-registered tester and respond to letters quickly. |
2026 Manatee County Watering Restrictions
Manatee County followed Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage restrictions in 2026, extended through October 1, 2026. Restrictions apply to all Manatee County properties, including private wells, while straight reclaimed water is subject to voluntary watering hours but encouraged to follow the same schedule during dry periods.
Once per week
Lawn and landscape watering is limited to one assigned day per week.
Reduced hours
Allowed windows are 12:01 AM-4 AM or 8 PM-11:59 PM; properties under one acre may use only one of the windows.
Fine structure
Phase III citations can start at $100, then $250, then $500.
Address ending |
Assigned watering day |
Important rule |
|---|---|---|
0 or 1 |
Monday |
Water only during allowed time window. |
2 or 3 |
Tuesday |
Water only during allowed time window. |
4 or 5 |
Wednesday |
Water only during allowed time window. |
6 or 7 |
Thursday |
Water only during allowed time window. |
8 or 9 / no discernible address / common areas |
Friday |
Includes locations with mixed addresses or no clear address. |
Hand-watering and micro-irrigation for plants other than lawns |
Any day |
Limited to before 8 AM or after 6 PM under Modified Phase III rules. |
New lawns/plants |
60-day establishment period |
Days 1-30 may water any day; days 31-60 limited to 3 days per week with written schedule. |
Car washing at home |
Assigned lawn watering day only |
Use a hose with a shutoff nozzle. |
Aesthetic fountains |
Selected posted schedule |
May operate only four hours per day. |
Violation warning: County enforcement can issue citations without a warning after the order’s grace period. HOAs cannot require increased water use or penalize residents for complying with restrictions.
Solid Waste, Bulk Pickup, Recycling and CSS Requests
Manatee County Utilities bills residential solid waste charges for many accounts. CSS is also used for several garbage and recycling requests, so a “water bill” question may actually be a garbage, bulk pickup or bin charge.
CSS request type |
Use it for |
Charge / limit shown by County guide |
|---|---|---|
Maintenance Request for County Garbage Bin |
County-provided bin is damaged and needs repair or replacement. |
Submit through CSS. |
Missed Pickups and Complaints |
Report missed collection or garbage complaint. |
Use account/service address for routing. |
Additional Bin Request |
Request another County garbage bin. |
Each additional bin incurs a monthly service charge of $13.32. |
Recycling Cart |
First cart, additional cart, repair, replacement or removal. |
Each additional recycling cart incurs a monthly service charge of $5.13. |
Bulk Annual Pickup Request |
Schedule free annual bulk curbside collection. |
Can be used once per year; items must be within 10 cubic yards. |
Bulk Pickup |
Bulk items outside free monthly/annual pickup. |
Pickup incurs a fee of $59 per item, billed to the account. |
Improperly Prepared Garbage Pickup |
Additional bags or unprepared yard waste. |
Fee based on cubic-yard measurement, including $45 per cubic yard for residential improperly prepared garbage. |
Manatee County Utilities Office, Drop Box, Mail and Map
Utilities Administration Building
Manatee County Utilities
3647 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, FL 34210
Phone: 941-792-8811
The lobby is listed as permanently closed, but the 24-hour payment drop box is outside the building.
Mail payments
Manatee County Utilities Department
PO Box 25350
Bradenton, FL 34206-5350
Use for mailed payments only; include bill stub/account number.
Tax Collector payment location
819 301 Boulevard West
Bradenton, FL 34205
Lobby hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM
Location / route |
Address / contact |
Use for |
|---|---|---|
Utilities Administration Building |
3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210. |
24-hour payment drop box, utility reference location, customer service mailing/office identity. |
Payment drop box |
North side of the Administration Building. |
Check/money-order payment drop-off when not using online/phone/mail. |
Payment mail |
PO Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350. |
Routine mailed utility bill payments. |
Tax Collector payment office |
819 301 Boulevard West, Bradenton, FL 34205. |
In-person payment option during lobby hours. |
General County Administration |
1112 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205. |
General County contact location, not the utility payment drop box. |
Customer Service phone |
941-792-8811. |
Billing, payment, service, emergencies, account help and extension routing. |
Manatee Water Utilities FAQ
What is the Manatee County Utilities phone number?
Call Manatee County Utilities Customer Service at 941-792-8811. Phone support is listed Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM, excluding holidays. After normal business hours, call the same number and select option 8 for emergencies.
What is the Manatee County Utilities phone payment number?
Call 833-425-2099 for automated phone payment. The system accepts MasterCard or Visa with a processing fee, or checking/savings account payment to avoid the processing fee.
Where do I pay my Manatee County Utilities bill online?
Use the official Customer Self-Service portal at mymanatee.org/css. CSS allows customers to make payments, view statements, request paperless billing, view consumption history and create certain service requests.
Do I need a new CSS account?
Yes, if you have not registered under the newer system. Manatee County says previous CWA online access with the old account number was retired effective February 14, 2024. Use the new account number from your current bill.
Where do I mail a Manatee County Utilities payment?
Mail payments to Manatee County Utilities Department, PO Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350. Include your bill stub or account number and avoid mail when service timing is urgent.
Where is the Manatee County Utilities drop box?
The 24-hour walk-up drop box is outside the Utilities Administration Building at 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34210, on the north side of the building.
How do I open a new residential utilities account?
Use CSS or call 941-792-8811. Manatee County says a residential water, sewer and garbage account may require driver’s license or Florida ID, full Social Security number, lease or notarized landlord letter if tenant, and a $165 single-family deposit.
How do I report a water line break?
If you see water bubbling up from the street or a broken water line, call Manatee County Utilities at 941-792-8811, extension 5216. After normal business hours, call 941-792-8811 and select option 8 for emergencies.
Can I request an adjustment for a high bill?
Possibly. Submit the Water/Wastewater Adjustment Request through CSS after repairs are completed and include required documentation such as repair invoices or parts receipts. Requests must be received no later than six months from the billing date, and a property may receive one pool-fill adjustment and one repair adjustment per calendar year.
What are Manatee County watering days in 2026?
Under Modified Phase III restrictions, lawn watering is once per week by address ending: 0 or 1 Monday, 2 or 3 Tuesday, 4 or 5 Wednesday, 6 or 7 Thursday, and 8 or 9 Friday. Locations without a discernible address or with mixed addresses also use Friday. Allowed hours are 12:01 AM-4 AM or 8 PM-11:59 PM, with one window for properties under one acre.
30-Second Manatee Water Utilities Checklist
Pay/login: use mymanatee.org/css with your new account number; phone pay is 833-425-2099.
Call: 941-792-8811 for Customer Service; after hours choose option 8 for emergencies.
Mail/drop box: mail payments to PO Box 25350, Bradenton, FL 34206-5350; use the 24-hour drop box at 3647 Cortez Road West.
Start service: residential single-family deposit is $165; prepare ID, SSN and lease/landlord letter if tenant.
High bill: check meter, toilets, irrigation, hose bibs and receipts; submit adjustment request in CSS after repairs are complete.

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.
Water Bill Payment, Leak & Utility Help Toolkit
Use this free helper to find the official water bill portal, avoid unsafe payment pages, handle late bills, troubleshoot high usage, prepare start/stop service documents, and contact the utility office with the right details.
Official Water Bill Portal Finder
Enter your city, state, and utility name. This tool creates safe search shortcuts for the official bill pay portal, customer service page, outage line, and start/stop service page.
Safe Water Bill Payment Checklist
Before paying online, use this checklist to reduce the risk of wrong payment, duplicate payment, missed receipt, or third-party confusion.
Late Bill, Shutoff Notice & Reconnection Action Plan
Select your situation and get practical next steps. This helps users act quickly without guessing.
High Water Bill & Leak Troubleshooter
A high bill can be caused by leaks, irrigation, estimated readings, seasonal use, or account/meter issues. Choose the closest problem below.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Checklist
Moving in or out? Choose your situation and prepare the details most utilities commonly request.
Your preparation checklist
Payment Assistance & Arrangement Finder
If you cannot pay the full water bill, this guide helps you decide what to ask before disconnection or extra fees.
Water Department Call Script Generator
Generate a clear call or email script before contacting the utility billing office.