Richmond Water Utility Help Desk for Bills, Login and Service
Use this guide to pay a City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities bill, open MyHQ or EZ-PAY, find your new 10-digit DPU account number, call customer care, avoid payment-posting mistakes, request a payment plan, apply for MetroCare help, report water or sewer emergencies, review 2026 rates, and check water-quality information.
Start Here: Choose the Right Richmond DPU Action
User need |
Official route |
Prepare first |
Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay online or view bills |
New 10-digit DPU account number, ZIP code, billing address, payment method. |
After the May 26, 2026 system launch, new account numbers are 10 digits long and old/new history may appear separately. |
|
Find account number |
RVA account lookup tool or call 804-646-4646. |
Service address, name on account, old account number if available. |
Bank bill-pay users should update both the new account number and the payment mailing address. |
Pay by phone |
Call 804-646-4646 and choose option 2. |
Account number, card/bank details, amount due. |
Self-service phone payment is available 24/7; call-center help is during business hours. |
Customer service / billing issue |
Call 804-646-4646. |
New and old account number if relevant, payment receipt, bill copy, service address. |
Use this number for billing, payment posting, PromisePay, MetroCare, disconnection/restoration and account issues. |
Mail payment |
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, P.O. Box 70621, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0621. |
Payment coupon, account number, check or money order. |
DPU’s updated 2026 account notice says to use this lockbox address and new 10-digit account number. |
Past-due balance |
PromisePay or DPU Customer Care. |
Account number, balance, income/payment ability, phone/email for reminders. |
MetroCare and PromisePay may help, but funding/eligibility rules apply. |
Water/sewer emergency |
Call 804-646-4646; use 911 for natural gas smell or life safety. |
Address, cross street, leak/backup/no-water details, time started. |
For gas leaks, leave the area immediately and call 911. |
2026 account warning: Richmond DPU changed account numbers during its 2026 system transition. If MyHQ or EZ-PAY shows an old and new account, use the new 10-digit account for current activity and update bank bill-pay records before sending another payment.
Official Richmond DPU Contact Box
Department of Public Utilities
City address:
900 E. Broad St.
Room 115
Richmond, VA 23219
DPU Customer Care: 804-646-4646
Payment and Account Phones
Main DPU billing/account: 804-646-4646
Phone pay: call 804-646-4646 and select option 2.
City 311: 311 or 804-646-7000
Updated Payment Mail
Mail payments to:
City of Richmond
Department of Public Utilities
P.O. Box 70621
Philadelphia, PA 19176-0621
Make checks payable to: City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities.
Emergency / Urgent Issues
DPU: 804-646-4646
Use for water leaks, sewer issues, sinkholes and utility account emergencies. If you smell natural gas, leave the area and call 911.
New Utility Services
DPU Development Services / New Services Team:
804-646-8544
Use for new water/sewer service applications, connection-related questions and confirming an application was received.
Email and Support
DPU email: dpucustserv@rva.gov
Do not email sensitive card/bank data. Use the portal, phone payment system or official payment routes for payment.
Official Richmond DPU links:
How to Pay a Richmond Water Utility Bill
Payment method |
Official detail |
Best for |
Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
MyHQ login |
MyHQ is Richmond DPU’s eBill/customer portal route. |
Viewing bill history, managing paperless billing, checking old/new account records and paying online. |
After the 2026 system update, make sure you are looking at the active new 10-digit account. |
EZ-PAY |
KUBRA EZ-PAY can be used for one-time payment/account validation. |
Quick payment or payment-status check when MyHQ is confusing. |
Have account number and ZIP code ready; save the receipt. |
Phone payment |
Call 804-646-4646 and select option 2. |
Customers who prefer phone payment or cannot access online payment. |
Self-service phone payment is 24/7; representative help is business-hours only. |
Bank bill pay |
Use your financial institution only after updating DPU’s new 10-digit account number and current lockbox address. |
Recurring bank-based payments. |
Old account numbers or old mailing address can delay posting. |
Mail |
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, P.O. Box 70621, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0621. |
Normal, not-urgent accounts with enough mailing time. |
Mail is risky for shutoff-risk accounts or payments needing same-day proof. |
Automatic payment |
ACH automatic payments are handled through MyHQ after the 2026 system update. |
Customers wanting recurring draft from a saved payment method. |
Verify the first successful draft after the transition and confirm it is tied to the new account number. |
PromisePay |
Richmond.promise-pay.com offers flexible payment plans for customers with past-due balances. |
Past-due water/gas customers who need structured repayment. |
Stay on schedule; missed plan payments can remove incentive credits or trigger account action. |
MetroCare |
Apply through approved intake agencies for qualifying water, wastewater or natural gas assistance. |
Eligible low-income households with an active DPU residential account. |
Funding is limited and documentation is required. |
MyHQ, EZ-PAY and New 10-Digit Account Number Help
MyHQ
- Use for eBill and online bill management.
- View account and bill history.
- Check both old and new account dropdowns if shown.
- MyHQ stores up to 36 months of bill history.
- Confirm the new 10-digit account for current charges.
EZ-PAY
- Use for one-time payment/account lookup.
- Have account number and ZIP code ready.
- Useful when MyHQ is unclear.
- Save the confirmation number.
- Check current account balance after payment posts.
Account update
DPU’s new customer system went live May 26, 2026. New utility account numbers are 10 digits long, and bank bill-pay users should update both their account number and payment address.
Find your active account number
Use the new number printed on the latest bill, the account lookup tool, MyHQ, EZ-PAY or DPU Customer Care. New DPU account numbers are 10 digits long.
Open the official payment route
Start from RVA.gov Public Utilities Billing, then choose MyHQ, EZ-PAY, phone pay, PromisePay or assistance.
Check old vs new account history
If the portal shows more than one account, use old history for charges before May 26, 2026 and the new account for current charges after the system launch.
Update bank bill pay
If paying through your bank, update the payee with the new 10-digit account number and the current Philadelphia lockbox address before sending another payment.
Save proof
Keep the confirmation number, date/time, payment amount, account number, address, bank/card last four digits and screenshot or email receipt.
2026 payment-delay note: DPU said some MyHQ, EZ-PAY, mailed and ACH payments were delayed after the May 26 system launch. If your payment cleared your bank but does not show, do not submit a duplicate payment until you check EZ-PAY/MyHQ and call DPU if needed.
Past-Due Bill, Payment Posting Delay or Service Restoration
Service off / restoration
DPU’s FAQ says service is normally restored the next day after payment posts. Same-day restoration may be available for an additional $35 if scheduling allows. Call 804-646-4646 to set up the request.
Payment posting issue
If your payment cleared but does not show, gather the receipt and bank proof. DPU stated that late fees caused by 2026 processing delays would be removed automatically.
Payment plan
Customers with past-due balances may use PromisePay. Some customers enrolled in a new plan may qualify for a payment-plan incentive credit when funding is available.
Situation |
Ask this before paying again |
Save this proof |
|---|---|---|
Payment cleared bank but portal still shows due |
“Can you trace this payment and confirm whether it is in the delayed-processing queue?” |
Bank image, confirmation number, date/time, amount, old/new account number. |
Old account number used |
“Was my payment matched to the new 10-digit account, or does it need research?” |
Old account number, new account number, bank/payee record, receipt. |
Service already off |
“What amount is required, has payment posted, and is same-day restoration available?” |
Payment receipt, service request, staff name, fee quote, time request was made. |
Cannot pay full balance |
“Can I enroll in PromisePay, MetroCare or a special payment plan before further action?” |
Bill, income/household documents, hardship details, appointment notes. |
Late fee from delayed payment posting |
“Was this late fee caused by the 2026 processing issue, and will it be removed?” |
Original due date, payment date, posting date, notice screenshot. |
MetroCare, PromisePay and Assistance Programs
MetroCare assistance
MetroCare can help qualified low-income households with water, wastewater or natural gas bills when funding is available. DPU’s billing page lists water/wastewater assistance up to $1,000 and conservation assistance up to $1,000, with a maximum total assistance amount per applicant per fiscal year.
Required documents
- Valid photo ID.
- Current utility bill showing your name as customer or authorized user.
- Proof you live at the service address.
- Proof of household size.
- Proof of income.
PromisePay
PromisePay allows eligible past-due customers to select payment plan options, set up automatic payments and receive payment reminders and notifications.
Help path |
Who may qualify |
What to do |
Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
MetroCare Water/Wastewater |
Residential customers with active DPU water/wastewater/gas account, primary residence, qualifying income and hardship. |
Apply in person through an approved MetroCare intake agency. |
Applications are reviewed based on eligibility and available funding. |
MetroCare Water Conservation |
Eligible customers needing direct repair/replacement of plumbing or qualified water-using appliances. |
Use the official MetroCare Water Conservation application and rules. |
Designed to reduce waste and help lower future bills. |
PromisePay |
Residential or commercial customers with past-due balances. |
Enroll at Richmond.promise-pay.com or call DPU for help. |
Payment-plan incentive credit may be available when funding exists and payments stay on time. |
Senior / disabled relief |
Eligible elderly or disabled customers. |
Contact the City Finance Department tax-relief program. |
Eligible customers may be exempt from solid waste and recycling fees on the utility bill. |
Fuel assistance |
Customers with heating or energy difficulty. |
Contact Richmond Department of Social Services or community agencies. |
Fuel assistance is separate from water-specific help. |
2026 Richmond Water and Wastewater Rates
DPU’s rates are approved by City Council and the official rate page says the listed rates are effective July 1, 2026. Water and wastewater customers are billed monthly with a monthly service charge plus volume charges.
5/8-inch water base
$18.90 per month for single-family residential water service charge.
5/8-inch wastewater base
$24.56 per month for single-family residential wastewater service charge.
Water Tier 1
0-4 Ccf billed at $3.35 per Ccf for single-family residential water.
Water Tier 2
Above 4 Ccf billed at $7.09 per Ccf for single-family residential water.
Charge type |
2026 official detail shown |
How to use it |
|---|---|---|
Single-family 5/8-inch water service charge |
$18.90 monthly. |
Fixed water base before usage charges. |
Single-family 5/8-inch wastewater service charge |
$24.56 monthly. |
Fixed wastewater base before volume charge. |
Single-family 3/4-inch water service charge |
$26.85 monthly. |
Fixed water base for larger residential meter. |
Single-family 3/4-inch wastewater service charge |
$35.03 monthly. |
Fixed wastewater base for larger residential meter. |
Single-family water volume Tier 1 |
$3.35 per Ccf for 0-4 Ccf. |
First four Ccf of water use. |
Single-family water volume Tier 2 |
$7.09 per Ccf above 4 Ccf. |
Higher usage above the lifeline tier. |
Wastewater volume |
$10.24 per Ccf. |
Same wastewater volume rate regardless of consumption tier. |
Seasonal wastewater adjustment |
March-November wastewater bill is based on the lesser of actual water use or average monthly water use billed December-February. |
Outdoor water from lawns/gardens/car washing may not be treated as wastewater in the same way during adjustment months. |
Rate publishing tip: because utility rates can change by ordinance, keep the official utility-rates page linked in the article and avoid using old screenshots for 2026 calculations.
High Water Bill, Leak Adjustment and Meter Checks
Transfer surprise
Unpaid bills from old accounts can follow the account holder, so a first bill at a new address may include older charges.
Leak responsibility
If the leak is on the customer side, charges billed remain the accountholder’s responsibility.
City-side leak review
DPU can inspect to see whether the leak is on the city side of the meter and may adjust eligible excess charges.
Estimated bill
Estimated readings may happen when access is blocked or the electronic read signal is unavailable.
High-bill check |
What Richmond DPU says / why it matters |
What to save |
|---|---|---|
Main valve meter test |
Close the main valve to your home and watch the meter. If the indicator keeps moving, there may be a leak between the meter and main valve, or the valve may not fully shut off. |
Meter video, before/after reading, date/time. |
Toilet flapper test |
Put food coloring in the tank, wait about 10 minutes, and see whether color appears in the bowl. |
Photo, repair receipt, plumber invoice if repaired. |
Running toilet |
DPU says a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day. |
Repair date, parts receipt, plumber note. |
Blocked meter access |
Mulch, flowerbeds, trash cans, vehicles, locked gates, animals or inside locations can cause estimated reads. |
Clear meter-area photo and current meter reading. |
Outdoor seasonal use |
Lawn watering, gardening, car washing and pool filling can change water use and billing. |
Irrigation schedule, pool-fill dates, outdoor-use notes. |
City-side leak inspection |
DPU says it can inspect and adjust 100% of excess sewer charges and 50% of excess water charges if leak is on the city side of the meter. |
Inspection request, staff notes, bill periods, meter details. |
Start New Water or Sewer Service
New utility service
Richmond DPU’s permits page says water and sewer utilities are available throughout the city. Contact the DPU Development Services New Services Team at 804-646-8544 for new service information or to establish new utility services.
Application route
Applications for new services are available on the permits page. Complete the appropriate application, print it, and mail or fax it to the address listed on the form.
Confirm receipt
After submitting, call the New Services Team to confirm the application was received and that an account has been established.
Need |
Official route |
What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
New water/sewer account or connection |
DPU Development Services New Services Team, 804-646-8544. |
Service address, property details, applicant/owner info, type of water/sewer service needed. |
Water and sewer application |
Public Utilities Permits page. |
Completed application, project details, mailing/fax method listed on form. |
Backflow/cross-connection question |
Public Utilities permits and cross-connection resources. |
Backflow test form, commercial/irrigation information if applicable. |
Service-transfer bill surprise |
Call DPU Customer Care, 804-646-4646. |
Old account, new account, service addresses, move dates and unpaid-balance details. |
Richmond vs Henrico/provider question |
Confirm provider printed on bill and call DPU or the relevant county/city utility. |
Property address, provider name, account number, bill copy. |
Water Quality Report, Lead Free Water and Conservation
Annual report
Richmond’s water-quality page links the 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 Drinking Water Quality Reports.
Water quality questions
For additional copies or more information about the report, call DPU at 804-646-4646. For more about Richmond water quality, call 804-646-8701.
Lead Free Water
Richmond’s Lead Free Water Program focuses on public and private sides of water service lines. Use the service-line map and survey from the official account-update page.
Concern |
Official route |
What to check |
|---|---|---|
Latest drinking-water report |
Detected substances, source water, compliance, EPA/VDH standards. |
|
Water-quality copy or question |
Call DPU 804-646-4646 or water quality 804-646-8701. |
Address, concern, date/time, whether neighbors are affected. |
Lead service line material |
Service-line map, survey, plumber assistance links. |
|
Private plumbing leak concern |
Use high-bill checks and call DPU if meter behavior suggests an issue. |
Meter photos, valve test, plumber invoice. |
General drinking-water health questions |
EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline, EPA website and Virginia Department of Health resources listed by DPU. |
Current official report, not old screenshots. |
Water Leak, Sewer Backup, Sinkhole or Emergency
Water / sewer / sinkhole
Call DPU: 804-646-4646
Use for gas/water leaks, sinkholes and urgent utility issues. Give an exact location and what you see.
Natural gas smell
If you think you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 911. Do not use switches, phones or flames near the suspected leak.
Non-emergency city service
Use RVA 311 for non-emergency service requests, or call 311 / 804-646-7000 for city routing when it is not urgent.
Problem |
Call / report |
Say this |
|---|---|---|
Water main break / street leak |
804-646-4646. |
“Water is flowing or bubbling at [address/cross street]. It started [time].” |
Sewer backup |
804-646-4646; 911 only if there is immediate danger. |
“Sewage is backing up at [fixture/location]. I stopped using water.” |
Sinkhole or utility-related collapse |
804-646-4646. |
“There is a sinkhole/void at [location]. It is near [road/sidewalk/meter/utility line].” |
No water / low pressure |
804-646-4646. |
“No water or low pressure affects [one fixture/whole home/neighbors].” |
Natural gas odor |
Leave area and call 911. |
Do not stay inside or troubleshoot near the odor. |
Non-emergency city service |
RVA311.com, 311 or 804-646-7000. |
Use for non-urgent trash, street, service-request or routing questions. |
Emergency documentation tip: when safe, take photos from a distance and note the time, address, cross street and whether water or sewage is actively moving. Do not stand in traffic, floodwater or sewage to take photos.
Richmond DPU vs Richmond Gas Works, Henrico or Apartment Billing
If your bill says… |
Likely route |
Verify before paying |
|---|---|---|
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities |
Use RVA.gov Public Utilities Billing, MyHQ, EZ-PAY, 804-646-4646 and the Philadelphia lockbox address. |
New 10-digit DPU account number, service address, current balance and old/new account history. |
Richmond Gas Works |
Richmond Gas Works uses the same DPU account number for gas-related billing but gas safety has separate emergency rules. |
If you smell gas, leave and call 911. Do not treat gas odor as a billing-only issue. |
Henrico, Chesterfield, county, town or private provider |
Use that provider’s utility billing office. |
Provider name on bill, account number, property jurisdiction, service address. |
Apartment, landlord or third-party biller |
Use lease, resident portal or property manager instructions. |
Whether water is master-metered, submetered or directly billed by DPU. |
New construction or redevelopment project |
DPU Development Services / New Services Team. |
Service availability, water/sewer application, connection charges and permit needs. |
Wrong-payment warning: many places are named Richmond. This article is for Richmond, Virginia DPU. If your bill says Richmond, CA; Richmond, KY; Richmond, IN; Richmond Hill; Henrico; Chesterfield; or a private utility, use the provider printed on that bill.
Richmond DPU Map and Office Routing
Use the map for Richmond City Hall / DPU Room 115 at 900 E. Broad Street. For payments, MyHQ, EZ-PAY and phone pay are usually faster than visiting. For new service applications, call the New Services Team first.
Route |
Address / phone |
Use for |
Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
DPU Customer Care / Room 115 |
900 E. Broad St., Room 115, Richmond, VA 23219 |
Account help, billing, payment posting, old/new account questions. |
Call 804-646-4646 before visiting for account-specific help. |
Payment mail |
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, P.O. Box 70621, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0621 |
Check/money-order payment with coupon and account number. |
Use the new 10-digit account number; avoid mail for urgent payments. |
DPU phone |
Billing, phone pay option 2, utility questions, water/sewer emergency routing. |
For gas smell, leave and call 911. |
|
New Services Team |
New water/sewer service applications and account establishment. |
Call to confirm receipt after submitting forms. |
|
RVA 311 |
311 or 804-646-7000 |
Non-emergency city service requests and routing. |
Billing and DPU account questions should go to DPU Customer Care. |
Richmond Water Utility FAQ
How do I pay my Richmond water utility bill online?
Use Richmond DPU’s official billing page, then choose MyHQ for login/eBill management or EZ-PAY for one-time payment/account validation. Have your new 10-digit DPU account number and ZIP code ready.
What is the Richmond DPU customer service phone number?
Call 804-646-4646 for Richmond Department of Public Utilities billing, payment, account, water, wastewater, natural gas and utility customer-service questions. For phone payment, call the same number and choose option 2.
Where do I mail a Richmond DPU water bill payment?
Mail payments to City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, P.O. Box 70621, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0621. Make checks payable to City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities and include the new 10-digit account number.
Why did my Richmond DPU account number change?
DPU launched new customer service, billing and field-service systems on May 26, 2026. As part of that transition, customers received new 10-digit account numbers. Use the new number for current payments and bank bill-pay records.
What should I do if MyHQ shows two account numbers?
Use the old account for history before May 26, 2026 and the new 10-digit account for current activity. DPU says MyHQ stores 36 months of bill history, so old and new records may appear in the account dropdown.
What if my payment cleared but is not showing on the account?
Check EZ-PAY/MyHQ and call DPU with your confirmation or bank proof. DPU reported 2026 payment-posting delays tied to MyHQ, EZ-PAY, mail and ACH methods and said late fees caused by those processing delays would be removed automatically.
Can I get a payment plan for a Richmond DPU bill?
Yes, past-due customers may be able to use PromisePay payment plans. DPU also lists MetroCare assistance for eligible low-income households with water, wastewater or natural gas bills, subject to documentation and available funding.
When can service be restored after payment?
DPU’s FAQ says service is normally restored the next day after payment posts. Same-day restoration may be available for an additional $35 if there is room in the schedule. Call 804-646-4646 to request restoration.
How do I check a high Richmond water bill?
Check the main valve and water meter indicator, test toilets with food coloring, inspect faucets and outdoor use, clear the meter area, and ask DPU about meter reads or city-side leak inspection. DPU says customer-side leak charges remain the accountholder’s responsibility.
Where can I find Richmond water quality reports?
Use the official Richmond DPU Water Utility page. It links current and prior Drinking Water Quality Reports and provides phone numbers for report copies and water-quality questions.
30-Second Richmond Water Utility Checklist
Pay/login: use MyHQ or EZ-PAY from the official Richmond DPU billing page.
Phone: call 804-646-4646; choose option 2 for phone payment.
Account number: use the new 10-digit DPU account number after the May 26, 2026 system change.
Mail: City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, P.O. Box 70621, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0621.
Bank bill pay: update both account number and mailing address to avoid posting delays.
Past due: check PromisePay and MetroCare; call before duplicate-paying a delayed account.
High bill: test toilets, meter movement, main valve, outdoor use and estimated-read causes.
Emergency: call 804-646-4646 for water/sewer utility emergencies; leave the area and call 911 if you smell gas.

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.