South Bend Water Works Help Desk for Bills, Login, Service and Water Problems
Use this guide to pay a South Bend Municipal Utilities bill, log in to the online portal, use Quick Pay without a login, call the correct 311/IVR number, start or terminate service, handle a red disconnect notice, check stormwater and sewer lines, report leaks, and find Water Works quality and service-line resources.
Start Here: Pick the Exact South Bend Utility Task
Searcher intent |
Best official route |
Have ready |
Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay online with login |
9-digit account number, username/password, payment method. |
Login lets you manage bills, usage, AutoPay, paperless billing and profile details. |
|
Pay one time without login |
Account number or phone number linked to the account. |
The City says Quick Pay can make a one-time payment with no login required. |
|
Pay by phone |
Dial 311 inside city limits, call 574-233-0311, or use IVR 574-235-9236. |
Account number or phone number associated with account; card details if paying. |
City materials say there is no additional fee for IVR/phone payment. |
Pay in person |
City Hall Service Center, 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. |
Bill stub, account number, payment method, ID if changing account details. |
Lobby hours are listed as Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5:00 PM. |
Mail payment |
South Bend Municipal Utilities, PO Box 7125, South Bend, IN 46634-7125. |
Check/money order and bill stub. |
Include the bill stub to expedite posting. Do not mail near a disconnect deadline. |
Start service |
Portal Application for New Service or City Hall Service Center. |
Application, valid picture ID, proof of ownership or signed lease. |
Water service start fee is $30 on the first bill; trash service may add a $10 administrative fee. |
Terminate service |
Online termination form or call 311. |
Forwarding address and requested termination date. |
Final bill should generate within a week; deposit credits are applied against the final bill. |
Water emergency / leak / low pressure |
Exact address, cross street, issue type, photos only if safe. |
Use the service department/emergency line for water main leak, low pressure, hit hydrant or repair shutoff/turn-on. |
Bill-line warning: South Bend Municipal Utilities issues a monthly bill that can include trash collection, water and sewer. If the total is high, check each line item before assuming the problem is water use only.
Official South Bend Water Works Utility Contact Box
Billing / Account Help
Inside city limits: Dial 311
Outside city limits: 574-233-0311
TTY: 574-235-5567
Customer service email:
SBMUcustomerservice@southbendin.gov
Billing disputes:
utilitybillingdisputes@southbendin.gov
City Service Center
Address:
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Suite 100
South Bend, IN 46601
Use for: in-person payment, account setup, deposits, forms, payment arrangements and utility help.
Water Works / Emergencies
Water emergencies and after-hours concerns:
574-235-9464
Water quality questions:
waterquality@southbendin.gov
Drinking water concerns:
waterworks@southbendin.gov
Routing tip: use 311 for account balance, due date, payment, start/stop/transfer and billing disputes. Use 574-235-9464 for field-side water emergencies, low pressure, water main leak, repair shutoff/turn-on or after-hours water service concerns.
Pay Bill and Login: South Bend Municipal Utilities Steps
Quick Pay
Use Quick Pay from the portal home page for a one-time payment with no login required.
Portal account
Create an account to manage AutoPay, paperless billing, text-to-pay, statements and usage history.
No added fee
City materials say there is no additional fee for online payments and no added fee for IVR phone payment.
Third-party warning
The City is not affiliated with third-party online paying agents and is not responsible for payment delays through those services.
Payment route |
Official detail |
Best for |
Practical warning |
|---|---|---|---|
Online portal login |
Use utilities.southbendin.gov to create/login to an online account. |
Customers who want billing statements, transactions, usage history, AutoPay, paperless billing and profile control. |
Locate your 9-digit account number on the right side near the letterhead of the latest bill. |
Quick Pay |
One-time payment with no login required from the portal home page. |
Fast monthly payment. |
Save confirmation number if near a due date or red disconnect notice. |
Debit/credit card online |
City materials list MasterCard, Discover, Visa credit/debit card payment with no additional fee. |
Fast electronic payment. |
Confirm the page is utilities.southbendin.gov before entering card data. |
AutoPay by card |
Login, choose Bills & Payments, then AutoPay to set up credit/debit card automatic payment. |
Customers who want monthly automatic payment from card. |
Expired cards can remove AutoPay without advance notice because SBMU does not receive card-expiration notices. |
AutoPay by bank draft |
Enroll online, or submit the bank-draft application with a voided check when using the paper route. |
Checking/savings automatic payment users. |
AutoPay should begin with the next bill after request processing; look for “Do Not Pay” on the bill stub. |
Phone / IVR |
Call 311, 574-233-0311 or IVR 574-235-9236. Follow prompts for payment, account info, service start/transfer/termination or service department. |
Users who prefer phone payment or need balance/due date 24/7. |
Have account number or phone number associated with account ready. |
Payment kiosks |
La Casa de Amistad, 3423 S. Michigan St.; MLK Dream Center, 1522 Linden Ave. |
Self-service community payment locations. |
Kiosks do not give change and cannot accept cashier’s checks or money orders. |
CheckFreePay |
40-plus payment locations are available around the city, including stores such as Dollar General, Speedway and Walmart. |
In-person retail payment users. |
Use official CheckFreePay locator and keep receipt. |
Official payment/login links:
Start, Transfer or Terminate South Bend Utility Service
Start service
- Complete the New Service Application at the utility portal, or visit City Hall Service Center.
- Submit proof of ownership or valid signed lease.
- Provide valid picture ID.
- Pay or arrange any required past-due balances before service starts.
- Ask whether a deposit is required based on payment history.
Transfer service
- Use the portal Forms section if you already have online access.
- Prepare current account number, old address and new service address.
- Have proof of lease/ownership and valid ID ready if requested.
- Call 311 if the portal form is unclear.
- Confirm final date at old address and start date at new address.
Terminate service
- Use the online termination form or call 311.
- Provide forwarding address for the final bill.
- Provide requested termination date.
- Final bill should generate within about one week after termination.
- Deposit credit is applied to the final bill; credit over $3 may be refunded by check within 90 days after final bill payment.
Start-service item | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Water service start fee | $30 start service fee billed on the first statement for customers getting water service. | Budget for it on the first bill. |
Trash administrative fee | $10 administrative fee for customers with trash service. | Check whether trash is on your account. |
Deposit range | Deposit may be $0 up to two months’ estimated water and sewer bills by meter size. | Ask for deposit decision during application. |
Deposit waiver review | Applicants with prior utility service may avoid deposit only if payment-history criteria are met. | Bring documentation from another utility such as AEP or NIPSCO if not a recent SBMU customer. |
Past-due balances | All past-due bills must be paid before starting or reinstating new services. | Ask whether any old balance is attached to the applicant or address. |
Account changes online | Portal Profile area can update personal details, notification settings, password/security question and guest access. | Use portal if you are already the account holder. |
Due Date, Red Disconnect Notice, Payment Extension and Restoration
Due by 5 PM
Utility payments are due by 5:00 PM on the due date shown on the bill.
Disconnect notice
For shutoff risk, call 311 to confirm the disconnection amount and deadline.
Payment after 5 PM
The Utility may keep accepting payment after 5 PM, but it does not guarantee that late-day payment prevents shutoff.
Restoration timing
If payment is made by 4 PM after disconnection, same-day restoration may be available subject to service availability.
Situation | Official rule / practical meaning | Best action |
|---|---|---|
Want to avoid disconnection | Disconnection amount plus unpaid deposits must be paid by the deadline on the red notice. | Call 311 or use IVR to get exact amount and deadline before paying. |
Payment deadline day | Payments must be made by 5 PM on the date printed on the notice to guarantee service will not be disconnected. | Pay early, save confirmation and call if the account is close to shutoff. |
Need payment extension/installment plan | Extensions or installment plans must be completed by 5 PM on the disconnection date through 311 or Customer Service Office. | Call before service is processed for disconnection. |
Account already processed for disconnection | No installment plans/extensions are given after processing; customer must pay full past-due balance or ask 311 about special plan option. | Ask exact restoration amount and whether down payment/deposit is required. |
Restoring service | Entire past-due balance may include another month’s bill and unpaid deposit. | Pay before 4 PM if same-day restoration is needed. |
Adult not home for restore | A responsible adult must be present unless waiver of liability is on file. | Submit waiver if you cannot be present, or be home when field staff arrives. |
Return trip | If no one is present and a return trip is needed, a $15 return trip fee may apply. | Turn off faucets and be available during restoration window. |
Need assistance | UAP, LIHEAP/LIWHAP through REAL Services and community support may help eligible customers. | Start with southbendin.gov/uap or call 311 for utility assistance routing. |
Water, Sewer, Trash and Stormwater: Why the Bill Is Not Water-Only
Water
Water charges use meter-size minimums and usage. A base/minimum can appear even with low use.
Sewer
Sewer includes base charge by meter size plus usage fee per 100 cubic feet.
Trash
South Bend Municipal Utilities bill can include trash collection charges.
Stormwater
Inside-city customers may see STORMWATER RES or stormwater line item.
Bill line / fee | Official detail | What it means |
|---|---|---|
Monthly water/sewer base | City guidance says an inside-city customer with a 5/8-inch meter pays about $38 monthly in water/sewer charges even if no water is used. | Low use does not mean the bill goes to zero. |
Water usage | Every monthly statement shows billed water usage history. | Compare usage history before disputing total bill amount. |
Sewer usage | Sewer has a usage fee per 100 cubic feet in addition to base charge. | Indoor leaks can raise both water and sewer charges. |
Residential stormwater | Stormwater fee is $2 per month for residential properties inside city limits. | Appears as a stormwater line item; not a drinking-water charge. |
Non-residential stormwater | Stormwater fee is $5 per month for non-residential properties inside city limits. | Funds drainage, flooding control, water quality and stormwater regulations. |
Trash collection | Municipal Utilities bill can include trash collection. | Check trash line before assuming water meter error. |
Yard waste / special trash | Utility rate materials may include seasonal yard waste or special pickup charges. | Review current rate sheet if a solid-waste line appears unfamiliar. |
Inside vs. outside city | Rate sheets may distinguish inside/outside city status and service categories. | Confirm account classification before estimating a neighbor’s bill. |
High Bill, Leak Check and Sewer Adjustment Rules
Check usage history
Portal users can view billed water consumption and sewer usage from the Billed Usage area.
Common leaks
Dripping faucets, running toilets, water softeners and water-heater leaks are common causes of high usage.
No residential leak adjustment
The Utility charges for all water that passes through the meter and does not offer residential leak adjustments.
Winter sewer review
Residential customers with winter leaks may request written review of sewer maximum based on winter-quarter usage.
High-bill clue | What to check | Next action |
|---|---|---|
Usage is elevated | Look at water usage history on the bill or portal, not just dollar amount. | Compare current period to previous months. |
Meter moving when fixtures are off | Turn off washer, dishwasher, shower, faucets and make sure no toilets recently flushed; then check meter dial/numbers. | If the meter registers, water is likely flowing somewhere. |
Possible toilet leak | Pick up free dye tablet package from City Hall Service Center or use a dye test. | If dye appears in bowl without flushing, repair flapper/fill valve. |
Indoor leak detected | The Utility does not investigate indoor leaks. | Hire a plumber and keep receipts/date details. |
Residential leak bill | No residential water leak adjustment is offered for water that passed through meter. | Ask about payment arrangements if bill is large. |
Winter leak affected sewer maximum | Leak during winter may artificially increase the sewer maximum for the rest of the year. | Submit written request to the Utility to review/adjust winter quarter. |
Non-residential sewer adjustment | Non-residential customers may be eligible for sewer-only adjustment if evidence shows leaked water did not enter sewer. | Submit written request with contact info, service address, issue description, dates and documentation. |
Street leak / low pressure / hit hydrant | Could be a field-side service issue. | Call 574-235-9464 or use 311/IVR service department prompt. |
Water Quality, Groundwater, Lead Testing and Service-Line Inventory
Groundwater source
South Bend Water Works solely uses groundwater and has nine well fields that produce water before treatment and distribution.
System scale
The City says Water Works serves more than 112,000 customers through 550+ miles of water main.
2026 report
Water Quality Reports are distributed with June utility bills; the City links the 2026 Water Quality Report online.
Water-quality task | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Read annual report | Water Quality Report helps customers make practical, knowledgeable decisions about health and environment. | Open the Water Works page and choose the latest report. |
Compliance status | City page says in 2025 Water Works was 100% in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. | Use the 2026 report for the newest annual data. |
Lead drinking-water test | Customers concerned about lead can request a free test by emailing waterquality@southbendin.gov or calling 311. | Include service address and contact information. |
Service-line material survey | EPA rules require utilities to identify drinking-water service line materials from City mains to homes/businesses. | Visit southbendin.gov/serviceline and click the red “Take the City Service Line Survey” button. |
Inventory map | City provides a Service Line Material Inventory Map. | Use map to check known/unknown service-line material near your address. |
Water looks/smells/tastes unusual | Give exact tap, color, odor, taste, time started and whether neighbors are affected. | Email waterquality@southbendin.gov or call 311; urgent concerns should use the emergency line. |
Wellhead protection | Because South Bend uses groundwater wells, the City maintains a Wellhead Protection Plan. | Review the Water Works page for wellhead protection links. |
Water emergency | After-hours and emergency concerns go to 574-235-9464. | Call rather than emailing if water is actively leaking, off, low pressure or unsafe. |
Water Turn-Off for Repairs, New Taps and County-Address Clues
Temporary shutoff
Customers may request temporary water shutoff at the curb for repairs.
No bill credit
The Utility says no credit adjustment is made because of temporary shutoff for repairs.
Two-week caution
If service remains shut off for two weeks, the Utility may treat it as notice for permanent disconnection and proceed accordingly.
Need | Official clue | Best action |
|---|---|---|
Temporary turn off for plumbing repair | Request a curb shutoff/turn-on through 311/service department. | Call before plumber arrives; ask about return-trip timing and fees. |
Multiple visits within seven days | Additional trips by field service representatives within seven days can incur return trip fee. | Coordinate plumber and City service window carefully. |
New water tap | Contractor needs excavation permit, affidavit, safe excavation form and may need to pay system development charge. | Call Engineering at 574-235-9254 and coordinate with licensed plumber. |
County address | Official tap guidance says if address is in county, often with five-digit street number, an Annexation Waiver may be required through Engineering. | Confirm provider and jurisdiction before starting work. |
Licensed plumber affidavit | Licensed plumber must sign affidavit and provide license/phone number. | Get form and instructions before excavation. |
Safe excavation | Excavator must sign Safe Excavation form. | Do not dig until permits, forms and utility locating are complete. |
South Bend, Mishawaka, County Address or Third-Party Payment Site?
Provider check: before paying, confirm the bill says South Bend Municipal Utilities or South Bend Water Works. South Bend-area searches can also return Mishawaka Utilities, county addresses, third-party bill sites and unrelated “South Bend” city pages from other states.
Clue | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Bill says South Bend Municipal Utilities | Use utilities.southbendin.gov, 311, PO Box 7125 and City Hall Service Center. | Use the official South Bend IN payment portal. |
Address is in Mishawaka | Mishawaka has separate utility systems and billing routes. | Do not use South Bend Municipal Utilities portal unless the bill says SBMU. |
Five-digit street number / county area | Some county-address utility work may require Engineering/annexation-waiver review. | Call 311 or Engineering before new tap/service work. |
Third-party payment site | South Bend says it is not affiliated with online third-party paying agents and is not responsible for payment delays. | Use official portal, IVR, City Hall, kiosks or official retail payment routes. |
Trash appears on bill | South Bend Municipal Utilities bill can include trash collection. | Review total bill line-by-line before disputing water meter usage. |
Stormwater line appears | Fee applies to customers inside city limits and funds stormwater infrastructure. | Residential fee is $2/month; non-residential is $5/month. |
Before You Call 311: Prepare These Details
Call reason | Prepare first | Ask this exact question |
|---|---|---|
Payment not showing | 9-digit account number, amount, method, date/time, confirmation number. | “Has this payment posted, and does any amount remain due?” |
Balance / due date | Account number or phone number linked to account. | “What is my current balance and exact due date?” |
Red disconnect notice | Notice date, account number, amount you can pay, unpaid deposit question. | “What exact amount and deadline will prevent disconnection?” |
Start service | Application, ID, lease/deed/title/purchase agreement, prior utility payment history. | “Is a deposit required, and what will appear on my first bill?” |
Terminate service | Account number, service address, final date, forwarding address. | “When will final bill generate, and how will deposit credit/refund be handled?” |
High bill | Current/prior bill, usage history, meter test, leak repair notes/receipts. | “Is this from usage, base charges, sewer winter average, trash or stormwater?” |
Water emergency | Exact location, cross street, water leak/low pressure/hit hydrant details. | “Should this be routed to the Water Works service department immediately?” |
South Bend Water Works Utilities Map, Office and Payment Routes
Place / route | Address / phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
City Hall / City Service Center | 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 100, South Bend, IN 46601 | In-person payment, account setup, deposits, payment plans, forms, customer service. |
Mail payments | South Bend Municipal Utilities, PO Box 7125, South Bend, IN 46634-7125 | Mail payment with bill stub. |
Online portal | utilities.southbendin.gov | Login, Quick Pay, AutoPay, paperless billing, bill statements, usage and transactions. |
Inside city phone | Dial 311 | Billing, account, payment, service start/stop/transfer, assistance and general utility routing. |
Outside city phone | 574-233-0311 | Same 311 routing for callers outside city limits. |
IVR phone pay | 574-235-9236 | Automated balance, due date and payment route. |
Water emergencies / after hours | 574-235-9464 | Water main leak, low pressure, hit hydrant, repair shutoff/turn-on and after-hours water concerns. |
La Casa de Amistad kiosk | 3423 S. Michigan St. | Self-service kiosk payment; does not give change. |
MLK Dream Center kiosk | 1522 Linden Ave. | Self-service kiosk payment; does not accept cashier’s checks or money orders. |
South Bend Water Works Utilities FAQ
How do I pay my South Bend water utility bill online?
Use the official South Bend Municipal Utilities portal at utilities.southbendin.gov. You can create an online account or use Quick Pay for a one-time payment with no login required.
What is the South Bend water bill phone number?
Dial 311 from inside city limits or call 574-233-0311 from outside city limits. The IVR/payment route is also listed as 574-235-9236. For water emergencies or after-hours water service concerns, call 574-235-9464.
Is there a fee to pay online or by phone?
City materials say there is no additional fee for online utility payments and no additional fee for IVR/phone payment service.
Where do I mail a South Bend Municipal Utilities payment?
Mail payment to South Bend Municipal Utilities, PO Box 7125, South Bend, IN 46634-7125. Include the bill stub to speed up posting.
Where can I pay in person?
Pay at the City Hall Service Center, 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601. Lobby hours are listed as Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
How do I start South Bend utility service?
Complete the New Service Application at the utility portal or visit the City Hall Service Center. You need valid picture ID and proof of ownership or signed lease. A $30 water start-service fee is billed on the first bill, and trash service may add a $10 administrative fee.
How do I terminate South Bend utility service?
Complete the online termination form or call 311. The Utility will request a forwarding address and termination date. The final bill should generate within a week of termination.
What happens if I receive a red disconnect notice?
Call 311 to confirm the exact disconnection amount and deadline. Payments must be made by 5 PM on the date printed on the notice to guarantee service will not be disconnected.
Does South Bend offer leak adjustments?
The Utility charges for all water that passes through the meter and does not offer residential leak adjustments. It may assist with payment arrangements, and residential customers with a winter leak may request sewer winter-quarter review in writing.
Where does South Bend drinking water come from?
South Bend Water Works solely uses groundwater. The City says it has nine well fields, 550+ miles of water main, regular testing and annual Water Quality Reports.
30-Second South Bend Water Works Checklist
Pay online: utilities.southbendin.gov → login or Quick Pay → account number/phone number → payment → save confirmation.
Phone: dial 311 inside city limits; call 574-233-0311 outside city limits; IVR/payment route 574-235-9236.
Emergency water issue: call 574-235-9464 for water main leak, low pressure, hit hydrant, repair shutoff/turn-on or after-hours water concern.
Visit: City Hall Service Center, 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 100, Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-5 PM.
Mail: South Bend Municipal Utilities, PO Box 7125, South Bend, IN 46634-7125 with bill stub.
Start service: portal application + valid photo ID + proof of ownership or signed lease + possible deposit/start fee.
High bill: compare usage, test meter/toilets/leaks, check sewer/trash/stormwater lines, then call 311 with evidence.
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.