HRSD bill payment basics

HRSD (Hampton Roads Sanitation District) serves water and sewer customers across southeastern Virginia. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. Most customers find online payment the fastest option — it takes a few minutes and the payment posts within one to two business days.

HRSD bills arrive monthly and show your water usage, sewer charges, and any taxes or fees. The due date is typically 20 days from the bill date. If you pay after the due date, HRSD adds a late fee, usually around 1.5% of the unpaid balance. If your bill goes unpaid for 60 days or more, HRSD can shut off your water service without further notice.

You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment, but setting up an account makes it easier to track your balance, view past bills, and set up automatic payments.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay HRSD bills online, by phone at 757-683-3000, by mail to the address on your bill, or at an HRSD payment center during business hours.
  • Online payments typically post within one to two business days, so plan ahead if your due date is approaching.
  • Late payments trigger a fee of roughly 1.5% of the unpaid balance, and water service can be shut off after 60 days without payment.
  • Setting up an online account lets you view your bill history, check your current balance, and arrange automatic monthly payments.
  • If you are struggling to pay, HRSD offers a payment plan option for customers with past-due balances.

Paying online through your HRSD account

Go to the HRSD website and select the option to pay your bill or manage your account. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one using your account number (found on your bill) and other identifying information. Once logged in, you will see your current balance, due date, and payment history.

To make a payment, select "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment," enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. HRSD does not charge a fee for debit or bank transfers, but credit card payments may carry a processing fee. Review the total before confirming, and you will receive a confirmation number immediately.

If you want to stop paying manually each month, you can set up automatic payments from your bank account. This option deducts your bill amount on a date you choose each month, usually around the due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call HRSD customer service at 757-683-3000 during business hours. Have your account number and payment method ready. You can pay with a debit card or bank account information. Phone payments are processed the same day but may take one to two business days to show on your account.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to HRSD and send it to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take longer to process — typically five to seven business days from the time HRSD receives them — so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date if you want to avoid a late fee.

HRSD also operates payment centers in the Hampton Roads area where you can pay in person with cash, check, or card. Hours and locations vary, so check the HRSD website or call customer service for the center nearest you.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

If you have a past-due balance and cannot pay it all at once, contact HRSD customer service to discuss a payment plan. HRSD can work with you to spread the debt over several months, which stops the threat of water shutoff while you catch up. You will still owe late fees on the original unpaid amount, but a plan keeps your service active.

Payment plans are not automatic — you have to request one before your account reaches 60 days past due. Once water is shut off, reconnection requires payment of the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee. If you are facing hardship, reach out early rather than waiting for a shutoff notice.

Some customers in financial hardship may also be able to access emergency assistance programs through local nonprofits or government agencies. These programs do not come through HRSD directly, but your local housing authority or 211 (a referral service) can tell you what programs operate in your area.

Understanding your HRSD bill

Your HRSD bill breaks down into several parts: the water charge (based on how much water you used), the sewer charge (a fixed amount or usage-based, depending on your service area), and any taxes or stormwater fees. The bill also shows your meter reading and the number of gallons used since the last billing cycle.

If your bill seems unusually high, check for a water leak inside your home — a running toilet or dripping pipe can add hundreds of gallons to your usage in a month. If you suspect a meter error, contact HRSD to request a meter test. If the meter is faulty, HRSD will adjust your bill.

Your bill also shows the due date and the late fee amount if payment is not received by that date. Some bills include notices about service changes, rate increases, or account issues — read these carefully, as they may require action on your part.

Setting up automatic payments and account alerts

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring a late fee. Through your HRSD online account, you can set up a recurring payment from your bank account on a date you choose each month. The payment amount is typically your average bill, though you can adjust it if your usage changes seasonally.

You can also set up email or text alerts to notify you when your bill is ready, when a payment is due, or when your account balance reaches a certain level. These alerts help you stay on top of your account without logging in every month.

If you move or change your contact information, update it in your account right away. HRSD uses your email and phone number to send bills and notices, so outdated information can cause you to miss payment deadlines or important service announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?

Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If you are close to the due date, pay at least two business days early to avoid a late fee. Payments made on weekends or holidays may take longer to process.

Can I pay my HRSD bill with a credit card online?

Yes, but HRSD charges a processing fee for credit card payments — usually 2% to 3% of the payment amount. Paying by debit card or bank transfer has no fee, so those methods cost less if you have the option.

What happens if my water gets shut off for non-payment?

You must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. This can happen after 60 days without payment. Contacting HRSD before that point to set up a payment plan keeps your service active while you catch up.

Can I change my automatic payment date or amount?

Yes. Log into your HRSD account anytime and adjust your automatic payment settings. You can change the date, the amount, or cancel automatic payments altogether. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle.

Is there a way to lower my HRSD bill if I use a lot of water?

Check for leaks first — a small leak can waste thousands of gallons monthly. If your usage is genuinely high, HRSD offers conservation tips on their website. Some customers also may have access to for rate assistance programs, though these vary by location; contact HRSD customer service to ask what programs serve your area.