The federal program deadline to apply for water and sewer bill assistance under the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has passed, and the program is no longer accepting applications.
LIHWAP is a limited-term, federally funded program that offers assistance to help low-income households pay residential water and sewer bills and manage their residential water utility costs. LIHWAP was established by Congress in December 2020, and the program sunset on March 31, 2024.
The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) is the designated administering agency for LIHWAP in California.
In May 2024, CSD distributed remaining LIHWAP water assistance funds to provide a “supplemental benefit” to eligible, previously-served LIHWAP beneficiaries.
Living in the city of Los Banos, you likely receive monthly water bills for your household or business water usage. Paying your Los Banos water bill on time each month is important to avoid late fees and potential service disruption. In this guide, I’ll outline the different payment options available and walk through the steps to pay in person, by phone, online, or by mail.
Overview of Los Banos Water Utility Billing
The city of Los Banos provides water utility services to residents and businesses located within the city limits. Water billing and payment is handled by the Los Banos Finance Department’s Utility Billing division
Los Banos utility bills include charges for water usage sewer service garbage collection and other applicable fees. Bills are issued monthly and payment is due upon receipt.
There are several ways Los Banos utility customers can pay their water bills conveniently:
- In person at City Hall
- By phone
- Online through the payment portal
- By mail
Failing to pay on time will result in late fees and service shut off if left unpaid. Understanding the process to pay your Los Banos water bill is key to avoiding these outcomes.
How to Pay Your Los Banos Water Bill In Person
Paying your water bill at Los Banos City Hall is one option for customers who prefer in-person payment transactions. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Locate Your Current Water Bill
You’ll need to have your current Los Banos utility bill that shows the total amount due and account number. Bring this with you for reference.
Step 2: Go to Los Banos City Hall
City Hall is located at 520 J Street, Los Banos, CA 93635. The Finance Department/Utility Billing counter is on the first floor.
Step 3: Wait in Line to Make Your Payment
Get in line to make a payment during open billing counter hours. Wait times are usually shortest first thing in the morning or later afternoon.
Step 4: Provide Your Water Bill & Payment Method
When it’s your turn, hand your water bill to the clerk along with your payment method – cash, check, money order or card.
Step 5: Get a Receipt of Payment
Make sure to collect your receipt showing your water bill was paid in full. This is your proof of payment if any issues arise.
And that’s it! By paying your water bill in person at City Hall, you can have peace of mind knowing it was handled. Just be sure to pay during business hours and bring your bill.
Paying Your Los Banos Water Bill by Phone
For faster and more convenient payment, many Los Banos utility customers choose to pay their water bill over the phone. Here’s how:
Step 1: Have Your Water Bill Available
Just like with in-person payment, you’ll need your current water bill showing your account number and amount due.
Step 2: Call the Utility Billing Number
Call the Los Banos Utility Billing phone line at (209) 827-7056. This number is printed on your monthly bill.
Step 3: Follow the Automated Payment Prompts
Listen to the voice prompts to enter your Los Banos water account number and confirm your balance due.
Step 4: Enter Payment Information
When prompted, use your phone keypad to enter your credit/debit card number, expiration date, and security code to process payment.
Step 5: Record Your Confirmation Number
Take down the confirmation number provided at the end of the call to retain for your records as a receipt of payment.
Paying the automated phone system is quick, taking just 5-10 minutes. You can call anytime 24/7 and avoid having to go to City Hall.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Pay Online
For the fastest and most convenient way to pay your Los Banos utility bill, setting up online payments is a great option. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Payment Website
Go to https://cityoflosbanosca.municipalonlinepayments.com/cityoflosbanosca/utilities. You can also find the link on your bill.
Step 2: Click “Sign In”
If it’s your first time, click “Sign In/Register” to create a new online account. Otherwise, enter your login email and password.
Step 3: Register Your Account Number
First-timers will need to input their Los Banos water account number to match it to the online system.
Step 4: Select Pay Bill
Under “Utility Billing” click the “Pay Bill” button to proceed to payment.
Step 5: Enter Payment Details
Select your account, confirm the balance, enter payment info, review, and submit payment.
Step 6: Save Your Confirmation
Your transaction confirmation will appear indicating your Los Banos water bill was paid online.
The online option allows 24/7 access, saved payment methods, paperless billing, and payment history. Just be sure to have your account number handy when registering. Paying online is the ultimate in convenience for your Los Banos utility bill!
Paying by Mail
Sending your payment by mail is the most low-tech way to pay your Los Banos water utility bill. Just allow extra time for mail processing:
Step 1: Have Your Bill Available
You’ll need your current bill for the account number and amount due as reference.
Step 2: Write Your Payment
Write a check or money order payable to “City of Los Banos” for the total due on your water account.
Step 3: Address the Envelope
Address your payment envelope to:
City of Los Banos
Finance Department
520 J Street
Los Banos, CA 93635
Step 4: Mail Early!
Put your stamped envelope in the mail at least 5 business days before the due date to ensure it arrives on time.
Step 5: Save the Receipt
Keep your check receipt or money order stub as proof of mailed payment.
Mailing your payment the old fashioned way still works if you prefer paying bills by check or don’t have access to online options. Just account for the extra mailing time.
Tips for Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection
To keep your Los Banos water service flowing smoothly, be sure to:
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Pay your bill in full by the due date, typically within 20-25 days of billing. Late fees apply after that.
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Set up text/email reminders for your bill’s due date if you have an online account.
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If paying by mail, allow 1 week for delivery to avoid late fees.
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Contact Utility Billing immediately if you’ll have difficulty paying on time to ask about payment plans or extensions.
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Keep your account info current with Utility Billing so you always receive your bill.
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Update your contact information if you move to avoid disconnection at an old address.
Paying on time is essential, but the Utility Department does understand circumstances arise. Stay in touch with them for personalized assistance getting back on track.
What to Do if You Receive a Shut Off Notice
If you fall behind on water bill payments, you may receive a shut off notice by mail warning of impending service disconnection. To restore services, you’ll need to:
- Pay the past due balance immediately
- Pay a reconnection fee (typically $50-100)
- Be present at the location during reconnection appointment
Disconnection can happen as soon as 15 days after receiving the mailed notice. So act right away if you get a shut off notice by calling Utility Billing at (209) 827-7056 for next steps to avoid service interruption.
Budget Billing Can Help Stabilize Costs
For customers who struggle with fluctuating water bills month-to-month, Los Banos offers an optional Budget Billing plan. This levels out your monthly water bill payment to an average amount based on past usage. Contact Utility Billing to learn more about enrolling in Budget Billing.
Support Options for Low Income Households
If you are a lower income household, Los Banos has programs that may assist with water bills such as:
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Discount utility rates
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California Alternate Rates for Water (CARW) financial assistance
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Flexible payment plans
Inquire with Los Banos Utility Billing to see if you qualify for any affordable water programs. Providing access to water services for all residents is a priority.
Paying Your Water Bill is Easy in Los Banos
Reaching out early if you’ll have difficulty paying is key. The Utility Billing staff is available to help customers navigate payment issues and avoid disruption of this essential service. With all the payment choices available today, there’s no reason your Los Banos water account can’t stay current!
Water Bill Assistance Resources
The United States Department of Health and Human Services has developed the following resources to help families and communities that need assistance with paying their water or sewer bill.
A water or sewer utility must be enrolled in LIHWAP in order for a household to be eligible for a benefit. Many, but not all, water and sewer systems accept LIHWAP payments for past due and current bills.
To confirm if your water or sewer utility is participating in LIHWAP visit:
If you have questions about LIHWAP or the LIHWAP supplemental benefit please contact the CSD toll-free customer helpline at (866) 675-6623.
Supplemental Benefit – Frequently Asked Questions
CSD distributed remaining LIHWAP water assistance funds to provide a “supplemental benefit” to eligible, previously-served LIHWAP beneficiaries.
The LIHWAP supplemental benefit is additional, one-time financial assistance for households that previously applied for and received a LIHWAP benefit. The LIHWAP supplemental benefit is automatically applied to eligible households water or sewer utility bills.
Customers do NOT need to apply for a LIHWAP supplemental benefit. If you are eligible, the benefit is automatically sent to your water or sewer utility to be applied to your utility bill.
For more information about the LIHWAP supplemental benefit visit:
Help Paying Your Water Bill Campaign
How do I pay my utility bill in Los Banos?
City of Los Banos Utility Billing Quick pay Just need to pay your bill? Click quick pay below. You’ll need your account number. No login necessary. It’s easy to make an account and see more information about a single transaction. Sign in or sign up Announcement.
How can I make a payment to the city of Los Banos?
You can pay the city of Los Banos in person, online, or over the phone. The contact details are: 520 J Street, www. losbanos. org, 1-888-745-0706.
What is Los Banos Water?
About 40,998 people in Los Banos, California get their water from Los Banos Water, a public community water system run by the City of Los Banos Department of Public Works.
What does the city of Los Banos (CA) do?
Municipal governments in California run the City of Los Banos (CA), which provides public utilities like water, sewer, solid waste, and storm drainage to the people who live there. Common questions, curated and answered by doxo, about paying City of Los Banos (CA) bills.
How do I stop my Water service in Los Banos?
Fill out the online Stop Service Form to stop your Los Banos water service and avoid getting billed again. The process usually takes just two business days.
Is the city of Los Banos doing water shut offs?
The city of Los Banos will not turn off the water right now because they are worried about safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents are still responsible for any current, past and future balances.
