Learn About HRSD Water and Sewer Bill Payment

Understanding Your HRSD Water and Sewer Bill

The Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) provides water and sewer services to more than 1.8 million people across southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Your monthly bill from HRSD covers two main services: water delivery to your home and the treatment of wastewater that leaves your property. Understanding what appears on your bill is the first step toward managing your account effectively.

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Your HRSD bill typically shows several key components. The service address section identifies which property the charges relate to. The billing period tells you the specific dates covered by the charges, usually spanning about 30 days. The meter reading section displays your water consumption in gallons, measured by the water meter at your property. Most residential customers receive bills monthly, though some commercial accounts may be billed on different schedules.

The charges section breaks down what you owe into distinct line items. The water charge reflects the amount of water you used during the billing period, calculated based on your meter reading. The sewer charge typically equals your water usage since the water entering your home generally exits through the sewer system. Additional charges may appear on your bill for services like storm water management or capital improvement fees, which support infrastructure projects that benefit your community.

Many customers wonder why their sewer charge matches their water charge. HRSD calculates sewer fees based on water consumption because most of the water entering a home eventually flows into the sewer system. However, water used outdoors for irrigation, pools, or washing vehicles doesn't enter the sewer system. Some customers with significant outdoor water use may be able to explore options for separate metering.

Practical Takeaway: Save your bills for at least one year. Comparing bills month to month helps you spot patterns in your water use and identify unusual spikes that might indicate leaks or changes in household water consumption.

How to Access Your HRSD Account Online

HRSD offers an online account portal called eServices that gives you 24/7 access to your billing information and account details. Creating an account takes only a few minutes and allows you to view your bills without waiting for paper statements to arrive in the mail. The eServices portal is free and requires only basic information to set up.

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To create an account, visit the HRSD website and locate the eServices login section. You'll need your HRSD account number, which appears on your paper bill or any correspondence from the company. If you don't have your bill handy, you can look up your account number using your service address. The registration process asks for basic contact information including your name, email address, and a password of your choice.

Once you've registered, logging into eServices reveals your billing history, current charges, and payment options. You can view scanned images of your actual bills, which show the same information as your paper statements but appear instantly online. The portal displays your 12-month usage history in both numbers and graph format, making it easy to compare months and spot trends. You can also see detailed breakdowns of your charges and understand exactly what each line item represents on your bill.

The eServices portal also shows your account status, including whether any past-due amounts exist or if your account is in good standing. Many customers use this feature to ensure their recent payment was processed correctly. You can also update contact information, such as your mailing address or phone number, directly through the portal. If you move to a new property within HRSD's service area, you can request service transfer information through eServices.

For customers without internet access, HRSD maintains a customer service phone line at 757-683-5999 where representatives can provide billing information, discuss your account, and answer questions about your charges. Representatives are available during standard business hours, Monday through Friday.

Practical Takeaway: Set up eServices and bookmark the login page. This gives you instant access to verify charges, check payment status, and monitor your water usage without needing to contact customer service or wait for mail delivery.

Payment Methods and Due Dates

HRSD provides multiple options for paying your bill, each designed to fit different preferences and needs. Understanding your payment options helps you choose the method that works best for your situation. All payment methods should be processed by the due date shown on your bill to avoid late fees and potential service interruption.

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Online payment through eServices is available at no charge. This method allows you to pay your bill using a bank account (checking or savings) or a debit card. When you select online payment, you choose your payment date and receive confirmation immediately. The payment typically processes within one business day, though you should not count on same-day posting. Many customers schedule their payments several days before the due date to provide processing time. Online payments made through eServices show a confirmation number for your records, and you can view the transaction in your bill history.

Mail payment remains an option for customers who prefer sending a check or money order. If paying by mail, you should send your payment 7-10 days before the due date to account for postal delivery time. Your bill includes a return envelope with the correct mailing address. Include your account number with your payment so the payment reaches the correct account. Mail payments typically take 5-7 business days to process after HRSD receives them.

Phone payment allows you to pay by calling HRSD's customer service line at 757-683-5999. You can pay using a checking or savings account during business hours. A small fee may apply for phone payments, and you should verify the current fee amount when making your payment. Phone payments provide a confirmation number that you should keep for your records.

Automatic bank draft enrollment eliminates the need to remember payment dates. Through this option, HRSD withdraws your bill amount automatically from your bank account on a date you select each month. To enroll, visit eServices or contact customer service. You must provide bank account information, which HRSD stores securely. You can change your withdrawal date or stop automatic payments at any time.

The due date typically appears on your bill in a prominent location. Most residential bills are due 21 days after the billing date. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day. Late payment fees begin if your payment is not received by the due date. Service disconnection for non-payment begins after an account is significantly past due, typically 60+ days.

Practical Takeaway: Choose one payment method and stick with it. If you select automatic bank draft, verify the amount charged each month by checking eServices or comparing your bank statement to your bill. If you prefer manual payments, set a phone reminder one week before the due date.

Understanding Your Water Usage and Charges

Your water charges are based on how much water your meter records you've used during the billing period. HRSD meters measure water consumption in gallons, and most residential customers have their meters read monthly. The amount you pay for water reflects both the volume you used and the cost per gallon in your service area, which varies slightly depending on location within HRSD's territory.

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Water usage varies significantly between households based on several factors. Family size is the most obvious factor—larger households typically use more water for bathing, laundry, and cooking. However, behavioral factors matter just as much. The number of showers taken daily, frequency of laundry, outdoor irrigation practices, and even toilet flushing habits all affect your monthly total. Leaking fixtures represent a major source of unexpected water use. A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons per month, while a leaking toilet can waste thousands of gallons without any visible indication.

The average American household uses approximately 82 gallons of water per person per day, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. For a family of four, this translates to roughly 9,840 gallons per month. However, this figure includes all uses—indoor and outdoor. HRSD customers' actual usage varies widely. Some households use as little as 3,000-4,000 gallons monthly, while others with pools, large lawns, or inefficient fixtures may use 15,000+ gallons.

Your bill displays your usage in gallons and often shows your 12-month history, allowing you to compare current usage to previous months and years. Spikes in your bill amount may indicate a leak, a change in household habits, or seasonal factors like summer irrigation. Winter months typically show lower usage in most homes unless you maintain indoor heating that requires specific water use patterns. Summer months frequently show increases due to outdoor watering, filling pools, or simply using water for cooling purposes.