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.
Are you a Los Banos resident wondering how to pay your water bill without the hassle? You’re not alone! Many of us struggle with remembering due dates or finding convenient payment options. I’ve been there too – standing in line at City Hall on the last possible day before getting hit with those pesky late fees.
Well I’ve got good news for you! The City of Los Banos offers multiple ways to pay your water bill that can save you time, money, and stress. Let’s dive into all your options so you can choose what works best for your lifestyle.
How to Pay Your Los Banos Water Bill: All Your Options Explained
The City of Los Banos provides several convenient methods for paying your utility bills Here are all the ways you can pay
Online Payment Portal
The easiest and most convenient way to pay your water bill in Los Banos is through their official online payment system. The city has recently upgraded their payment portal to enhance security and user experience.
To pay online:
- Visit the City of Los Banos Municipal Online Payments website at cityoflosbanosca.municipalonlinepayments.com/cityoflosbanosca/utilities
- You have two options:
- Quick Pay: Perfect if you just need to make a one-time payment. No login necessary, but you’ll need your account number handy.
- Sign in or Sign up: Create an account to view details, manage single or multiple accounts, pay multiple bills at once, and set up e-Billing.
Important note for first-time users If this is your first time using the online payment system, you’ll need to register your account using your new account number. This number is located in the upper right corner of your most recent utility bill. The city provides detailed instructions on how to register at https //losbanosorg/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/REGISTER-FOR-ONLINE-PAYMENTS-WEBSITE-Tylerpdf.
Automatic Bill Pay
If you’re like me and tend to forget due dates, the Automatic Bill Pay option is a lifesaver! This service allows the City of Los Banos to automatically deduct your utility payment from your checking or savings account each month.
To set up Automatic Bill Pay:
- Download and complete the “Automatic Bill Pay Information and Application” form from the city’s website
- Submit the completed form to the Finance Department
If you ever need to cancel this service, the city also provides an “Automatic Bill Pay Cancellation Form” on their website.
In-Person Payment
Some folks still prefer the traditional approach of paying bills in person, and that’s totally fine! You can visit:
Los Banos City Hall
- Address: 520 J Street, Los Banos, CA 93635
- Phone: (209) 827-7000 ext. 0
By Mail
You can also mail your payment to:
City of Los Banos
Finance Department
520 J Street
Los Banos, CA 93635
Be sure to include your account number on your check or money order to ensure proper credit to your account.
Understanding Your Los Banos Water Bill and Rates
Before we go further, let’s break down what you’re actually paying for. Your utility bill in Los Banos typically includes charges for:
- Water service
- Wastewater collection
- Wastewater treatment
- Refuse collection (garbage service)
Current Residential Water Rates (Effective July 1, 2025)
-
Water: $25.82 minimum base rate per month (includes allowance of 1,500 cubic feet)
- Overage: $2.00 per 100 cubic feet beyond the allowance
- Multiple family units: minimum rate plus $9.18 per additional unit
-
Wastewater Collections: $23.09 flat monthly rate
- Multiple dwellings: $23.09 plus $23.09 per each unit in excess of one
-
Wastewater Treatment: $10.04 flat monthly rate
- Multiple dwellings: $10.04 plus $10.04 per each unit in excess of one
Refuse Collection Rates (Monthly)
Garbage service includes:
- Blue 96-gallon recycling cart
- Green 96-gallon cart
- Choice of either 64-gallon or 96-gallon gray cart for trash
Gray cart rates:
- 64-gallon cart (curbside pickup): $46.30
- 96-gallon cart (curbside pickup): $47.85
Additional charges:
- Overload charge: $62.50
- Contamination charge: $17.06
Additional Fees to Be Aware Of
- Deposits: $200.00 per account
- Meter Tests: $25.00 deposit (returnable if meter registers over 2% more than actual flow)
- Late Charges: 15% of billing for water, wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, and garbage disposal
- Delinquency Administration Processing Fee: $50.00
- Returned Check Fee: $35.00
Avoiding Late Fees and Service Disconnection
Nobody wants to pay extra fees or deal with service interruption. The City of Los Banos charges a 15% late fee on overdue bills, plus a $50.00 delinquency processing fee if your account becomes seriously delinquent.
The city follows California Senate Bill 998 (SB 998) regarding the discontinuation of residential water service. If you’re facing financial hardship, the city offers several forms that may help:
- Primary Care Provider Form (available in English and Spanish)
- Certification of Financial Hardship Form (available in English and Spanish)
- Declaration of Household Income Form (available in English and Spanish)
- Payment Agreement Form (available in English and Spanish)
These forms can be found on the city’s website under the Finance/Billing department section.
Tips for Managing Your Los Banos Water Bill
Here are some practical tips to help manage your water bill:
- Set up automatic payments – Never worry about due dates again!
- Create an online account – Monitor your usage and payment history with ease
- Check for leaks – A leaking toilet or faucet can significantly increase your bill
- Be mindful of water usage – Simple conservation can lead to lower bills
- Stay informed about rate changes – The city typically updates rates on July 1st each year
Who to Contact for Questions About Your Los Banos Water Bill
If you have questions about your bill, several contact options are available:
- Phone: (209) 827-7000 ext. 0
- Email:
- General finance inquiries: [email protected]
- Billing specific inquiries: [email protected]
- Accounts payable: [email protected]
- In Person: City Hall, 520 J Street, Los Banos, CA 93635
The Finance Department is headed by City Treasurer Lucy Lawrence and is responsible for utility bills, accounts payable, and the City’s annual budget and financial statements.
Setting Up New Utility Service in Los Banos
If you’re a new resident or moving within Los Banos, you’ll need to set up utility services. The city provides several ways to apply:
- PDF Form: Download and complete the “Application for Utility Services PDF Form”
- Online Form: Fill out the “Application for Utility Services Online Form” on the city website
- In Person: Visit the Finance Department at City Hall
Don’t forget that a $200 deposit is required for new service accounts.
Terminating Utility Service in Los Banos
Moving out? Make sure to properly terminate your utility services to avoid being billed for usage after you’ve moved. The city provides a “Termination Utility Services PDF Form” on their website. Complete and submit this form to ensure your account is properly closed.
Additional Resources for Los Banos Residents
The City of Los Banos provides several resources to help residents understand their utility services:
- Welcome Letters: Available in English and Spanish, explaining basic residential rates and useful information
- Public Utility Rates Downloads: Detailed information about current rates
- City Budget Documents: For those interested in how the city allocates funds
- Financial Statements: Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports
Final Thoughts
Paying your Los Banos water bill doesn’t have to be complicated! With multiple payment options available, you can choose what works best for your lifestyle and preferences. The city has made significant efforts to modernize their payment systems and provide resources to help residents manage their utility services effectively.
By taking advantage of the online payment portal, automatic bill pay, or even the traditional in-person payment options, you can ensure your water service remains uninterrupted while avoiding those annoying late fees and penalties.
Remember, if you ever have questions or concerns about your bill, the friendly staff at the Finance Department are just a phone call or email away. They’re dedicated to providing prompt and reliable service to all Los Banos residents.
So what are you waiting for? Choose your preferred payment method and say goodbye to the stress of managing your water bill. Your future self will thank you!
Have you found a particular method of paying your Los Banos water bill works best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
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:
This reservoir on the way to Los Banos was crazy low on water.
FAQ
How do I get a utility bill in Los Banos?
To get a utility bill from the City of Los Banos for water, sewer, and garbage services, please contact the Finance Department in person at City Hall located at 520 J Street or by phone at (209) 827-7000.
How can I make a payment to the city of Los Banos?
To make a payment to the city of Los Banos, you can do so in person, online, or over the phone. The contact details are: 520 J Street, www.losbanos.org, 1-888-745-0706.
How much does water cost in Los Banos CA?
You can also inquire in person at the Los Banos City Hall located at 520 “J” Street, Los Banos CA 93635. Water: $25.14 Minimum base rate per month (Allowance of 1,500 cubic feet per month) +$ 1.95 Overage cost per 100 cubic feet. For multiple family units greater than one unit on one meter: minimum rate plus $8.94 per unit.
How long does water service take in Los Banos?
Starting service generally takes just two business days. Click here to fill out a Start Service Form. When you move out of a home in Los Banos, you’ll need to stop your water service with the Los Banos Water, so you don’t keep getting billed. Simply fill out the following online form. Stopping service normally takes just two business days.
What does the Finance Department do in Los Banos?
To be responsive to Los Banos residents, to ensure prompt and reliable services to City vendors, and to provide timely and accurate information to the City Mayor, City Council, and City department heads. The Finance Department is responsible for utility bills, accounts payable, and the City’s annual budget and financial statements.
How do I create a Los Banos water account?
You can create a new account on the Los Banos Water website. Once you create the account, you can setup payment with credit, debit, or direct deposit. Click here to create an account.
What is the phone number for the city of Los Banos water bill?
For answers to questions regarding utility services (water, sewer and garbage collection) please contact the Finance Department at (209) 827-7000.
Where can I pay water?
It’s easy to make water bill payments over the counter at any of our 11,500 Post Office branches and in selected Payzone stores.
How much does the city of Los Banos pay?
The average City of Los Banos monthly salary ranges from approximately $3,228 per month for Clerk to $16,574 per month for City Engineer. Average City of Los Banos hourly pay ranges from approximately $18.14 per hour for Custodian to $29.51 per hour for Accountant.
Who is the finance director of Los Banos?
The Los Banos City Council, at its April 2 meeting, after a lengthy and detailed presentation, accepted the mid-year 2024-2025 fiscal year budget update. The council also hired Minerva “Minnie” Moreno as the new finance director and introduced seven officers who just graduated from the Fresno Police Academy.
