FAQs

Utility Billing

I have a question about my bill. Whom can I contact?

For questions regarding water, sewer, and storm bills, rates, and consumption, please contact Utility Billing at 206-275-7602, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm or email mifinance@mercerisland.gov

How do I inquire about my bill? Something does not seem right.

If you think your billing is incorrect or suspect that you may have a leak, please call the Utility Billing office at 206-275-7602. All disputes must be submitted in writing to the Utility Billing Department at 9611 SE 36th St, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Are utility fees and rates information available online?

Yes, click here and scroll to the very bottom of the page to view the rate schedule listing the current water, sewer and stormwater rates, fees, and charges.

When is my bill due?

A due date is printed on each invoice, typically 20 days from the invoice date. The utility bill is considered past due (late) if payment has not been received by the due date shown on the bill. Options for making a payment include payment online, in-person, pay by phone at 855-844-0085 or by check in the drop box in the City Hall parking lot.

Mail your payment in the return envelope provided and be sure to include the “Return” portion of the bill and the account number on the check to ensure proper credit to your account. Payment may be made in person at the Finance Counter at City Hall, 9611 SE 36th St, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Please pay by check or money order made payable to “City of Mercer Island.” 

How do I make a payment?

You can make a payment online , by phone at 855-844-0085, by mail or drop your payment in the large white dropbox in the City Hall parking lot.

How do I start service or request final billing?

Notification from the sellers Escrow company in writing is required to transfer ownership of the property. If Escrow is not withholding funds to pay for all current and final utility charges, the seller is required to notify Utility Billing at 206-275-7602 and provide a forwarding address.

The city is not able to facilitate seller/buyer rent-backs. The exact date of closing is required to accurately and efficiently transfer utility accounts in the case of a property sale.

The property owner or property manager working on behalf of the owner must authorize all billing information or name changes.   As a courtesy, tenants are encouraged to call and request a final utility quote over the phone at 206-275-7602. City staff are unable to generate a physical invoice out of cycle for a tenant close out billing. As a result, the tenant is quoted a final estimate either over the phone or email and the quote is noted in the billing account. If the tenant does not pay, the owner remains responsible. 

Are property owners responsible for outstanding charges incurred by a tenant?

Yes. Billing invoices issued in the name of the tenant is for the convenience of the property owner. The property owner or property manager must authorize all billing information or name changes. This does not relieve the owner of responsibility for payment should the tenant fail to pay the bill. Collection of outstanding charges for vacated tenants is the property owner’s responsibility. All charges are tied to the property. Failure to pay may result in disconnection of service and/or a lien on the property.

I need to shut off my water. Whom do I need to contact?

Water meters are City of Mercer Island assets. If you turn off the meter on your own and cause damage, you may be held liable for the cost of resulting damages. Contact the City of Mercer Island’s Public Works department at 206-275-7608, if you need your water shut off to do repairs. Alternatively, contact the City of Mercer Island’s Utility Billing department at 206-275- 7602, if you need your water shut off for seasonal disconnect.

Whom do I contact about utility emergencies?

During business hours (8:30am to 4:00pm), please contact Utility Billing at 206- 275-7602. For after-hours emergencies, please call 425-577-5656. 

I have discolored water. Whom do I contact about this?

Please call our Public Works department at 206-275-7608 or fill out a service request.

Where is my meter located?

The majority of residential water meters are located in the City Right of Way at the edge of a public road. There may be a white paint line on the road indicating the meter location area. 

Where does my drinking water come from?

Water is delivered to Mercer Island by Seattle Public Utilities via 16" and 24" water supply lines. The region’s fresh water supply comes primarily from two sources: The Cedar River Watershed and the Tolt River Watershed, both located in eastern King County. Click here for additional information on the Water Utility.

Will I receive a confirmation email that my bill has been paid?

Yes, if an email address is provided a confirmation email will be generated.

Do I need to register to pay a bill?

Registration is not required for one time payments. However, by registering you will be able to view prior history, set up automatic payments, and store payment information (note: payment information is only stored for property owners). 

I forgot my password; how do I access my account?

Click on “Forgotten Password?” at the bottom of the login screen. You will need your account number and email address to retrieve your password. If you are unable to locate this information, please call Utility Billing at 206-275-7602. Questions to verify account owner identity will be asked in order to assist you. 

What forms of payment can I use?

You can pay with credit card, debit card, or you may issue an electronic check from your bank account (checking or savings).  American Express and gift cards with the Mastercard or Visa logo are not accepted.

When I try to pay my bill, it asks for credit card information and I want to pay by electronic check.

Under “How would you like to pay,” click on the drop-down box and choose EFT check.

Can I use more than one payment method per transaction?

Yes, you may use one payment method for part of the transaction and another payment method for other parts of the transaction.

How will I know that my payment has been accepted?

After you submit your payment, you will see a payment confirmation screen. It will show an approved number for credit cards or a processed number for electronic check. You will also receive a confirmation email after your transaction is submitted. The email with include your account number, invoice number, amount paid, and confirmation message. 

What is AutoPay and how do I set it up?

AutoPay is a convenient option in which bills will be paid automatically each billing cycle on their due dates using your default credit card or bank account information. This will avoid late fees and having to remember when to pay. Login to your account and click on AutoPay to enroll.

Once your account is registered, go to the “My Profile” menu and select “Payment Methods.” Enter your preferred payment method, select the Default box, and click save. Go to the AutoPay section, choose your payment method, and click save. You will receive a confirmation email and must click the link in that email to complete the AutoPay set up.

Can I cancel AutoPay?

Yes, simply login to your account and click on AutoPay. Next, select “Edit,” and change the status to “No, I don’t want AutoPay.” Click save. To modify, go into your profile and uncheck the AutoPay box you had previously checked when you elected to opt in. 

What are scheduled payments?

Scheduled payments are individual payments that are scheduled for a specific date and amount prior to the bill due date. The date of a scheduled payment can be changed if it is adjusted before the date scheduled.

What is the difference between AutoPay and a scheduled payment?

AutoPay is an automated process which pays your balance in full each billing cycle on the due date. Scheduled payments are manually entered by you for the date you choose.

What is account linking?

Customers can link multiple utility accounts and view and pay all your open bills with a single transaction. When registering bills under the same email address, you are given the option to link the related account within the service.

Multiple first email notifications scheduled for the same day, including for different bill types, are grouped into one email rather than sent separately. Payment receipts are sent individually. Editing account information such as changing an email or password will go across all linked accounts, however, changing settings such as AutoPay or paperless is only for the accessed account.

How do I change my account information?

Simply login to your account and change any of your personal information under the “My Profile” tab. If you are unable to change some of your information, you may need to call Utility Billing at 206-275-7602 to help update your account information.

Is my information secure?

Invoice Cloud uses the highest standards in Internet security. Account information displayed within the payment portal is truncated to protect confidential data. Any information retained is not shared with third parties.