Manatee County Utilities — Customer Service Guide

Overview: who Manatee County Utilities serves and how it is organized

Manatee County Utilities (MCU) is the public utility service organization that plans, operates and maintains water, wastewater, reclaimed water and stormwater assets for unincorporated areas of Manatee County, Florida and for certain contractual service areas. MCU is administered through Manatee County Government; the county’s official web portal for all utility information and service transactions is https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/utilities. The department’s responsibilities include permitting, billing, routine maintenance, emergency response and regulatory compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

From a customer-service perspective, MCU functions as both a technical operator (treatment plants, pump stations, transmission mains) and a front-line billing and service organization. That means customer inquiries fall into two broad categories: operational (leaks, outages, boil-water notices, sewer backups) and account/billing (new service, transfers, payments, appeals). Knowing which category your issue fits into will shorten response time and ensure you reach the specialist best able to resolve it.

Primary customer-service channels and response expectations

The most reliable single starting point for account management, payments, current rates, conservation programs and advisories is the Manatee County website: https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/utilities. The website hosts an online payment portal (for one-time payments and recurring autopay), electronic billing enrollment, service start/stop forms, and published rate schedules and notices. For press or emergency advisories (e.g., boil-water notices), MCU posts updates on the utilities page and uses county emergency notification systems.

For immediate operational emergencies (water main breaks, sewer overflows, sudden loss of pressure) MCU maintains an emergency response process. Emergency lines and after‑hours protocols are published on the county site and on billing statements; customers should look there for the 24/7 number specific to utilities. For routine account questions (billing explanation, payment arrangements, deposit requirements) allow typical business-hours response times of 1–3 business days for emailed inquiries and 24–48 hours for phone queue callbacks during non-peak periods.

Billing, rates and payment options — what customers need to know

Manatee County bills residential customers on a monthly cycle that separates base (fixed) charges from volumetric (consumption) charges. The county publishes a formal rate schedule that shows base charges by meter size and volumetric tiers (charged per 1,000 gallons). Additionally, fees such as late-payment penalties, returned-check fees and reconnection charges appear on the same schedule. Because these numbers are updated periodically by Board of County Commissioners action, always consult the county’s published rate schedule on the utilities page for the effective rates and the date of adoption.

Payment options commonly available include: online one-time payments and autopay; in-person payments at specified county offices; payment via mail; and select third‑party payment providers (convenience fees may apply). Customers with delinquent accounts can usually set up payment arrangements; the utility’s customer-service staff will outline deposit, delinquency and reconnection policies and any applicable fees when contacted. If you receive a bill you believe is incorrect, request a formal bill review — MCU typically documents the investigation, corrective adjustments (if any) and the timeline for resolution in writing.

What to have ready when you contact customer service

• Account number (from your bill), service address, and contact phone number — these expedite account look-up and verification.
• Date-stamped evidence for disputes: photos of meter readings, repair invoices, or photographs of on-site conditions (leaks, meter access issues).
• Identification and authority documents for new accounts or transfers: driver’s license, lease or deed, and a Social Security number or tax ID for verification if required for a deposit.

Common account actions, required documents and typical fees (what to expect)

• New service / transfer of service: expect to provide ID, proof of ownership or tenancy, and a completed start/stop form; deposits and a one-time connection fee may be required—check the current fee schedule online.
• Dispute or high-bill investigations: MCU will request recent meter readings and may schedule a field inspection; if a system error is found the account is adjusted per policy, and any credit or refund is processed following departmental procedures.
• Emergency response and service restoration: emergencies are prioritized; restoration times vary with severity, but customers will be notified of impacts and any boil-water notices via the county site and emergency notification channels.

Operational issues, outages and conservation programs

For operational issues like suspected leaks, discolored water, low pressure or sewer backups, MCU dispatches field crews to diagnose and remedy problems. The utility documents all corrective actions and, for significant incidents (e.g., main breaks affecting multiple customers), coordinates public notices, traffic control and contractor support as required. Customers should follow immediate safety instructions (avoid contact with standing wastewater, do not ingest discolored water) and track official boil-water advisories through the county website and local media.

Manatee County also runs customer-facing conservation and assistance programs: leak-detection guidance, high-bill review, and information on reducing irrigation and indoor usage. These programs aim to lower customer bills and reduce system peak demand. For households that qualify, the county or partner agencies sometimes provide limited financial assistance or payment-plan options; eligibility rules and program availability are posted on the utilities page and updated annually.

Where to verify official information and next steps

Always verify rates, phone numbers, and emergency contact procedures through the official Manatee County utilities pages: https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/utilities. The site hosts forms, published rate schedules, meeting minutes where rates and capital projects are adopted and notices of service impacts. If you have a pressing issue, use the website to find the designated emergency or customer-service phone number listed on current billing statements.

If you need hands-on assistance, note your account details, document the problem (photos, readings, invoices) and contact customer service through the channel listed on your bill or the county website. For regulatory questions about water quality and compliance, reference information from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and request MCU’s Consumer Confidence Report for current water-quality statistics; that report is posted annually and provides test results, contaminant levels and compliance dates.

How do I report an issue to Manatee County?

Contact Us

1. Call 3-1-1 from any phone within Manatee County.
2. If you are calling from outside Manatee County, call (941) 748-4501.
3. Report issues online.

How do I call Manatee County?

Manatee 311 is available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To report an issue or request a service, call 3-1-1 (or 941-748-4501 if you’re located outside Manatee County) or submit online. View office locations and hours.

What do Manatee County utilities cover?

The Utilities Department provides Potable Water (Drinking), Wastewater (Sewer), Reclaimed Water (Processed wastewater suitable for irrigation), and Solid Waste services to residences and businesses in Unincorporated Manatee County.

How to pay a Manatee County water bill?

1. Pay By Phone: You can pay your Utility bill by phone using our automated telephone payment system at 833-425-2099.
2. Pay By Mail: You may mail your payment to the following addresses:
3. Manatee County Utilities Department.
4. Drop Box: You can drop off payments at a walk-up drop box at the locations below.

How can I get help with my utilities in Florida?

An AI Overview is not available for this searchCan’t generate an AI overview right now. Try again later.AI Overview To get utility assistance in Florida, call 211 for help finding local and state programs, apply for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through Florida Commerce, or contact your utility provider directly to inquire about their specific assistance plans. You can also check if you qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and inquire with your local Agency on Aging for senior-specific programs.
  1. Call 2-1-1: 

• Dial 211 on your phone or visit 211.org to connect with a specialist who can help you find local and state-level programs for utility and other essential services.

2. Apply for Federal Programs: 

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): . Opens in new tabContact your local county or state agency to see if you’re eligible for federal LIHEAP funds. These funds can help with energy bill payments, crisis assistance, and home weatherization. 
• WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program): . Opens in new tabThis program can help with energy-saving home improvements. Eligibility is typically based on income or participation in other assistance programs. 

3. Contact Your Utility Provider:

• Payment Plans: Reach out to your electric, gas, or water company directly. 
• Specific Programs: Many companies offer their own financial assistance programs or work with non-profits. Look for information on your monthly bill or on their website. 

4. Check for Other Resources:

• Agency on Aging: . Opens in new tabFor older adults (60+) struggling with utility bills or needing new energy-efficient equipment like an AC unit, the Agency on Aging may be able to provide assistance. 
• Local Community Action Agencies: . Opens in new tabThese agencies, often found in each county, provide various community services, including utility assistance. Contacting them can also connect you to relevant programs. 

AI responses may include mistakes. Learn moreGet help with energy bills | USAGovMar 18, 2025 — The LIHEAP and WAP programs help pay for heating, cooling, and home weatherization. Learn if you are eligible and how …USA.govLow Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)May 7, 2025 — The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that as…The Administration for Children and Families (.gov)(function(){
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How do I contact Manatee County utilities?

941-792-8811
How do I reach Utilities Customer Service? Manatee County Utilities can be reached by phone at 941-792-8811 or email at [email protected].