The City of Thornton provides water, sewer, stormwater, and trash services to its residents. One or more of these services are reflected in your utility bill each month.
New Water Sewer and Trash Rate Increase
Much like other cities across the country, Thornton continues to see increases in the cost to maintain and improve our water system. In order to continue providing our community with safe, reliable drinking water, we are implementing a water rate increase for all residents that will be reflected on your utility bill beginning April 1, 2024.
This rate increase is driven by a combination of factors beyond our control, including inflation, water system maintenance and the imperative removal of PFAS contaminants - or "forever chemicals" - from our water supply to meet new drinking water standards being enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Most residential customers inside city limits will see an average monthly increase for water of $2.32 during winter months and $4.79 during summer months. Calculations are based on an average monthly water use of 4,000 gallons in winter and 10,000 gallons in summer. Individual bills are determined based on actual monthly usage.
The slight sewer increase will average $0.91 per month, which continues to be among the most affordable compared to other cities within the Front Range. Thornton customers who receive our trash/recycling services will see a $4 increase to their first can. Additional increases apply for cans 2, 3 and 4.
Please visit our "Water Tiers Made Clear" for additional information about our rates and how they impact each tiered billing. Our water rate calculator will be updated in the coming weeks.
Six Ways to Pay Your Utility Bill
Make an Online Payment
Visit the Customer Portal to make an online payment.
Automated Phone Payment
Call utility billing, 303-538-7370 Option #1, and make a credit card payment.
Mail-In Payment
Remove the top portion of your utility bill, turn the bill over, and mail it to the address printed on the bill.
Call 303-538-7370 to find out what is owed on your account. When writing out your check, include your account number and/or property and mail payment to the utility billing office:PO Box 810262, Denver, CO 80281-0262.
In-Person
Pay in person at Thornton City Hall, located at 9500 Civic Center Drive, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Drive-Up Drop Box
Place payment in our drive-up drop off box located at 9500 Civic Center Drive.
Remember, always pay by check or money order when dropping off your payment in the night drop.Walk-Up Drop Box
Place payment in our walk-up drop off box located at 12450 Washington Street.
Remember, always pay by check or money order when dropping off your payment in the walk-up drop off box.
Budget Billing for your Utility Bill
Do you crave the secure feeling of knowing your water charges will be the same each month of the year? The City of Thornton offers a service called the Budget Billing program.
Can't Pay Your Utility Bill?
It may be possible that payment arrangements can be made on your account. Please call 303-538-7222.
Utility Billing is Now Paperless
As of January 1, 2023, Thornton will no longer send paper bills in the mail. This change ONLY impacts the delivery of your bill and how you receive the bill. It does NOT change how you prefer to pay your bill and it does NOT require you to make payments online if you prefer not to pay online. Be sure to use the paperless billing instructions here to get signed up for your bill to be delivered electronically. We don't want you to miss a bill since we are no longer sending paper copies. Once signed up, you will have the ability to view past and current bills anytime with a click of a button. Sign-up is simple but if you run into any obstacles, our customer service team is here to support you. Sign-up to pay your utility billing account online with e-billing.