Contact customer service at least three business days in advance of the requested start date. A $20 fee is charged to transfer accounts between addresses.

To start service, the town requires all of the following:

• Connection fee of $20 (non-refundable)
• Deposit of $75 in town or $150 out of town
• Copy of one of the following signed by all parties:
  • Deed, settlement statement or purchase agreement
  • Lease agreement
  • Property management agreement
• Social Security number
• Valid driver’s license, government ID or passport

Starting Service

Create an account on the town's online payment site to start water service. Learn more about the online payments site on the Billing and Adjustments page.

Submit a request to disconnect service at least three business days before the requested end date.

Stop Service

Sign in to the town's online payments site or sign up for an account to stop water service. Learn more about the online payments site on the Billing and Adjustments page.

Contractors may obtain bulk water from the Hillsborough Water Treatment Plant, 711 Dimmocks Mill Road. Bulk water is charged at the out-of-town water rate. 

Pay first at the Financial Services Department in the Town Hall Annex, 105 E. Corbin St. The billing and collections office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

• How to Purchase Bulk Water

Contractors may purchase water from hydrants by renting 3-inch hydrant meters. The meters measure water usage for proper billing. The rental period must be at least two months.

The meters are housed in orange boxes connected to the hydrants. The boxes contain a backflow preventer to ensure contaminants do not enter the public water system.

See information about irrigation requirements and limitations on the town's Water Conservation page.  

Plumbing Permit

The North Carolina Plumbing Code requires a permit from the local inspections department for installation of an irrigation system. The Orange County Planning and Inspections Department issues permits and performs inspections. Contact the department at 919-245-2600.  

Fees and Other Charges

The Town of Hillsborough charges a system development fee to cover the cost of water supplies, treatment facilities, pumps, piping and other infrastructure necessary to provide service to an irrigation-only meter. The fee is the same as that for a regular water service, but sewer fees are not charged. 

Irrigation-only water service is charged monthly per 1,000 gallons of water use. The town may halt irrigation-only service during water shortages, such as due to droughts. If the service is halted, the town will bill only for the actual amount of water used during the affected months. It will not charge a minimum fee during those months.

Any changes to rates and fees will occur typically at the start of a new fiscal year, which is July 1. For current rates, see the town's Fees and Charges Schedule or contact utilities staff using the Utilities contact form. 

Supplemental Irrigation Permit

Permits for supplemental irrigation may be purchased to protect new plantings for 90 days. To be eligible, a property must have an active building permit or have had one within the previous 90 days. No permits are issued during water restrictions at Stage 2 or higher. For permit prices, see the town's Fees and Charges Schedule.