How to Pay Your Baltimore Water Bill

The three ways to pay your Baltimore water bill

You can pay your Baltimore water bill through the city's online portal, by phone, or by mail. The online portal at bwwaterworks.org is the fastest option — you can pay when ready with a bank account or debit card. If you prefer to call, the Baltimore Water Department's payment line accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account payments. Mailing a check or money order is also an option, though it takes longer to process.

Each method has a different timeline. Online and phone payments typically post to your account within one business day. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to reach the city and be recorded, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon.

Key Takeaways

• The Baltimore Water Department's website at bwwaterworks.org lets you pay online with a bank account or debit card, and the payment posts within one business day.
• You can pay by phone by calling the Baltimore Water Department's customer service line and providing your account number and payment method.
• Mailing a check or money order to the address on your bill works but takes seven to ten business days to process.
• You will need your account number, which appears on your water bill, to pay through any method.

Paying online through the Baltimore Water Department portal

Go to bwwaterworks.org and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. Click it and enter your account number — this is the number printed on your water bill. You will then see your current balance and any past-due amounts.

Choose the amount you want to pay. You can pay your full balance, a partial amount, or just the minimum due. Then select your payment method: you can use a checking or savings account (which costs nothing) or a debit or credit card (which may carry a small fee). Enter the payment details and confirm. Your payment will post to your account within one business day.

Paying by phone

Call the Baltimore Water Department's customer service line at 410-396-5398. Have your account number ready — it is on your bill. A representative will ask you how much you want to pay and which payment method you prefer.

You can pay with a checking or savings account, or with a debit or credit card. The representative will walk you through entering your payment information. Like online payments, phone payments post within one business day. There is no fee for paying by phone.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order for the amount you owe. Do not send cash. Write your account number on the back of the check or money order so the city can match it to your account.

Mail it to the address printed on your bill. The Baltimore Water Department's mailing address is typically listed on the back of your bill or in the payment section. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and be processed, so send your payment early if your due date is coming up. Keep a copy of the check or money order for your records.

Setting up automatic payments

If you want to pay the same amount every month without having to remember, you can set up automatic payments through the Baltimore Water Department's website. Go to bwwaterworks.org, log into your account, and look for the "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment" option.

You will choose the amount to pay each month and the date it should be withdrawn from your bank account. Automatic payments use your bank account directly, so there is no fee. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account.

What to do if you cannot pay in full

If you owe money but cannot pay the full amount right now, you can make a partial payment through any of the three methods above. Pay what you can, and the rest will remain due. The Baltimore Water Department may charge a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date on your bill.

If you are struggling to pay your water bill, contact the Baltimore Water Department's customer service line at 410-396-5398 to ask about payment plans or hardship programs. Some information may be available depending on your situation.

Finding your account number and due date

Your account number and due date are both printed on your water bill. The account number is usually at the top of the bill, often labeled "Account Number" or "Service Address Account Number." The due date is listed near the amount owed, usually in a box labeled "Amount Due" or "Due Date."

If you cannot find your bill, you can look up your account number on the Baltimore Water Department's website at bwwaterworks.org. You will need your service address (the address where your water meter is located). Once you log in, your account number will be displayed, and you can see your current balance and payment history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my water bill online?

There is no fee if you pay with a checking or savings account. If you use a debit or credit card, the Baltimore Water Department may charge a small processing fee. The fee amount will be shown before you confirm your payment, so you can choose a different payment method if you prefer.

How do I know if my payment went through?

After you pay online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. You can also log back into your account on bwwaterworks.org within one business day to see if the payment has posted. Mail payments take longer — check your account after ten business days to confirm it was received.

What if I pay late?

Late payments may result in a late fee added to your bill. If your payment is significantly overdue, the city may shut off your water service. If you know you will be late, contact the Baltimore Water Department at 410-396-5398 to discuss your options before the due date passes.

Can I pay someone else's water bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. You do not need to be the account holder to make a payment. Enter their account number when you pay online or provide it when you call. The payment will be credited to their account.

What payment methods does Baltimore Water accept?

Baltimore Water accepts checking and savings accounts (online and by phone), debit cards (online and by phone), credit cards (online and by phone), checks and money orders (by mail), and automatic bank account withdrawals. They do not accept cash by mail.