How to Pay Your Philadelphia Water Department Bill

Ways to pay your Philadelphia Water bill

The Philadelphia Water Department accepts payments through five main channels: online through their website, by phone, by mail, in person at a payment center, or through automatic bank transfers. Each method has different processing times and works best depending on when your bill is due and how you prefer to handle payments.

Online payment is the fastest option for most people. You can pay through the Philadelphia Water Department's official website without creating an account, though having one lets you view your bill history and set up reminders. Phone payments go through the same system and take the same time to process. Mail and in-person payments take longer because they require physical handling, so use these only if you cannot pay online or by phone.

Key Takeaways

• The Philadelphia Water Department website accepts one-time online payments without requiring you to create an account first.
• Automatic bank transfers (ACH) take 5 to 7 business days to process, so set them up at least a week before your due date.
• Phone payments are processed the same day you call, but you will need your account number and a debit or credit card ready.
• Mail payments should be sent at least 10 business days before the due date to arrive in time, and checks should be made payable to the City of Philadelphia.
• In-person payment centers are located at 1101 Market Street and accept cash, checks, and cards during business hours.

Online payment through the Philadelphia Water Department website

Go to the Philadelphia Water Department's bill pay portal at water.phila.gov. You do not need to log in or create an account to make a one-time payment. Enter your account number (found on your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

The system processes online payments when ready, but the money may take 1 to 2 business days to reach your account depending on your bank. If you want to avoid entering your information each time, you can create an account on the same site to save your payment methods and view past bills. The account also lets you set up email reminders before your due date.

Phone payment

Call the Philadelphia Water Department's automated payment line at 215-685-6300. Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. The system will walk you through entering your payment amount and card details. Payments made by phone are processed the same day you call.

If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, you can call during business hours and ask to be transferred. The wait time varies depending on call volume. Phone payments are subject to the same processing timeline as online payments — the money reaches your account within 1 to 2 business days.

Automatic bank transfers (ACH)

Set up automatic payments directly from your bank account through the Philadelphia Water Department website. Log into your account, go to the payment settings, and select the option to enroll in automatic monthly payments. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number.

Automatic transfers take 5 to 7 business days to process, so set them up at least a week before your due date. Once enrolled, the same amount will be withdrawn on the same day each month unless you change it. You can pause, resume, or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings.

Mail payment

Write a check or money order payable to the City of Philadelphia. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to:

Philadelphia Water Department 1101 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107

Mail payments should be sent at least 10 business days before your due date to arrive in time. The Water Department processes mail payments when they are received, so payment dates can vary. If your bill is due soon, do not rely on mail — use online or phone payment instead.

In-person payment at a Water Department office

Visit the Philadelphia Water Department payment center at 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Bring your bill or account number with you. Payment is processed when ready when you hand it over.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and city holidays. If you cannot visit during these hours, use online or phone payment instead. Parking is available in nearby lots, though street parking is also an option depending on the time of day.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact the Philadelphia Water Department before the important date to discuss your options. The department may be able to set up a payment plan that lets you pay in installments over several months. Call 215-685-6300 during business hours to speak with someone about arranging a plan.

Partial payments are accepted and will be credited to your account. If you do not pay by the due date, late fees and interest charges will be added to your balance. The longer an account goes unpaid, the higher the total amount owed becomes, so reaching out early is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my bill?

Online payments are processed when ready, but it takes 1 to 2 business days for the money to reach the Water Department's account. Your bill will reflect the payment once it arrives. If you need confirmation that your payment was received, check your account online or call 215-685-6300.

Can I pay someone else's water bill?

Yes. You can pay online or by phone using the account number of the person whose bill you are paying. You do not need to be the account holder. In person, bring the account number and let the staff know you are paying on behalf of someone else.

What happens if I pay late?

Late fees and interest charges are added to your balance. The amount varies depending on how late the payment is. If your account falls too far behind, the Water Department can shut off service. Contact them when ready if you know you will be late so you can discuss a payment plan.

Is there a fee for paying online or by phone?

The Philadelphia Water Department does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made through their official website or automated line. Some third-party payment services may charge fees, so use the Water Department's own system to avoid extra charges.

Can I set up automatic payments for a different amount each month?

Automatic payments through the Water Department are set for the same amount each month. If your bill varies, you can pause automatic payments for a month, pay manually, and resume the next month. Alternatively, pay manually each month instead of using automatic transfers.