How to Pay Your Baltimore City Water Bill

Baltimore City water bills can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) collects water and sewer charges on a single bill. You have several ways to pay, and the method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you prefer to handle it yourself or set up automatic payments.

The bill arrives every two months. If you pay late, DPW adds a penalty and may eventually shut off your water. Knowing your account number and having your bill handy makes any payment method faster.

Key Takeaways

• Online payment through the DPW website or by phone through their automated system posts within one business day and requires your account number.
• Mail payments should be sent at least 10 days before your due date to arrive on time, and you must include your account number on the check.
• In-person payment at a DPW payment center or authorized retailer like Ace Cash Express gives you a receipt when ready and counts as paid that day.
• Setting up automatic bank draft or recurring online payments prevents late fees and ensures your bill is paid every billing cycle without action from you.
• If your water is shut off for nonpayment, you must pay the full balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service.

Paying online or by phone

The fastest way to pay is through the DPW website at water.baltimorecity.gov. Log in with your account number and password, or create an account if you do not have one yet. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Online payments typically post within one business day.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can call DPW's automated payment line at 410-396-5398. Have your account number and payment method ready. The system accepts debit and credit cards. This method also posts within one business day.

Both methods charge a convenience fee. The fee amount depends on your payment method — credit cards typically cost more than debit cards or bank transfers. The website shows the fee before you confirm payment, so you know the total before you commit.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your account number on the front of the check or money order. Mail it to the address on your bill — typically the DPW lockbox address listed in the payment section. Do not mail cash.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post. Send your payment at least 10 days before the due date to avoid a late fee. If you are close to the due date, use online or phone payment instead.

Keep a copy of your check or the money order receipt. If DPW reports your payment as late, you will have proof of when you mailed it. The postmark date matters — if the postmark shows you mailed it before the due date, DPW should not charge a late fee even if it arrived after.

Paying in person at a DPW center or authorized retailer

DPW operates payment centers in Baltimore where you can pay cash, check, or card. The main office is at 100 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Hours vary by location, so check the website before you go. Bring your account number and your bill if you have it.

You can also pay at authorized retailers like Ace Cash Express, which has multiple locations throughout Baltimore. These retailers accept cash and card. Payment posts the same day you pay in person, and you receive a receipt when ready.

In-person payment is the best option if you want proof of payment on the spot or if you do not have a bank account or credit card for online payment. There is no convenience fee for in-person payment.

Setting up automatic payments

DPW allows you to set up automatic bank draft, where the payment is withdrawn from your checking or savings account on a date you choose. Log into your account on the DPW website and select the automatic payment option. You will need your bank routing number and account number.

Automatic payments eliminate the risk of forgetting to pay and avoid late fees. The payment posts on the date you select, usually around the due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.

Some people set automatic payment for the full bill amount every two months. Others set it for a fixed amount each month to spread the cost. Either way, you can log in anytime to see your balance and confirm the next payment date.

What happens if you pay late or miss a payment

DPW charges a late fee if payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The fee is a percentage of your bill amount. If you miss multiple payments, DPW may issue a shut-off notice, which gives you a window to pay before water service stops.

If your water is shut off, you must pay the full outstanding balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. The reconnection fee is separate from your bill and is not waived. Reconnection typically happens within one business day of payment.

If you cannot pay the full amount, contact DPW to ask about a payment plan. DPW has programs for customers facing hardship, though availability and terms vary. Call 410-396-5398 to speak with someone about your options.

Finding your account number and bill information

Your account number appears on your water bill in the upper right corner or near the top of the page. It is usually a seven or eight-digit number. You will need this number for any payment method except in-person payment at a DPW center, where staff can look up your account by address.

If you have lost your bill, log into your account on the DPW website to view your current balance and due date. You can also call DPW customer service at 410-396-5398 to ask for your account number and current balance.

If you recently moved into a Baltimore City property, the previous owner's account may still be active. Contact DPW to transfer the account into your name before you pay, so the payment goes to the correct account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an online payment take to show up?

Online payments through the website or phone system typically post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, it may not show until Monday. If your due date is the next day, use in-person payment instead to may support it posts when ready.

Can I pay someone else's water bill?

Yes. You can pay online using their account number, by phone, or in person at a DPW center. You do not need to be the account holder. Have their account number ready, and the payment will be applied to their bill.

What if I pay too much by accident?

DPW will credit the overpayment to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact DPW customer service at 410-396-5398 to request one. Refunds take several weeks to process.

Is there a discount for paying the full year upfront?

No. DPW bills every two months and does not offer discounts for early or lump-sum payment. You pay the same amount whether you pay monthly, every two months, or in advance.

What if my bill seems wrong?

Contact DPW customer service at 410-396-5398 to dispute the amount. Have your bill and account number ready. DPW will review your account and explain the charges. Do not withhold payment while disputing — late fees will explore if you do not pay by the due date.