How to Pay Your Philadelphia Water Bill

Philadelphia water bills can be paid online through the Water Department's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers

The Philadelphia Water Department sends bills every two months to properties that use city water and sewer services. You can pay what you owe through several methods, each with different timing and requirements. The fastest way is online through the department's official website, which processes payments when ready. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call the department's payment line, mail a check, or visit a payment center in person.

Your bill shows the amount due, the due date, and your account number. Paying by the due date avoids late fees. If you miss the due date, the department can add penalties and eventually shut off service, so knowing your options ahead of time matters.

Key Takeaways

• Online payment through the Water Department website is the fastest method and shows confirmation when ready.
• Phone payments require your account number and a debit or credit card, and the department charges a convenience fee for this method.
• Mail payments should include your account number and bill stub, and take seven to ten business days to post to your account.
• In-person payment at a Water Department office or authorized payment center avoids online and phone fees.
• Late payments trigger penalties and can lead to service shutoff if arrears accumulate.

Paying online through the Water Department website

Go to water.phila.gov and look for the "Pay Your Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. The site accepts payments from a checking or savings account (no fee) or from a debit or credit card (a fee applies). Enter the amount you want to pay and confirm the payment method.

Online payments process when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this number for your records. The payment posts to your account within one business day. If you pay before 11:59 p.m. on the due date, it counts as on-time.

If you do not have an account number, you can search for your bill using your address instead. The site will display your current balance and payment history.

Paying by phone

Call the Philadelphia Water Department's automated payment line at 215-685-6300. Have your account number ready. The system will ask you to enter the amount you want to pay and confirm your payment method. You can pay with a debit or credit card only — not a bank account.

The department charges a convenience fee for phone payments, which varies. Ask the automated system for the current fee before you confirm the payment. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. Write it down.

Phone payments process within one business day. If you have questions the automated system cannot answer, you can speak to a representative during business hours by calling the main line at 215-685-6000.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to "Philadelphia Water Department." Include your account number and the bill stub from your most recent bill. Mail both to the address printed on your bill. Do not send cash.

Mail payments take seven to ten business days to reach the department and post to your account. If your due date is fewer than ten days away, mailing a check risks a late payment. For time-sensitive payments, use online or phone methods instead.

Keep a copy of the check or a photo of the envelope for your records. If the payment does not appear on your account within two weeks, contact the Water Department to confirm it arrived.

Paying in person at a Water Department office or authorized location

The Philadelphia Water Department accepts in-person payments at its main office at 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Bring your bill or account number and a payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person payments avoid the convenience fees charged for phone and online card payments.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and city holidays. Payments made in person post to your account the same day or the next business day.

Some authorized payment centers throughout the city also accept water bill payments. Call 215-685-6000 to ask whether a location near you accepts payments, or check the Water Department website for a current list.

What happens if you miss the due date

If you do not pay by the due date on your bill, the Water Department adds a late fee to your account. The amount of the fee depends on how much you owe. Continued non-payment results in additional penalties and interest charges.

After arrears reach a certain amount, the department can shut off water service to your property. The shutoff process typically takes several months, but it can happen faster if you ignore notices. Once service is shut off, you must pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore water.

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact the Water Department when ready. The department offers payment plans for customers with arrears, which spread the cost over several months. Call 215-685-6000 to discuss a plan.

Understanding your bill and account number

Your Philadelphia water bill shows your account number in the upper right corner. This number is unique to your property and is required for all payment methods except in-person payments at the main office. The bill also lists the billing period (usually two months), the amount due, and the due date.

The bill breaks down charges for water usage, sewer service, and stormwater fees. If you think a charge is wrong, contact the Water Department's customer service line before the due date. Paying a bill you dispute does not prevent you from filing a complaint later.

Keep your bills for at least one year. They serve as proof of payment if a question arises about your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to pay every two months?

Yes. On the Water Department website, you can set up automatic payments from your bank account. The system will deduct the amount due on or before the due date each billing cycle. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account.

What if I pay online but the confirmation page does not load?

Do not pay again. Wait a few minutes and log back into your account to check whether the payment posted. If it did, you will see the confirmation number and the new balance. If it did not post within 24 hours, call customer service at 215-685-6000 to confirm the payment was received.

Can I pay someone else's water bill?

Yes, but you will need their account number. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number instead of your own. In person, bring the bill or account number and tell the staff member whose account you are paying for.

What if I receive a shutoff notice?

Contact the Water Department when ready at 215-685-6000. Explain your situation and ask about payment plan options. The department may delay shutoff if you are working toward a plan. Do not ignore the notice — shutoff can happen within weeks if you do not respond.

Is there a discount for paying the full year upfront?

The Water Department does not offer discounts for early or lump-sum payments. You pay the same amount whether you pay every two months or all at once. However, paying early avoids late fees and the risk of service interruption.