How to Pay Your San Antonio Water System Bill Online and by Mail

San Antonio Water System bill pay methods and where to send payments

San Antonio Water System (SAWS) lets you pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The online method is the fastest — payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. central time on a business day. Phone payments and in-person payments also process when ready, while mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach SAWS and post to your account.

You do not need to create an account to pay a one-time bill, though having one makes it easier to track payment history and set up automatic payments. SAWS does not charge a fee for any of these payment methods, though some third-party payment processors may add a small fee if you use their service instead of SAWS's own system.

Key Takeaways

• SAWS online bill pay at saws.org processes the same day if you submit before 5 p.m. central time on a business day, and requires only your account number and the amount you want to pay.
• Phone payments to 210-704-7297 process when ready during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. central time), and you will need your account number and payment method ready.
• Mail payments to SAWS, P.O. Box 2288, San Antonio, TX 78298-2288 take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
• In-person payments at SAWS payment centers and authorized retailers process when ready, though you should check SAWS's website for current locations and hours before visiting.
• Setting up automatic payments through your bank or SAWS's autopay option removes the need to remember due dates and prevents accidental late fees.

Paying online through the SAWS website

Go to saws.org and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" link on the homepage. You will need your SAWS account number, which appears on your bill, and the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance or a partial amount. Enter your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account — and confirm the transaction.

Online payments submitted before 5 p.m. central time on a business day post the same day. If you submit after 5 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, the payment posts the next business day. SAWS does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through their website. Keep your confirmation number for your records.

Paying by phone with SAWS customer service

Call SAWS customer service at 210-704-7297 to pay by phone. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. central time. Have your account number and your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account information) ready before you call. A representative will confirm the amount, process the payment, and give you a confirmation number.

Phone payments process when ready during business hours. If you call outside business hours, you may reach an automated system that can take your payment, though you should verify with SAWS whether weekend and after-hours payments post the same day or the next business day.

Mailing a check or money order to SAWS

Write your check or money order to San Antonio Water System and include your account number on the memo line. Mail it to: San Antonio Water System, P.O. Box 2288, San Antonio, TX 78298-2288. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are paying a bill that is already overdue, calling or paying online is faster and safer. Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the money order for your records.

Paying in person at SAWS locations and authorized retailers

SAWS operates payment centers in San Antonio where you can pay in person with cash, check, or card. You can also pay at authorized retailers and grocery stores that accept bill payments. Payments made in person process when ready and post to your account the same day. Check saws.org for the current list of payment center locations, hours, and authorized retailers near you, as locations and hours change.

Bring your account number or your bill with you when you visit. If you are paying someone else's bill, bring their account number as well. In-person payments are useful if you do not have online access or prefer to pay with cash.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates

You can set up automatic payments through SAWS's autopay program or through your own bank's bill pay service. SAWS autopay lets you choose a payment date each month and have the amount withdrawn automatically from your bank account or charged to your card. Log into your SAWS account online or call 210-704-7297 to set this up. There is no fee for SAWS autopay.

Alternatively, use your bank's bill pay feature to send a payment to SAWS on a schedule you set. This method gives you more control over the exact date and amount, and your bank handles the payment. Either way, automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring a late fee.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill on time

If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact SAWS customer service at 210-704-7297 before your due date. SAWS may offer a payment plan that lets you spread the cost over several months. The sooner you reach out, the more options you may have. Waiting until after your bill is late can result in a late fee and may affect your service.

SAWS also has a Customer information Program for households that meet income limits. This program can reduce your bill or help you catch up on past-due amounts. Call customer service to ask whether you may be may be able to access and what documents you need to provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I pay after my due date?

SAWS charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount. If you are going to be late, call 210-704-7297 to ask about a payment plan or extension before the due date passes.

Can I pay someone else's SAWS bill?

Yes. You can pay another person's bill online if you have their account number, by phone, by mail, or in person. When paying online or by phone, enter their account number instead of yours. By mail or in person, include their account number on the check or tell the cashier whose bill you are paying.

Is there a fee for paying online or by phone?

SAWS does not charge a fee for online payments made through saws.org or for phone payments to 210-704-7297. Some third-party payment processors may charge a fee if you use their service instead of SAWS's own system, so check before you submit.

What if I overpay my bill?

If you pay more than you owe, SAWS will credit the extra amount to your next bill. You can also request a refund by contacting customer service at 210-704-7297. Keep your confirmation number so you can reference the overpayment if needed.

How do I know my payment went through?

Online and phone payments give you a confirmation number when ready. Mail and in-person payments may take a few days to post to your account. Log into your SAWS account online or call customer service to confirm that your payment has posted.