How SAWS Bill Pay Works and What It Covers

What SAWS Bill Pay does

SAWS Bill Pay is a utility information program run by the San Antonio Water System that helps households pay their water and wastewater bills when they fall behind. The program pays money directly to SAWS on your behalf, not to you. It covers arrears — bills you already owe — rather than future bills.

SAWS serves the San Antonio area and surrounding communities in Bexar County and parts of nearby counties. If you live outside SAWS's service territory, you will not be able to use this program; you would need to look for information through your own local water utility or county social services.

The program is funded through a combination of SAWS revenue and federal or state grants, which means funding can change and the program may close to new requests when money runs out. There is no permanent, year-round may provide of funds.

Key Takeaways

• SAWS Bill Pay pays your water and wastewater arrears directly to SAWS, so you must have an active SAWS account and an unpaid balance to be considered.
• You must live in SAWS's service area in or around San Antonio, and your household income must fall below a threshold that SAWS sets each year.
• The program typically covers a portion of your arrears, not the full amount owed, so you may still owe a balance after information is received.
• You will need proof of income, a copy of your SAWS bill, and proof of residency to provide when you contact SAWS about the program.
• Contact SAWS directly to learn whether the program is currently open and what the exact income limits and payment amounts are for your household size.

Income limits and household size

SAWS sets income thresholds each year based on the federal poverty guidelines. The exact limits depend on how many people live in your household. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of four, for example.

These limits change annually, usually in the fall. You will need to confirm the current year's limits directly with SAWS because they are not fixed. Call SAWS customer service or visit their website to ask what the income threshold is for your household size in the current year.

Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular money coming into the household. SAWS will ask you to document your income, usually with recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements.

What bills SAWS Bill Pay covers

The program covers water and wastewater charges on your SAWS bill. It does not cover other charges that may appear on the same bill, such as stormwater fees, meter fees, or late penalties, though some of these may be waived or reduced separately by SAWS if you contact them about hardship.

SAWS Bill Pay typically pays a portion of your arrears, not the entire amount owed. The exact amount depends on available funding and SAWS's current policy. You may still owe a remaining balance after the program pays its portion.

The program does not cover future bills — only past-due amounts. If you are current on your bill or only owe a small amount, you may not meet the program's requirements.

How to contact SAWS about bill information

Start by calling SAWS customer service at their main number. Ask specifically about bill information or hardship programs. SAWS staff can tell you whether the program is currently open, what your household's income limit is, and what documents you need to provide.

Have your SAWS account number ready when you call. You can find it on your bill. Also have information about your household size and a rough idea of your household income so SAWS can tell you whether you may be within the income range.

If SAWS directs you to submit documents, ask whether you can email them, mail them, or drop them off in person. Ask also how long the review process typically takes so you know when to expect a decision.

Documents you will likely need

SAWS will ask for proof of income. This usually means recent pay stubs (typically the last 30 days), a recent tax return, or a benefit statement from Social Security, unemployment, or another program. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide tax returns or business records.

You will need to show proof of residency — that you live at the address on your SAWS account. A utility bill in your name, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a government-issued ID with your current address can serve this purpose.

Bring or send a copy of your current SAWS bill showing the amount owed. This tells SAWS what you are behind on and confirms you have an active account.

What happens after you contact SAWS

SAWS will review your income and account status. If you meet the income requirement and have an unpaid balance, SAWS will determine how much information it can provide based on available funding and its current policy.

SAWS will then pay the information amount directly to your account. You will receive a notice showing what was paid and whether any balance remains. If a balance remains, you are still responsible for paying it.

The program does not prevent SAWS from disconnecting service if you do not pay the remaining balance or future bills. If you receive information, stay current on new charges to avoid another disconnection notice.

When SAWS Bill Pay is not available

If you do not live in SAWS's service area, this program does not cover you. Contact your local water utility or your county social services office to ask what bill information programs serve your area.

If your household income is above SAWS's threshold for your household size, you will not be able to use this program. Some communities have other information programs with higher income limits; ask SAWS or your county about alternatives.

If the program has run out of funding for the year, SAWS may close it to new requests. Ask when funding is expected to be available again and whether you can be contacted when the program reopens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will SAWS Bill Pay stop my water from being shut off?

If you have already received a disconnection notice, contact SAWS when ready to ask about the program and explain your situation. Some utilities prioritize active disconnection cases, but you must act quickly — disconnection can happen within days of notice. SAWS can tell you whether the program can help before your service date.

What if I owe more than SAWS Bill Pay will cover?

You remain responsible for the remaining balance. Ask SAWS whether you can set up a payment plan for what is left, or whether they offer other hardship options such as extended payment terms or fee waivers. Some utilities have separate programs for customers who cannot pay in full.

Can I use SAWS Bill Pay more than once?

SAWS sets its own rules about whether a household can receive information more than once. Ask SAWS directly whether there is a limit on how many times you can use the program or how long you must wait between uses.

Do I have to pay SAWS Bill Pay back?

No. SAWS Bill Pay is not a loan. The money is a one-time payment toward your arrears and does not have to be repaid. However, you are still responsible for paying any remaining balance and all future bills.

What if my income changes after I receive information?

SAWS Bill Pay is a one-time information program, not an ongoing benefit. A change in your income after you receive information does not affect the payment that was already made. If you fall behind again in the future, you would need to contact SAWS about the program again at that time.