How to Pay Your San Antonio Water Bill Through SAWS

What SAWS Bill Pay is and how to use it

SAWS (San Antonio Water System) Bill Pay is the online and phone payment method run by the city's municipal water utility. You can pay your water, wastewater, and stormwater charges through their website, mobile app, or by phone without visiting a payment location in person. Payments post to your account within one to two business days when you pay online or by phone.

SAWS serves about 1.5 million people across San Antonio and surrounding areas. If you receive a SAWS bill, you have a customer account number printed on it — that number is what you need to make a payment through any of their channels.

Key Takeaways

• You can pay SAWS bills online at saws.org, through the SAWS mobile app, or by calling their automated phone line without creating an account first.
• Online and app payments typically post within one to two business days; payments made after 5 p.m. may not process until the next business day.
• SAWS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, though credit and debit card payments include a convenience fee set by a third-party processor.
• You can set up automatic recurring payments (autopay) through your bank account to avoid late fees, and SAWS will not charge a fee for bank transfer payments.
• If you cannot pay your full bill, SAWS offers extended payment plans and has a Customer information Program for households meeting income limits.

Payment methods and fees

SAWS accepts four main payment methods through their bill pay system. Bank account transfers (ACH payments) carry no fee and are the least expensive option. Debit cards and credit cards both incur a convenience fee; the exact amount depends on the payment processor and changes periodically, but typically ranges from 2 to 3 percent of your bill amount. E-check (electronic check) is also available and usually has no fee, similar to bank transfers.

One-time payments and recurring autopay use the same payment methods. If you set up autopay through your bank account, SAWS will deduct your bill amount on the due date each month at no charge. Autopay through credit or debit card still includes the convenience fee each time a payment processes.

How to pay online or through the app

To pay online, go to saws.org and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Bill Pay" link on the homepage. You will need your customer account number, which appears on your paper bill or in any email notice from SAWS. You do not need to create a login or account to make a one-time payment — you can pay as a guest.

Enter your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. Review the details and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. The payment will post to your account within one to two business days. If you pay after 5 p.m., the system may not process it until the next business day.

The SAWS mobile app works the same way. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, enter your account number, and follow the same payment steps. The app also lets you view your bill history and current balance without logging in.

Paying by phone

Call SAWS Customer Service at (210) 704-7297 to pay by phone. You will reach an automated system that accepts payment information over the phone. Have your account number and payment method ready. The automated line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Payments made by phone post within one to two business days, the same as online payments.

If you prefer to speak with a person, you can call during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Central Time) and a representative can process your payment over the phone.

Setting up autopay and payment plans

Autopay removes the need to remember your due date each month. Log into your SAWS account online or through the app, go to the autopay or automatic payment section, and select your payment method and the date you want the payment to process each month. SAWS recommends setting autopay for a few days before your due date to may support it posts on time. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through the same online portal.

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, SAWS offers extended payment plans that let you split your balance into smaller installments over several months. Contact SAWS Customer Service to discuss a plan. There is no fee to set up a payment plan, but if you miss a payment on the plan, you may be subject to late fees or service interruption.

SAWS also runs the Customer information Program for households with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. This program can reduce your monthly bill or provide one-time bill relief. You will need to provide proof of income and household size to explore. Contact SAWS or visit their website for income limits and process details.

What to do if your payment doesn't post

Payments typically post within one to two business days. If more than two business days have passed and your payment has not appeared on your account, log back into your SAWS account and check your payment history. Your confirmation number will help you track the payment. If the payment shows as processed but your account balance has not updated, wait one more business day — the system sometimes takes longer to reflect the credit.

If your payment was rejected or failed, you will usually receive an email or phone notification. Common reasons include an expired card, insufficient funds, or a typo in your account number. Correct the information and try again. If you are unsure whether a payment went through, call SAWS Customer Service at (210) 704-7297 during business hours and provide your confirmation number.

Late payments and service interruption

SAWS bills are typically due 20 days after the bill date. If your payment does not arrive by the due date, SAWS may charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee is set by SAWS and appears on your next bill. Continuing non-payment can result in service interruption — SAWS will send a notice before shutting off water service, usually giving you at least 10 days to pay or contact them about a payment plan.

If you receive a shutoff notice, contact SAWS when ready. Even if you cannot pay the full amount, setting up a payment plan or asking about the Customer information Program may stop the shutoff. SAWS also has a hardship policy for customers facing temporary financial difficulty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my SAWS bill without an account or login?

Yes. You can pay as a guest on the SAWS website or app using only your account number. You do not need to create a login to make a one-time payment. If you want to set up autopay or view your full account history, you will need to create an online account.

Is there a fee for paying my SAWS bill online?

There is no fee if you pay by bank transfer or e-check. Credit and debit card payments include a convenience fee (typically 2 to 3 percent) charged by the payment processor. Autopay through your bank account has no fee.

How long does it take for a SAWS payment to show up?

Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. Payments made after 5 p.m. may not process until the next business day. Autopay payments process on the date you select and post within one to two business days after that.

What happens if I miss a payment?

SAWS will charge a late fee and may send you a notice. If you continue to miss payments, SAWS will send a shutoff notice before interrupting service. Contact SAWS to set up a payment plan or ask about information programs before service is shut off.

Can I change or cancel autopay?

Yes. Log into your SAWS account online or through the app and go to the autopay section to change the payment date, amount, or payment method, or to cancel autopay entirely. Changes take effect within one to two business days.