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How to Pay Your Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Water Bill

Where to pay your WSSC water bill

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) serves water and sewer customers in Prince George's and Montgomery counties in Maryland. You can pay your bill online through the WSSC website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set up automatic payments.

Online payment through the WSSC website is the fastest option for one-time payments. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid debit or credit card. The payment posts within one business day. Phone payments work the same way — call the WSSC customer service line and provide your account number and card information to an agent.

If you prefer not to use a card, you can mail a check or money order to the address listed on your bill, though mail typically takes 7 to 10 days to arrive and process. Some customers also pay in person at WSSC payment centers, though locations and hours vary by season.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and phone payments through WSSC post within one business day and require only your account number and a debit or credit card.
  • Mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to process, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments through the WSSC website to avoid missing a due date.
  • WSSC bills are due on the date printed on your statement; late payments may result in a reconnection fee if service is shut off.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. Log into your WSSC account on their website, go to the billing section, and select the option to enroll in automatic payments. You'll provide your bank account information or card details and choose whether to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month.

Most customers choose to pay the full bill automatically on a date they select — typically a few days after payday. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. If you're on a budget billing plan (which averages your payments across the year), automatic payment works the same way.

What happens if you miss a payment

WSSC typically allows a grace period of about 15 days after the due date before late fees explore. If your bill remains unpaid after that period, WSSC will add a late charge to your account. Continued non-payment can result in a notice of intent to disconnect service.

If service is disconnected, you'll owe a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance before water service resumes. The reconnection fee varies but is typically $50 to $100. If you're having trouble paying, contact WSSC customer service before your bill becomes severely overdue — they may be able to discuss a payment plan or direct you to information programs.

Understanding your WSSC bill

Your WSSC bill shows water usage in cubic feet or gallons, sewer charges based on water usage, and any taxes or fees. The bill includes the amount due and the due date. Some bills also show a budget billing amount if you're enrolled in that program, which spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months.

If your bill seems unusually high, check for a leak — a running toilet or dripping faucet can significantly increase water usage. You can also contact WSSC to request a meter check or to discuss your usage history. Seasonal changes (more outdoor watering in summer, for example) also affect bills.

Payment methods and timing

Payment MethodHow to PayWhen Payment Posts
OnlineWSSC website with account number and cardWithin 1 business day
PhoneCall WSSC customer service with account number and cardWithin 1 business day
MailCheck or money order to address on bill7 to 10 days
In PersonCash, check, or card at WSSC payment centerSame day or next business day
AutomaticBank account or card enrolled through websiteOn date you select each month

Finding your account number and due date

Your WSSC account number appears in the upper right corner of your bill, usually formatted as a series of numbers. The due date is printed prominently on the front of the bill, typically 20 to 25 days from the bill date. If you've lost your bill, you can find your account number by logging into your WSSC online account or by calling customer service with your address and name.

Keep your account number handy when you pay by phone or online. If you're setting up automatic payments, you'll also need to know your preferred payment date — most people choose a date shortly after they receive their paycheck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my WSSC bill with a credit card online?

Yes, WSSC accepts both debit and credit cards for online payments through their website. Some credit card companies may charge a cash advance fee for utility payments, so check with your card issuer first if you're concerned about fees.

What if I pay online but my payment doesn't show up right away?

Online payments typically post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and your payment still doesn't appear in your account, contact WSSC customer service with your confirmation number from the payment. They can verify whether the payment was received.

Can I set up automatic payments if I have a budget billing plan?

Yes, automatic payments work with budget billing. Your monthly payment amount will be the budgeted amount rather than the actual usage amount. You can change your automatic payment amount at any time through your online account if your budget billing amount changes.

What should I do if I can't pay my full bill by the due date?

Contact WSSC customer service before your bill becomes overdue. They may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your balance across several months. Some customers also may have access to for information programs through local nonprofits or government agencies — WSSC can provide referrals.

Is there a fee for paying online or by phone?

WSSC does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly through their website or customer service line. Some third-party payment processors may charge a fee, so make sure you're paying through the official WSSC channels.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.