Where to pay your Baltimore water bill

Baltimore's water and wastewater bills are managed by the Department of Public Works (DPW). You can pay online through the city's official portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The online option is fastest — payments post within one business day — and you can set it up without creating an account if you pay once. If you pay regularly, creating an account lets you see your bill history and set up automatic payments.

The official payment website is baltimorecity.gov/water. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. Phone payments go through the same system: call 410-396-5398 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill, and checks take 7 to 10 days to clear after they arrive.

In-person payment centers are located at 200 East Lombard Street (downtown) and at several district offices around the city. Hours vary by location, so call ahead. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card at these locations, but not credit cards.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through baltimorecity.gov/water is the fastest method and posts within one business day.
  • You can pay by phone at 410-396-5398 during business hours without setting up an online account.
  • Automatic payments prevent late fees and require an online account, which you can create for free.
  • Mail and in-person payments are accepted but take longer to process than online or phone payments.
  • Late fees apply 30 days after the due date, and service can be shut off after 60 days of non-payment.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account on a date you choose, usually around your bill's due date. To set this up, log into your account at baltimorecity.gov/water, go to "Billing and Payments," and select "AutoPay." You'll enter your bank account number and routing number. The system will verify your account with two small test deposits (usually under $1 each), which you'll confirm online. Once confirmed, payments happen automatically each month.

You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If you need to stop a payment before it processes, contact DPW at 410-396-5398 at least three business days before the scheduled payment date. Automatic payments reduce the risk of late fees and service interruption, and they're free to set up.

Understanding your bill and due date

Baltimore water bills are issued monthly and typically due 20 days after the bill date. The due date is printed on your bill. Your bill includes charges for water consumption (measured in hundred-cubic-foot units, or CCF), wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. If you use less water one month, your bill will be lower; usage is metered and read monthly.

Bills are mailed to the address on file with DPW. If you don't receive your bill by the expected date, log into your account online to view it there. You can also request that bills be sent to a different address or email by updating your account information online or calling 410-396-5398.

What happens if you miss a payment

A late fee is added to your account 30 days after the due date. The fee is typically a percentage of your unpaid balance. If your bill remains unpaid for 60 days, DPW can shut off your water service without further notice. Reconnection requires payment of the full balance plus a reconnection fee, which varies but is usually between $100 and $200.

If you're having trouble paying, contact DPW before you fall behind. The city offers payment plans for customers with unpaid balances. You can discuss a plan by calling 410-396-5398 or visiting in person. Payment plans typically allow you to spread the debt over several months while continuing to pay current bills on time.

Disputing a charge or reporting a leak

If you believe your bill is incorrect or unusually high, you can request a meter test or review. Log into your account online and select "Dispute a Bill," or call 410-396-5398 to speak with a representative. DPW will investigate and may adjust your bill if an error is found. This process typically takes two to four weeks.

A sudden spike in your bill often signals a leak inside your home — usually in a toilet, under a sink, or in an underground line. Check for running water sounds, wet spots in your yard, or visible drips. If you find a leak, repair it as soon as possible; you are responsible for water used on your property, even if it's wasted through a leak. After you repair the leak, you can request a one-time adjustment for the overage by contacting DPW with proof of the repair.

Assistance programs for low-income households

Baltimore offers the Water Assistance Program for households with income below 150% of the federal poverty line. The program covers a portion of your water bill each year. To learn whether you may be may be able to access, contact the Department of Social Services at 410-396-8000 or visit their office at 417 East Fayette Street. You'll need to provide proof of income and residency.

The city also has a Utility Discount Program that reduces water bills for seniors (age 65 and older) and people with disabilities. The discount is applied directly to your bill each month. You can learn more about this program through the same contact information as the Water Assistance Program.

Paying a bill for a rental property you own

If you own a rental property in Baltimore, the water bill is your responsibility as the property owner, even if your lease says the tenant pays. You receive the bill at the address on file with DPW. You can pay using the same methods available to residential customers: online, by phone, by mail, or in person. If a tenant is responsible for paying you back, that's a matter between you and the tenant — DPW will pursue the owner for unpaid bills.

If you own multiple properties, each has its own account number and bill. You can pay each separately or set up automatic payments for each account through your online portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my water bill with a credit card?

Yes, online and by phone. In-person payments at DPW offices accept debit cards and cash but not credit cards. Online and phone payments process credit cards through a third-party payment processor, which may charge a convenience fee of 2% to 3% of your payment amount.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?

Online payments post within one business day. If you pay after 4:30 p.m., it may not process until the next business day. Payments made on weekends or holidays post on the next business day. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately after you submit payment.

What if I move out of Baltimore but still own property there?

Contact DPW to update the mailing address on file. Your bill will be sent to your new address. You remain responsible for paying the bill on time, regardless of where you live. You can continue to pay online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my water bill?

Yes. If your account has a credit balance, you can request a refund by calling 410-396-5398 or through your online account. Refunds are typically mailed within 30 days. Alternatively, the credit can stay on your account and be applied to future bills.

What if my water service is shut off for non-payment?

Pay the full balance plus the reconnection fee to restore service. You can pay online, by phone, or in person. After payment is received and processed, DPW will schedule reconnection, which usually happens within one to two business days. Emergency reconnections may be available — call 410-396-5398 to ask.