Where to pay your Fort Worth water bill
The City of Fort Worth offers four main ways to pay your water bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. Online payment is the fastest and most convenient option — you can pay any time without waiting for business hours. Phone payment takes a few minutes and connects you to a representative who can answer questions about your account while processing the payment.
In-person payment at a city facility or authorized payment center works if you prefer handling it face-to-face or need to discuss your bill with someone directly. Mail payment is the slowest option because the check must travel to the city, be processed, and clear through the banking system — this typically takes 7 to 10 days after the city receives it.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's website is available 24/7 and processes immediately, with no fees for standard payment methods.
- Phone payment requires calling the city's water utility customer service line during business hours, and a representative will guide you through the process.
- Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your bill and take 7 to 10 days to process after arrival.
- In-person payment locations include city facilities and authorized payment centers throughout Fort Worth, open during standard business hours.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method you choose.
Paying online through the city website
To pay online, visit the City of Fort Worth's water utility payment portal and enter your account number and service address. The system will display your current balance and allow you to choose a payment amount. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer — the city does not charge a fee for debit or bank transfers, but credit card payments may include a processing fee depending on the card type.
Online payment is processed immediately, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this confirmation for your records. The payment will post to your account within one business day. If you set up an account on the portal, you can also view your payment history, see your usage, and receive email reminders before your bill is due.
Paying by phone
Call the Fort Worth Water Department's customer service line during business hours to pay by phone. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then process the payment using your debit card, credit card, or bank account information. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Ask the representative for a confirmation number and note the date and time of your call.
Phone payment is useful if you have questions about your bill or need to discuss a payment plan before paying. The representative can explain charges, discuss your usage, or help you understand your bill. However, you must call during the city's business hours, which vary by season and may include limited weekend hours.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Worth and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check or money order so the payment reaches the correct account. Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to arrive and process, so send your payment well before the due date to avoid a late fee.
Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records. If you are concerned about whether your payment arrived, you can call customer service to confirm that the payment posted to your account. Never send cash through the mail.
Paying in person
The City of Fort Worth operates payment locations where you can pay in person during business hours. These include the main water utility office and authorized payment centers in different parts of the city. Bring your bill or account number and the payment amount in cash, check, or money order. Credit and debit cards may be accepted at some locations, but call ahead to confirm.
In-person payment posts to your account the same day or the next business day. This option works well if you prefer to handle payments face-to-face or need to discuss your account with a staff member. Payment locations close on weekends and city holidays, so plan accordingly.
Setting up automatic payments
The City of Fort Worth allows you to set up automatic payments through the online portal or by calling customer service. You can choose to pay your full bill automatically each month on a date you select, or you can authorize automatic payment only when your bill is due. Automatic payments use bank account transfer, which has no fee.
To set up automatic payments online, log into your account on the city's water utility portal and look for the autopay or recurring payment option. You will need to provide your bank account and routing number. You can cancel automatic payments at any time through the portal or by calling customer service. Automatic payment is useful if you want to avoid late fees and do not want to remember to pay each month.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, contact the Fort Worth Water Department to discuss your options. The city may offer a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, allowing you to pay a smaller amount each month instead of the full bill at once. Payment plans typically require a down payment and regular monthly payments until the balance is cleared.
The city may also have information about financial assistance programs for households facing hardship. Call customer service to ask about payment plans or assistance options. Do not ignore a past-due bill — late fees and penalties add up quickly, and the city can eventually shut off service for non-payment. Contacting the city early gives you more options than waiting until service is disconnected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
Late fees are added to your account if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The longer the bill remains unpaid, the more penalties accumulate. If your account stays past due for a certain period, the city may issue a notice of intent to disconnect service. Paying as soon as possible after the due date stops additional fees from building up.
Can I pay someone else's water bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Use any payment method and provide the account number so the payment reaches the correct account. The account holder does not need to authorize this, but you will need their account number to process the payment.
Is there a fee for paying online?
There is no fee for paying online with a debit card or bank account transfer. Credit card payments may include a processing fee, which the city will disclose before you complete the transaction. Phone and in-person payments do not charge fees.
How long does it take for my payment to show up on my account?
Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. In-person payments post the same day or next business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to arrive and process after the city receives them.
What if I do not have an account number?
Your account number appears on your water bill. If you cannot find your bill, call the Fort Worth Water Department and provide your service address. A representative will give you your account number so you can pay online or by phone.