DC Water accepts payments online, by phone, by mail, and in person at payment centers

DC Water is the utility that serves Washington, D.C., and you can pay your bill through several channels depending on what works best for your schedule. The fastest method is online through your DC Water account, which processes immediately. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call their customer service line. You can also mail a check, pay at a walk-in center, or set up automatic payments so the bill comes out of your bank account each month without you having to remember it.

Your bill arrives monthly and shows your water and sewer charges. The due date is typically 20 days after the bill date. If you pay after the due date, DC Water charges a late fee. If your account falls significantly behind, DC Water can shut off your water service, though they must provide notice first.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through your DC Water account is the fastest method and shows as processed immediately.
  • You can pay by phone at 202-612-3400, by mail to the address on your bill, or in person at DC Water payment centers.
  • Setting up automatic payments removes the risk of late fees and service shutoff from missed or forgotten bills.
  • Late payments trigger a fee, and accounts significantly in arrears can result in water service disconnection after notice.

Paying online through your DC Water account

To pay online, log into your account at dcwater.dc.gov using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your account number and the service address on your bill. Once logged in, select the option to make a payment and enter the amount you want to pay.

Online payments process immediately, and you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records. You can pay from a checking or savings account, or use a debit card. DC Water does not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account, but debit card payments may carry a small processing fee depending on the payment processor.

Paying by phone or automatic bank draft

Call DC Water customer service at 202-612-3400 to pay over the phone. You will need your account number and a debit card or bank account information. A representative will process the payment and give you a confirmation number. Phone payments are available during business hours.

Automatic payments are set up through your online account or by calling customer service. You authorize DC Water to withdraw the bill amount from your bank account on a date you choose, usually around the due date. This method eliminates the risk of forgetting a payment and triggering a late fee. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account or by calling.

Paying by mail or at a payment center

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to DC Water and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill. Allow at least one week for the payment to arrive and post to your account. Payments received after the due date will be considered late even if you mailed the check on time, so mail payments early if you are close to the deadline.

DC Water operates walk-in payment centers in Washington, D.C., where you can pay in cash, check, or money order. Locations and hours are listed on the DC Water website. Payments made in person are posted to your account the same day.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, DC Water charges a late fee on top of your bill amount. The fee varies depending on your bill total. Your account will show the late fee on your next bill.

If your account remains unpaid for an extended period, DC Water sends a notice of intent to disconnect service. You will have a window of time to pay the overdue amount or contact DC Water to discuss a payment plan before service is shut off. If you cannot pay the full amount, call customer service to ask about options. Some customers may be referred to assistance programs if they meet income requirements.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If you receive a bill you cannot pay immediately, contact DC Water customer service before the due date. Explain your situation and ask about a payment plan. DC Water may allow you to split the payment across multiple months, though this typically only happens if your account is already in arrears or if you are facing disconnection.

Some DC residents may be referred to the DC Department of Energy and Environment's bill assistance programs, which help low-income households pay water and sewer bills. Customer service can tell you whether you might be referred to such a program based on your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my DC Water bill with a credit card?

DC Water does not accept credit card payments directly. You can pay online with a debit card, by phone with a debit card, or by mail with a check or money order. Some third-party payment processors may allow credit card payments, but they typically charge a fee for this service.

What if I pay online but my payment does not show up?

Online payments process immediately and you receive a confirmation number. If you do not see the payment reflected in your account within one business day, contact DC Water customer service with your confirmation number. They can verify whether the payment was received and help resolve any issues.

How do I know if my water service will be shut off?

DC Water sends a notice of intent to disconnect before shutting off service. The notice includes the amount owed and a deadline to pay or contact them. If you receive this notice, call customer service right away to discuss payment options or a plan before the disconnection date.

Can I set up automatic payments for only part of my bill?

Automatic payments are typically set up for the full bill amount. If you want to pay a partial amount automatically and handle the rest separately, contact DC Water customer service to discuss your options.