Where to pay your Philadelphia water bill

The Philadelphia Water Department accepts payments through several channels. You can pay online at water.phila.gov, by phone at 215-685-6300, by mail, or in person at a payment center. Online and phone payments process immediately, while mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the department.

If you pay in person, the Water Department operates payment locations in Center City and Northeast Philadelphia. You can also pay at any PNC Bank branch or through authorized payment agents throughout the city. Bring your account number (found on your bill) and a valid form of payment.

AutoPay is available through the online portal and removes the need to remember due dates. You can set up automatic payments from a checking or savings account, and the department will deduct your bill amount on a date you choose each month.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment at water.phila.gov and phone payment at 215-685-6300 both process the same day, making them the fastest options.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them early if your bill is due soon to avoid late fees.
  • AutoPay through the online portal removes the risk of missing a due date and works from any checking or savings account.
  • Late payments trigger a 10 percent penalty plus interest, and unpaid bills can result in service shutoff after 60 days of non-payment.

Setting up an online account

To pay online or use AutoPay, you need a Water Department account. Go to water.phila.gov and click "Create Account" or "Sign In." You will need your account number (on your bill), your service address, and a valid email address. The account takes a few minutes to set up.

Once logged in, you can view your current bill, payment history, and past statements. The portal also shows your water usage and allows you to report leaks or request service changes. If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.

Understanding late fees and shutoff

Philadelphia Water Department charges a 10 percent penalty on any bill that is not paid by the due date, plus interest that accrues daily. If your account falls 60 days behind, the department can shut off your water service without further notice. Reconnection requires payment of the full past-due amount plus a reconnection fee.

If you receive a shutoff notice, contact the Water Department immediately at 215-685-6300. They may work out a payment plan if you are unable to pay the full amount at once. Payment plans typically require a down payment and monthly installments over 12 months.

Payment plans and hardship options

The Water Department offers payment plans for customers who cannot pay their full bill at once. To set up a plan, call 215-685-6300 and speak with a representative. Most plans require you to pay a portion of the arrears immediately and the rest in monthly installments.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask about the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP), which reduces water bills for low-income households. TAP is based on household income and family size. You can learn more about TAP may be able to access by calling 215-685-6300 or visiting water.phila.gov.

What to do if you have a billing dispute

If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact the Water Department before paying. Explain the issue when you call 215-685-6300 or submit a dispute through your online account. The department will review your account and meter readings.

Do not ignore a bill you dispute. Continue making payments while the dispute is being reviewed, or set up a payment plan. If you stop paying entirely, late fees and interest will accumulate, even if the dispute is later resolved in your favor.

Paying by mail

If you prefer to pay by mail, send your payment to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number and the payment stub with your check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid late fees. Keep a record of when you mailed the payment in case there is a delay. If your payment does not appear on your account within 10 days, call 215-685-6300 to confirm receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my water bill with a credit card?

The Water Department does not accept credit cards directly, but you can pay online or by phone using a debit card. Some third-party payment services may accept credit cards for a fee, but the official channels do not.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A 10 percent penalty is added to your bill, plus daily interest. After 60 days of non-payment, your water service can be shut off. You will receive a shutoff notice before this happens, giving you time to pay or set up a plan.

How do I know if my payment was received?

Online and phone payments show confirmation immediately. For mail payments, log into your online account after 10 business days to see if the payment posted. You can also call 215-685-6300 to confirm receipt of a mailed payment.

Can I change my due date?

The due date is set by the Water Department based on your meter reading cycle and cannot be changed. However, you can set up AutoPay to deduct funds on any date you choose within your billing cycle, giving you flexibility in when the payment leaves your account.

What if I cannot afford my water bill?

Call 215-685-6300 to discuss a payment plan or ask about the Tiered Assistance Program for low-income households. The department works with customers facing hardship and can often arrange a plan that fits your budget.