What TSF Bill Pay Is and How to Use It
TSF Bill Pay is the online payment system run by The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (often called Sewerage and Water Board or SWB). It lets you pay your water, sewer, and drainage bills through their website instead of mailing a check or paying in person. You can set up one-time payments or recurring automatic payments, and you can pay from a bank account or debit card.
The system is free to use — there are no fees charged by the utility for paying online. Payments typically post to your account within one to two business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank and when you submit the payment.
TSF Bill Pay is the main digital payment option for New Orleans residents and businesses with Sewerage and Water Board accounts. If you live outside New Orleans, your local water utility may have its own separate payment system.
Key Takeaways
- TSF Bill Pay is the Sewerage and Water Board's free online payment system for water, sewer, and drainage bills in New Orleans.
- You can pay with a bank account (ACH transfer) or debit card, and payments usually post within one to two business days.
- You will need your account number from your bill to set up a payment or log into an existing account.
- If you cannot pay online, you can still mail a check, pay by phone, or pay in person at a Sewerage and Water Board office.
How to Set Up and Make a Payment Through TSF Bill Pay
To make a payment, go to the Sewerage and Water Board website and look for the TSF Bill Pay link. You will need your account number, which appears on your water bill. If you are paying for the first time, you may need to create a login or enter your account information.
Choose whether you want to pay from a bank account (ACH) or a debit card. Bank account payments are free and typically take one to two business days to post. Debit card payments may carry a processing fee depending on the payment processor — check the fee before you confirm the transaction.
Enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want the payment to go through. You can schedule a payment for a future date if you want to pay before your due date arrives. Review all the details, then submit the payment.
Setting Up Automatic Recurring Payments
If you want your bill paid the same way every month, you can set up automatic payments through TSF Bill Pay. This means the system will deduct the payment from your bank account or debit card on a date you choose each billing cycle.
To set up recurring payments, log into your TSF Bill Pay account, find the automatic payment or recurring payment option, and choose your payment method and the day of the month you want the payment to happen. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time by logging back in.
Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and incurring a late fee. However, make sure you have enough money in your account on the scheduled payment date, or the payment may fail and you could face overdraft fees from your bank.
Payment Methods and Fees
TSF Bill Pay accepts two main payment methods: bank account transfers (ACH) and debit cards. Bank account payments are free and are the most common option. Debit card payments may include a processing fee — the amount varies by processor and is shown to you before you complete the transaction.
Credit cards are generally not accepted through TSF Bill Pay, though you should check the current payment options on the Sewerage and Water Board website to confirm. Some third-party payment processors may accept credit cards but will charge a fee for doing so.
If you do not have a bank account or debit card, you can still pay by mailing a check to the address on your bill, paying by phone by calling the Sewerage and Water Board, or paying in person at one of their payment offices in New Orleans.
What Happens If Your Payment Fails or Is Late
If a scheduled payment fails — for example, because your bank account does not have enough money — the payment will not go through and your bill will remain unpaid. You will not be charged a fee by the utility for the failed payment, but your bank may charge you an overdraft fee.
If your bill is not paid by the due date shown on your bill, the Sewerage and Water Board will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies and is set by the utility. Continued non-payment can result in service disconnection, meaning your water supply may be shut off.
If a payment fails, log back into TSF Bill Pay and try again, or use a different payment method. If you are having trouble paying, contact the Sewerage and Water Board directly to discuss your options — they may offer a payment plan or other assistance.
Alternatives to TSF Bill Pay
If you prefer not to use TSF Bill Pay, the Sewerage and Water Board accepts payments by mail, phone, and in person. To pay by mail, write your account number on your check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Allow at least one week for the payment to arrive and post.
To pay by phone, call the Sewerage and Water Board customer service number listed on your bill. You will need your account number and a debit card or bank account information. Phone payments may carry a fee depending on the payment processor used.
You can also pay in person at a Sewerage and Water Board office in New Orleans during business hours. Payments made in person are usually posted the same day. Check the utility's website for office locations and hours.
Troubleshooting Common TSF Bill Pay Problems
If you cannot log into your TSF Bill Pay account, try resetting your password using the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one using your account number from your bill.
If a payment shows as submitted but you do not see it posted to your account after two business days, log back in and check the payment status. Some systems show a confirmation number or receipt that you can use to track the payment. If the payment still does not appear, contact the Sewerage and Water Board or your bank to investigate.
If you see a fee charged that you did not expect, check whether you used a debit card (which may have a processing fee) or a bank account (which should be free). If you were charged a fee for a bank account payment, contact the Sewerage and Water Board to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my bill through TSF Bill Pay?
No fee is charged by the Sewerage and Water Board for paying through TSF Bill Pay with a bank account. Debit card payments may include a processing fee shown before you complete the transaction. Credit card payments are typically not accepted.
How long does it take for a payment to post?
Payments usually post within one to two business days. Payments made in person or by phone may post the same day. Mailed checks typically take one to two weeks to arrive and post.
Can I pay someone else's bill through TSF Bill Pay?
You can pay a bill if you have the account number and authorization from the account holder. Some systems allow you to add another person's account to your login. Contact the Sewerage and Water Board to ask about paying bills for a family member or tenant.
What should I do if my automatic payment fails?
Log into TSF Bill Pay and check the status of the failed payment. Make sure your bank account has enough money, then try the payment again. If it fails a second time, use a different payment method or contact the Sewerage and Water Board for help.
Can I get a receipt for my payment?
Yes. TSF Bill Pay usually provides a confirmation number or receipt when you submit a payment. You can also log into your account to view your payment history and print receipts for past payments.